Former Sunday Games host Des Cahill has congratulated Jacqui Hurley as she’s announced as the presenter of the show.
Hurley replaces Cahill in the chair, with Damian Lawlor hosting the new weekend offering, bringing all of the action and analysis from The Saturday Game to viewers at home on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
Joanne Cantwell will continue to present The Saturday Game Live and The Sunday Game Live.
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Des was among the first of many to congratulate Jacqui on landing the coveted spot.
He said: “Big congrats to the new @TheSundayGame presenter! Exciting times for @jacquihurley,” with a clapping emoji.
Hurley said hosting the show has been a “childhood dream of mine”.
She said: "Working on The Sunday Game was a childhood dream of mine. It's an absolute privilege to take on such an iconic role and follow in the footsteps of some incredible broadcasters. I look forward to the challenge and can’t wait to get started."
She later told her followers on social media: “Everything comes full circle. Excited for another new challenge and can’t wait to get started with a brilliant team.”
And The Saturday Game presenter, Damian Lawlor said: "The new GAA fixture calendar has meant more inter-county games than ever within a condensed period.
"This has given RTÉ Sport an opportunity to introduce The Saturday Game. Along with our production team, I will do everything I can to ensure the programme develops into an unmissable, flagship show that delivers the best insight and analysis for our viewers."
This season sees the addition of new, fresh voices to RTÉ Sport's panel of experts as Galway's Joe Canning joins the hurling team, with Tyrone legend Peter Canavan, Dublin's four-time All-Star Paul Flynn, the recently retired Lee Keegan, the all-time leading scorer in the Allianz League, David Tubridy of Clare, as well as Tyrone's Enda McGinley and the return of Kerry's Tomás Ó'Sé.
The new pundits will be joining a line-up of ongoing panellists for RTÉ's unparalleled offerings of highlights, analysis, and debate for the duration of the GAA Championship season.
Returning to provide analysis will be Dónal Óg Cusack, Liam Sheedy, Anthony Daly, Brendan Cummins, Ursula Jacob, Jackie Tyrell, Shane Dowling, John Mullane, Shane McGrath, Brian Carroll, Michael Duignan, Elaine Aylward, Colm Gooch Cooper, Sean Cavanagh, Cora Staunton, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Noelle Healy, Ciaran Whelan, Eamon O'Hara, Conleith Gilligan and John Casey.
Declan McBennett, RTÉ Group Head of Sport, said: "This season marks a reigniting of The Sunday Game with fresh off the pitch panellists alongside seasoned experts, in moves that are consistent with the evolution of The Sunday Game throughout the years.
"New presenters Jacqui, Damian and the new panellists are hugely experienced and perfectly placed to bring all of the excitement and analysis of the GAA Championship to our audience later this year."
RTÉ has expanded its media rights providing comprehensive GAA Championship coverage across RTÉ television, radio, and online services for the next five seasons, guaranteeing quality free-to-air coverage to audiences in Ireland across 12 months of the year from 2023 to 2027 inclusive.
RTÉ will continue to show 31 championship games across the island of Ireland on RTÉ television and RTÉ Player, as well as the Joe McDonagh Cup final, and both Tailteann Cup semi-finals and final for the next five years.
RTÉ's ongoing commitment to camogie will see at least nine live matches per year televised.
Increased free-to-air Allianz National League games, which commences next Saturday, 28th January, as well as continued coverage of the AIB Club Championships will feature on Saturday nights, ensuring year-round live GAA coverage across all platforms on RTÉ.
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