Roche: TV will put new stars in spotlight

Ireland striker Stephanie Roche believes the unprecedented coverage of this summer’s Women’s World Cup will precede a lasting cultural shift in the perception of women’s sport. Roche was yesterday named among the panellists for RTÉ’s coverage of the tournament in France, alongside the likes of Ireland team-mate Megan Campbell and manager Colin Bell.

Between them, TG4 and RTÉ will show all 52 games from this summer’s tournament — which kicks off on Friday — 29 on TG4 and 23 on RTÉ. Like most football-mad children, Roche longed to emulate her idols but had no visible role models in the women’s game.