Sunday game theme tune to return

RTÉ is bringing back the popular theme tune of 'The Sunday Game' after axing it in 2004.

The flagship GAA championship programme, which returns to TV screens tomorrow, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

The James Last-composed theme tune has been remastered by music composer John Walsh and will be played on the 'Sunday Game Live' on RTÉ Two.

The programme said it was been inundated with requests from GAA fans to bring back the famous music which they likened to theme tunes of the BBC’s 'Match of the Day' or 'Grandstand' shows.

“When 'The Sunday Game' theme tune was replaced in 2004 it was part of a remodernisation of The Sunday Game,” said the programme’s editor, Paul Byrnes.

“We very much wanted to make the point that we were updating our Gaelic Games coverage and moving with the times.

“But over the past few seasons we’ve been inundated with requests from the public to bring it back and this year, the 30th year of 'The Sunday Game', seemed to be the appropriate time to do it.

“Travelling the length and breadth of the country with 'The Sunday Game' over the last few years, the replacement of the theme tune was always much talked about and lamented.

“It’s fitting that the 30th year of 'The Sunday Game' will feature the best of both worlds – a link to the past while looking forward to what promises to be a very exciting Championship season”.

Last year 'The Sunday Game' broadcast 50 live championship games.

It was first presented in 1979 by the Galway-based journalist Jim Carney and RTÉ sports journalist Sean Og O'Ceallachain. They were later replaced by Michael Lyster who has since become synonymous with the show.

The programme is known for the quality of analysis by its panellists and had All-Ireland camogie star Liz Howard as one of its first pundits.