RTÉ SPORT CAME in for criticism recently following the announcement of their shortlist for Sportsperson of the Year.
Many were left puzzled by the inclusion of Olympic silver medalist and gold medalist at the World Championships Paul O’Donovan, and the omission of his brother Gary who was his rowing partner in Rio.
Others questioned whether national sports like GAA should have representatives alongside international athletes, while many were disappointed that Ireland footballer Robbie Brady, Thomas Barr and Rory McIlroy were also excluded.
Sports journalists Eamon Dunphy, Eamonn Sweeney and Paul Kimmage criticised the shortlist, prompting a reaction from Head of RTÉ Sport Ryle Nugent.
Speaking to the Irish Daily Star today, Nugent elaborated on why he reacted to the comments and explained the process that produced the 12 nominations.
“That was absolutely how I was looking at it (cheap shots), 100% how I was looking at it. I said what I said and I don’t want to go over it again, but we have had a phenomenal year. It’s easy to say ‘them out there don’t know what they’re doing.
“Look at the thousands of hours we produced this year across radio and television. Put it against the British broadcasters, who are much better resourced. It stands up, and I’m incredibly proud of that and everyone involved.
“It’s a subjective thing. Everyone has an opinion and we’re in the opinions business. Most of the time I don’t react because we provide opinion on everything we do. But when the opinion is based on a foundation of sand and comes from guys that should know better, I just thought ‘ok, enough now.’
“Don’t think we didn’t go through a significant process and have some criteria. The inference was that we just pulled the names out of a hat. I have no issue with RTÉ Sport being criticised. We’re not perfect, by any means. But when you have people pointing the finger and going ‘they don’t know what they’re doing… that got me frustrated.”
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They had a phenomenal year? They lost the six nations to Tv3? He’s deluded
@Darragh Flynn:
Is that how you evaluate achievement? By who has the most money?
No and I’m a fan of a lot of sports, but losing rights of two of the biggest sports viewer pullers (RWC & 6N) to your national rival is certainly not an achievement. They’ll miss the viewer figures when they’re gone.
But hes obviously focusing on what coverage they have delivered on (thats what he was saying was excellent), not what they were outbidded on? Im not saying they WERE excellent but thought you were aimimg at the wrong point
Ireland beating the All Blacks was the sporting highlight of the year for me …. watched on an iPad then free on Eir then had to watch a montage the next week on RTE before the Canada game including fake commentary on the historic match they didn’t show …. load of shite
RTÉ’s soccer and GAA coverage is beyond sh!te. Same tired old muppets churning out the same crap year after year. I’d rather pay to watch decent coverage.
Ahhh…God love poor Ryle, he gets upset at a little criticism. Have to agree to with @Niall, the RTE soccer pundits plus the GAA football pundits are long overdue a shake up. The hurling pundits are the best of a bad lot. As for George Hook and his rugger buggers……???
@Niall McNamara:
pay to watch jaime redknapp or micheal owen? Every station has poor pundits(or ones you disagree with) but you’re doing a blanket statement which is idiotic. Hamann is probably the best pundit out there and where is he…..RTE
George retired – Shane Horgan, ROG and Brent Pope are all excellent
When it comes to GAA and Rugbaí. TG4 are streets ahead. If I heard Hugh Cahill commentating, I’d break my own rule and watch it on a Brit channel.
We should just give the award to everybody who played sport this year! Why narrow it down to one?
@Conor Paddingto:
Well that has to be the dumbest thing I have ever read.
@Just Some Guy: sarcasm frequently appears that way to the uninitiated. 8 nominees, no one there unjustly and an endless moan about who isn’t on the list. Silliness.
Up yours Ryle
He is the worst commentator of the whole lot including sky sports!!! How he has kept the job is amazing given the amount of people that have the same opinion….oh wait he gives himself the job as head of sport. What’s his KPI’s
Congrats to all nominated and all but only 2 people who should win this are Frampton or McGregor. Won world titles. Don’t think frampton has the support in Ireland to win a vote so McGregor it is. Will he turn up. Surprised McIlroy wasn’t nominated had a pretty good year but he did win it the other year so maybe they thought if nominated he would win it again. Though boycott of Olympics would have hit his popularity in public votes
So what was the criteria then?
Agree he’s deluded and interesting to see the wide spectrum of fans who think the same. They give no support to any LOI teams in Europe – Eir Sport stepped in and gave excellent coverage to Dundalk European adventure and id love them to get hold of the LOI and stick it on free to air
The only thing good about RTE’s lack of rugby coverage is that we don’t have to listen Ryle’s poor commentary too often. Usually turn sound down and listen to Michael Corcoran.
Sully