Sky expected to lean on TV3 for new pundits

Sky Sports’ stable of GAA pundits and commentators to be announced today is expected to lean heavily on TV3.

Peter Canavan, Paul Earley, Nicky English and Jamesie O’Connor, who were analysts with the independent broadcasters, are in line to be named alongside Paul Galvin and Jason Sherlock among the group. Dublin-born Sky Sports News anchor Rachel Wyse is anticipated to be one of the presenters.

TV3’s GAA Championship commentators Mike Finnerty and David McIntyre are also expected to share duties across Sky Sports’ 20 live games, 14 of which are exclusive in Ireland to the British broadcasters.

Last week, betting was suspended on former Tipperary and Clare stars English and O’Connor joining Sky, whose first game is Kilkenny’s Leinster quarter-final against Offaly in Nowlan Park on Saturday, June 7.

Sky’s Championship coverage will include midweek highlights as well as news, interviews and results on Sky Sports News. But there was some embarrassment on Saturday night when their official Twitter handle wrongly stated Louth beat Westmeath by four points in their Leinster SFC first round encounter. It later clarified: “Cheers folks, it was of course a five-point win for @louthgaa in Mullingar this evening.”

Sky Sports’ presenters will be unveiled at a press conference in Croke Park today.