SIX OF THE most-watched programmes on Irish television last year were sporting events, with the national rugby team delivering bumper viewing figures for RTÉ and Virgin Media throughout the course of a historic 2018.
Ireland’s Grand Slam decider against England last March was the most-watched sporting event of the year, and the second most-watched TV programme of 2018 behind The Late Late Toy Show.
An average audience of 975,600 tuned in as Joe Schmidt’s side beat England at Twickenham on Virgin Media, while the famous home win over the All Blacks in November attracted an Irish TV audience of 926,000, according to official figures released today.
Overall, Schmidt’s side helped Irish rugby dominate the TAM figures, with the men’s senior team appearing eight times in the top 50 most-watched TV programmes in 2018.
Commenting on the figures, IRFU communications director Stephen McNamara said: “We are delighted to see so many people tuning in to support Ireland on these great sporting occasions. Live sport is now almost unique in that it continues to deliver events that can still bring family and friends together to watch live.”
The World Cup semi-final between England and Croatia ranks fourth in the overall list as 924,400 tuned into RTÉ’s coverage from Russia, while the All-Ireland senior football [841,100] and hurling finals [854,400] also appear in the top 10.
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Would have been the most watched program only a lot people watched it in the pubs ! Great day it was ! One sore head following morning!!
@Nightowl: very good point
What was so special about that 1 episode of room to improve that landed it in 5th place?
@Gary Lyons: Don’t think that’s just for one episode, I think it’s the average no. of people that watch it weekly? I could be completely wrong there though lol
@Gary Lyons: Wasn’t that the one when yer wan did the lovely job on her living room and yer man fell out with the other lad over the price of everything?
@Armchair Follower: nah it was the one where dermot went way over budget and the blonde surveyor lady gave out to him. And he threw a fit about people not understanding his artistic genius. The couple ended up taking out a second loan for a tiny conversion, but everyone got locked at the party at the end and said they loved dermot really.
Oh the memories, think iv watched 20 times
Thought nobody watches the Eurovision anymore?
Move on lads ,move on
Nothing beats a big football game in terms of viewing figures
@tubbsyf: except the Toy Show and two rugby games you mean?!!
@Joe Kennedy: no, the irish team had no big games last year
@tubbsyf: How dare you take such a blasé attitude to the UEFA Nations League
Nearly 1 million watched Croatia v England. #rivals
More people watching England play soccer than the All Ireland’s, GAA is not as popular as some people think it is