Sky’s the limit for Quinn

Niall Quinn has emerged as the hot favourite to front Sky Sports’ GAA coverage this summer.

The former Irish soccer international and Dublin minor hurler is seen by the satellite broadcaster as an obvious choice for main presenter given his profile and strong GAA background.

Quinn had a successful career in England with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Sunderland, and appeared more than 90 times for the Republic of Ireland, scoring 21 goals.

The centre-forward later briefly managed Sunderland before becoming chairman of the club, when he worked with his former Ireland teammate Roy Keane.

However, before joining Arsenal, Quinn starred in an All-Ireland minor hurling final for Dublin in 1983, while his father Billy played senior hurling for Tipperary. Quinn junior regularly attends Tipperary hurling games.

In recent years, Quinn has been identified with Q Sat, a broadband company, and has also been a soccer commentator with Sky Sports.

The clock is ticking as Sky prepares for its first live GAA game, the clash of Kilkenny and Offaly in the Leinster senior hurling championship on June 7. It is expected the broadcaster will confirm its on-screen team in the next two weeks.