Sherwin retains prime RTÉ slot

RUGBY commentator Jim Sherwin is to retain his number one slot with RTÉ. Mr Sherwin and RTÉ announced yesterday that legal proceedings that he initiated had been settled.

In a brief statement, RTÉ confirmed that Mr Sherwin would continue in his position as lead rugby commentator for the remainder of his three-year contract that still has a year and nine months to run.

The action was settled out of court. Mr Sherwin had continued to work for RTÉ after beginning High Court proceedings last March.

Other than stating that he was happy with the settlement, Mr Sherwin refused to make any further statement.

Mr Sherwin had alleged in a sworn statement to being extremely upset by the way he had been treated by RTÉ earlier this year and considered that it was part of an attempt to exclude him altogether from broadcasting activities.

He claimed that under his deal with RTÉ he was required to do all Ireland internationals and have “first offer” on other international matches.

He complained that although the AIB First Division league match between Garryowen and Shannon was the only rugby game broadcast by RTÉ, on March 9 last, he did not commentate on it.

The matter caused him considerable embarrassment and he had been forced to make excuses to people who expected to see him at the match.

He also claimed RTÉ had ignored his contract by failing to offer him commentary on the game or the choice of commenting on both of the European Rugby Cup semi-finals.