RTÉ the big winner on dramatic sporting day

IRELAND’S dramatic Grand Slam decider against Wales was the most watched television programme in the country this year.

An average audience of 945,000 people tuned into RTÉ Two with the audience peaking at 1.2m for the heart-stopping finale of the clash at the Millennium Stadium

An average match audience of 753,000 people tuned in for Ireland’s games during this year’s tournament, representing an increase of 175,000 viewers compared to last year.

Bernard Dunne’s WBA Super-Bantamweight World Title also proved a ratings winner for the station with a peak audience of 637,000 viewers at 12.18am, just before the Dubliner knocked out the champion, Ricardo Cordoba.

Glen Killane, Group Head of Sport, RTÉ, said: “This was truly the most exciting and dramatic day for Irish Sport with the dreams of both Ireland rugby supporters and boxing fans coming true in such exhilarating style and lifting the mood of the entire nation.

“As the public service broadcaster we were delighted to broadcast live and free to air coverage of these thrilling events.”