Sky choice a Wyse move, says Quinn

Niall Quinn has jumped to the defence of Sky’s GAA anchor Rachel Wyse after a disparaging tweet posted by Joe Brolly earlier this week.

The Derry legend was forced to issue a groveling apology after branding the London-based Irishwoman a “Baywatch babe”.

Former Ireland striker Quinn, who also works as a pundit for Sky but has never met Wyse, believes the reputation she’s gained cross-channel will ensure the television coverage carries a professional — and Irish — edge.

“Rachel is someone I know they think an awful lot of behind the scenes at Sky,” he said. “She’ll bring nothing but professionalism. She’s an Irish success story. It’s very difficult, as we read all the time, for women to break into business and into sport and she’s cracked it.

“She’s a great ambassador for Irish sport and I’m really pleased that she’s going to be the face of GAA in the UK. Joe Brolly made his comment and retracted it very quickly. That in itself tells you what everyone knows — Rachel is top class and she can hold her own in any sport, in particular GAA.”

Quinn is fully appreciative of the outcry in some quarters caused by the Sky deal. He’s certain, however, the broadcasting conglomerate is taking steps to avoid traditionalists missing out on their exclusive coverage.

“One little thing that people maybe didn’t pick up on is that Sky are looking to give the coverage to affiliated GAA clubs at a knockdown, reasonable rate,” reasoned the 47-year-old, who played GAA for Dublin before joining Arsenal at 17.

“Maybe it’s because I spent so long in the UK but I can’t wait to see the reaction when they see fellas getting walloped and pretend not to be hurt at all. It’s going to be so different to see the UK’s reaction to the bravery.”