Hurling thriller TV hit

SUNDAY’S All-Ireland SHC thriller between Galway and Kilkenny attracted the highest television audience for the 2005 championships on RTÉ.

Over 492,000 viewers, a 52.9% share of the available audience tuned into the incredible 5-18 to 4-18 victory for Conor Hayes’s side.

Prior to Sunday, the repeat of last year’s All-Ireland SFC Final between Kerry and Mayo was the most watched match with a viewership of 461,000 (59%).

All-Ireland SHC champions Cork are also proving a ratings winner with 434,000 watching their quarter-final win over Waterford and 440,000 viewing their semi-final defeat of Clare.