When a hurling final made waves on the Indian Ocean

THREE sporting cheers for satellite and cable networks, and for the internet. Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling final will be seen by millions worldwide.

Almost 50 years ago, listening to the All-Ireland by radio was uncertain and frustrating.

In 1956, RTÉ knew how much the All-Ireland meant to the Irish diaspora. Arrangements were made with the authorities in the then French Congo to have the match rebroadcast the following evening, on the powerful short-wave transmitter in Brazzaville.