Queen was rather impressed with the fast and wonderful game of hurling

The viewing figures for Sky Sports’ live GAA broadcasts may be dismal, but the coverage has netted a significant new fan — British royalty.

GAA president Liam O’Neill said he was shocked when Queen Elizabeth told him she had watched hurling and had been impressed by it.

Mr O’Neill was invited to dine at the Queen’s table when she visited City Hall in Belfast last week, and was stunned when she disclosed that she had been impressed by the hurling match.