Declan McBennettRTE
@RTEmcbennettd
Followers
4K
Following
174
Media
185
Statuses
776
Group Head of RTE Sport. Former Managing Editor RTE News . All views expressed are my own.
Joined February 2012
Peak tv audiences on @RTEsport over past few days. @OfficialCamogie final 119k, @IrishRugby 138k, @FAIWomen 251k . #canseecanbe. Huge credit to those involved on the pitch, behind the scenes & those bringing games to the public free to air.
8
110
611
At peak almost 1.1million watched the drama unfold. 1,099,900. Average 968,700 76.5% share. Huge credit to both counties for the thriller.
24
48
612
We can confirm a record tv audience for a women’s match last night as @FAIWomen broke ceilings & barriers & qualified for World Cup. Peak tv audience at the final whistle was 593k, average 354k, 30% share. 40k more on @RTEplayer & more still on @GameOn2FM
8
55
556
Portlaoise v Eire Og is the 50th live televised GAA match for @RTEsport in 2019. It marks the end of our club coverage, 14 matches, 9 counties represented. Grateful to all those who facilitated & helped with the extended coverage. @RTEgaa @TheSundayGame
22
14
532
A peak audience on @RTEsport of 363k plus 44k streams on @RTEplayer for the @IrelandFootball WNT team. Average tv audience was 262k. Very strong performance considering Champs League at the same time. Well done to #COYGIG, @mariecrowe & RTE team.
25
45
472
Hurling final TV audience on @RTEsport peaked at 783k . Another 78k watching on Player & hundreds of thousands more across radio & online. Camogie final peaked at 269k. The teams really deserve credit for giving the nation a degree of normality and hope this year.
6
12
454
Centre stage one last time for @RTEsport & @TheSundayGame . Only fitting Pat signs off with Kerry in the final. Always a gentleman & always honest & forthright in his opinions even if they didn’t match yours. Well done & thank you Pat from all @RTEsport
18
9
393
Grand Slam numbers. A peak tv audience of 969k for @IrishRugby win over Scotland with a further 129k on @RTEplayer. Average 816k. Many more across @RTERadio1 and @RTEsport . Free to air sport unites a nation across all age ranges.
6
18
364
A peak of 1,123,300 watched as history was made. Average 966,600. What a fitting tribute to both teams. @rtesport
4
21
362
The biggest television event of the year on @RTEsport . Average tv audience for @IrishRugby 1.22 million, peak 1.4m. 243k on Player. More on @RTERadio1 & across digital & social channels.
20
30
340
The DD effect & a dramatic finale saw average tv audience for league decider reach 206k and a peak of 402k. Best night in years for the league.
20
15
344
Dundalk Europa League playoff game will be on RTÉ on Thursday. Huge night for all concerned.
7
33
337
A peak tv audience of 462k on @RTEsport as the @irishathletics team thrilled the country last night. A further 74k on @RTEplayer . They were amazing. Huge credit also due to @gregallenRTE @DavidGillick Dave Matthews & the entire RTE crew.
19
17
329
Peak @RTEsport tv audience Ire v Fin was 197k for a game that ended at 6pm. Tens of thousands more via @RTEplayer & RTÉ radio. Also the top two most read stories online @RTEsoccer. Momentum building. It’s now #canseecanbe @FAIreland
8
30
315
We can now confirm @ShamrockRovers UEFA Europa League Play-off games home and away against Ferencváros to be shown by @RTEsport live on RTÉ2.
20
17
307
MOST watched TV programme of the year to date. Tv Audience peaked at 1.065million 940k average .75% share .149k streams on RTÉ Player. Even more on radio & online. Huge credit to all @TyroneGAALive & @MayoGAA and across all platforms @RTEsport .
8
25
305
Huge credit to camera & sound operators & all those behind the scenes who worked in atrocious conditions to help @RTEsport produce 10 live championship matches for tv, 13 for radio & online across all four provinces this weekend. @TheSundayGame #publicservice
6
11
289
RTE did not geo-block any GAA content tonight. Great win for @Armagh_GAA and great to have high quality league games on @RTEsport.
30
6
278
A nation stopped & a nation watched in awe & admiration. Peak tv audience on @RTEsport was 1.371m, 83% share. 369k streams on @RTEplayer, more on radio & online. Magic moments created across two special weeks by those with @TeamIreland. Heroes one & all.
30
30
264
Can now confirm every game of the Womens Euros 2025 in 🇨🇭 will be on @RTEsport. Hoping our @IrelandFootball WNT will be there. #coygig . Can also confirm that upcoming Nations League games for the men will also be carried across RTE tv, radio & online 🏴 🇫🇮 🇬🇷
34
40
253
Delighted to confirm that @RTEsport live club championship coverage will begin in @OfficialCorkGAA on August 1st. Expect a cracker between @GlenRovers_ & @the_Barrs @RTEgaa
5
35
257
3 platforms, 5 channels, 6 sports of huge Irish interest, numerous seasoned & emerging stars, 1 huge team effort from @rtesport team. Well done to all.
10
33
238
Tv audience for @RTEsport when Robbie Benson scored the winning penalty for @stpatsfc was 310k. Average audience on tv was 131k. More on @RTERadio1 & online. Great crowd & great atmosphere with thrilling climax.
8
17
219
This is a hugely important programme. Sean Brown could have been any administrator in any club at the time. His family deserve answers & they have shown enormous dignity in their campaign.
Tonight “Murder of a GAA Chairman” airs on @RTEOne at 9:35pm. It examines the investigation into our late chairman Sean Brown’s murder and how the Brown family has been left campaigning for truth behind unanswered questions.
4
44
220
Today’s club @OfficialCamogie final is the 36th women’s match on @RTEsport this year across soccer rugby, hockey, camogie & gymnastics. More to come in 2022 including the women’s Euros. Visibility is key to growth and development. Can see can be.
3
19
208
On a day that memories were made @drominteegac these seven lads were lucky enough to have their Dads and grandads witness them take home a Feile title. Quite literally one for the ages. Some of the Dads were decent ballers too, for others it skipped a generation.
7
8
207
Almost one million people(999.6k to be exact) watched @DubGAAOfficial 6 in a row on @RTEsport television. Sport was a powerful force in 2020 for so many in a time of personal & collective strife. All credit to those who made it happen on & off the field.
11
12
206
Two excellent games in @MayoGAA championship tonight. Two more from @TyroneGAALive next Saturday. Extremely grateful to the respective county boards who continue to be so helpful to @rtesport in bringing the games to the audience while spectators can’t attend.
9
10
199
At its peak @LimerickCLG v @Galway_GAA had a TV audience of 648k with an average of 534k. A further 541k saw @WaterfordGAA overcome @KilkennyCLG . ALL players & management deserve enormous credit for how they have helped people at this time.
3
6
203
From an @RTEsport perspective Ursula was a brilliant player & is an excellent pundit. She is on our @TheSundayGame panels because she has the credibility, an informed opinion & ability to articulate that opinion. We support her unequivocally & utterly condemn personal abuse.
2
12
192
Genius at work. Over 1 million peak tv audience for @Kerry_Official v @Galway_GAA on @RTEsport . 960k on tv, 131k on @RTEplayer . Average audience 862k & 75% share. More across @RTERadio1. Amateurs, heroes, & the pride of their counties.
10
6
178
Huge credit due to ALL our pundits & presenters across the WWC @RTEsport . Great insights and great appreciation that this tournament propels women’s sport to a new sphere. @RTEsoccer @SportTG4
9
15
168
With the kids now playing for Armagh, the two nephews hit 2:05 out of 2:12 for @MeathGAA U20’s today in win over Down. Not a Monaghan jersey in sight but still delighted for two super lads.
6
4
158
Over half a million people watched the dramatic ending as @OfficialCorkGAA broke Kerry hearts & resolve. More listening on @RTERadio1 & @RTEsport . 507k to be exact on tv. Average audience 392k
4
7
157
Over 800k watched this moment of skill & steel on @RTEsport from the @Kerry_Official vs @DubGAAOfficial. 709k on tv + 96k on @RTEplayer. Hundreds of thousands more on @RTERadio1 . A kick that will be remembered & imitated by so many kids👏
8
8
158
Delighted that the @RTEsport live club GAA game next weekend will be from the home of the All Ireland champions @TyroneGAALive Trillick v Dromore live on RTÉ 2 next Saturday.
5
24
150
Coverage of the @irishhockey 🇮🇪 WC matches v Chile 🇨🇱 & Germany 🇩🇪 on July 5th/6th will be carried on the RTE News channel. All subsequent match coverage on @RTEsport will be subject to confirmation after the group phase. #COYGIG #canseecanbe
10
26
142
Brilliant public service broadcasting domestic & international tonight across @BBCSPORTNI @SportTG4 , @RTEsport & @GAAGO .
5
4
129
Hurling final for @officialgaa is a special day. It takes an army in the background to deliver across all @RTEsport platforms. The front of house take the plaudits, those behind the scenes make it happen. @TVM_ie
3
8
126
For the first time @RTEsport will broadcast the Women’s Champions League final this weekend. (Sunday KO 7pm) Many of the stars of last years World Cup will be in action as the game goes from strength to strength.#cantseecantbe #UWCL
3
22
123
The CSKA Sofia vs St Pat’s European game will be broadcast on the RTE News channel this Thursday from 5.55pm continuing the @RTEsport coverage of Irish clubs in European competitions.
14
6
122
Tv audience for @ShamrockRovers in the Champions League on @RTEsport peaked at 97k last night.
13
5
118
Super game in @CavanCoBoardGaa final to conclude @RTEsport club coverage. Huge thanks to all counties from @OfficialCorkGAA to @TyroneGAALive. Great year for the club championship. Next up is @Armagh_GAA v @RoscommonGAA on Oct17th
3
4
124
Games number 81 & 82 covered by #watchloi today. First year of streaming for @SSEAirtricityLg Brought so many games to fans who simply could not attend in this the strangest of years. Great credit to those behind the scenes @RTEsport who made it happen
9
8
116
Delighted to say that you can see some of @FAIreland WNT via @RTEsport on RTE News Channel Sunday at noon as Liverpool take on Arsenal in the Womens FA Cup. Top of the WSL vs Top of the C’ship. #canseecanbe. Like days of Aldridge, Houghton, Whelan, McGrath, Moran
6
12
116
In a world of cynicism & negativity there is something wonderfully simple & down right special in this 👇about a club getting over the line in their championship quest.
'I was praying to Mammy she would see it through' 💬. @RossaGaelsDerry captain Daniel Heavron says he prayed to his late mother as Magherafelt had to hold off Glen in the Derry SFC final 🙏. #BBCGAA #DerrySFC
4
19
113
Average @IrishRugby audience 729k, peak 841k, 66%. 96k streams .Average @officialgaa audience 444k, peak 494k 35%. 27k streams. Under 20’s rugby v Wales 203k average, 261k peak. Horse Racing peaks of 155 & 156k. Many more via radio & online @RTEsport
5
9
109
We have been there all the way on the journey, now for the destination. @RTEsport in conjunction with @EurovisionSport will bring the Women’s World Cup & all @FAIWomen games to Irish audiences free to air. History in the making. #COYGIG #canseecanbe
4
13
110
Average audience for Lim v Tipp on @RTEsport was 395k peaking @ 450k. Donegal v Tyrone peaked @ 330k & Galway v Wexford peaked at 321k. Huge credit to the 26 teams who took on the inclement weather conditions this weekend to give many at home a diversion in tough times.
2
5
112
The moment of qualification for @IreWomenHockey was watched by 379k people. Average audience of 217k throughout. Visibility is key #Greenarmy @RTEsport
1
8
107
Sad to hear of Johns passing. He was a great coach and a great character. I remember him telling me “Some people laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at them because they are all the same”. We need that sense of a free spirit. RIP.
Sad news
0
11
111
Over 1 million people watched the penalty shootout in the Messi Mbappe World Cup final on RTE2 television. A further 478k streams throughout on @RTEplayer . A huge team ever across @RTEsport both in front & behind the scenes & a credit to all involved.
13
8
96
Some of the very best we have ever witnessed play our games across codes, adding huge credibility, experience & insight into @RTEsport coverage on digital, radio & tv. Part of a massive year of Irish sport in 2023 and RTE will be central to it. @TheSundayGame
7
4
99
Delighted to confirm (subject to the games going ahead) that @RTEsport will broadcast .ROI v Greece Mar 05th.ROI v Montenegro Mar 11th.ROI Euro qualifiers playoff v Slovakia Mar 26th & playoff final if ROI win semi final.
4
25
90
Over one million people watched @RTEsport yesterday as Limerick made history. Average tv audience 830k , peak 936. Audience on @RTEplayer 193k with more on @RTERadio1 and online. A game deserving of a mass audience
8
6
93
Across all @RTEsport platforms this weekend. More GAA than ever before, more Irish soccer than ever before, more provincial rugby, more Irish horseracing, more Olympic sport & more female sport than ever. An epic sporting weekend, more to come. #publicservicebroadcasting
25
3
91
Delighted to say that camogie club finals can be seen on @RTENewsNow (Senior)& @RTEplayer (both) this weekend. @RTEsport @OfficialCamogie.#cantseecantbe
4
21
91
Delighted to confirm live television coverage of European rugby returning to @rtesport alongside our @RTERadio1 offering. RTE to televise eight Heineken Champions Cup games via @RTENews
9
5
88
Tomorrow it’s the rowing lads, Dub v Rosc, an epic hurling replay, all on the line between Donegal & Tyrone and a World Cup final. Wow!. The Best of Ireland, Best in Europe and just maybe the Best in the World.
3
20
91
Behind every great Irish Olympian is a family and support network that make enormous sacrifices so dreams can be realised. They are often the inspiration & always the fallback. Credit to all involved, we salute you @RTEsport
3
2
88
Sense a defining moment in Clones but a team that repeatedly gave great joy, enormous pride & owes a loyal following nothing. Thanks to them all.
2
7
90
Huge momentum behind women’s sport at present & we are delighted to showcase the very best of talent across all codes. #20x20 #ifshecantseeitshecantbeit.
Every game of @FIFAWWC live on Irish television as @rte and @sportTG4 agree broadcast deal, which will see @rtesport show 23 games including 3 quarter-finals, 1 semi-final and the final #FIFAWWC #RTEsoccer #cantseecantbe
4
14
84
What a fantastic ambassador and attitude. World class & all done with a smile on her face.
'I'm grateful to be able to wear this vest' - Ciara Mageean gives an inspirational interview after the 1500m final.
2
8
85
Every generation needs its heroes and this young man is a joy to watch. Thanks to all @Kerry_Official from @RTEsport.
2
6
87
995k watched @RTEsport as @LimerickCLG wrote their names in history books. 882k peak on tv + 113k on @RTEplayer. Many more on @RTERadio1 . The players, the backroom teams, the crowd, the atmosphere. A wonderful occasion across @officialgaa
6
12
82
@RTEsport linear TV audience peaked at 1.106million with a further 279k on @RTEplayer. Average TV audience last night - 938k. 2.6million million streams on Player across the tournament, up 30% on Euro2016. Huge credit to RTÉ team who delivered a super tournament
13
4
82
@RTEsport tv audience peaked at 1,040,000 for Eng v Den. Average was 888,800. 61% tv share. 193k streams on @RTEplayer. Italy v Spain peak was 756,400 for the winning penalty. 41% tv share. In addition there were 157k streams. EURO 2020 final will be a huge night
9
16
78
Over 1million people watched @RTEsport as Aidan Forker lifted Sam for @Armagh_GAA . Peak audience 1,085k, average 889k, 76%. 356k streams on @RTEplayer , more still on @RTERadio1 & Sunday Game Beo. An amazing day for Armagh & great live sport.
13
7
77
Fabulous to see the hurlers in a traditionally football dominant town having such a positive impact as role models. Fair play to all @blayneyhurling #yellowandgreen.
Junior School go green & gold for the Castleblayney Hurlers! Hon The Hurlers @RTEmcbennettd @monaghangaa @NorthernSoundFM @theNSMonaghan @blayneyhurling @PhotoMurp @UlsterGAA @mucknoparish @CrokePark @iontastheatre @OLSSBlayney @CblayneyCollege @scoilnagcailini @blayneyboyssch
2
16
77
We have checked and this is a record audience to date for a women’s international soccer match on @RTEsport . @FAIWomen @FAIreland @Corktod @Aineogor9 @verapauw @lisafallonsport @StephanieRoche9.
Huge numbers for the @FAIWomen game last night on @RTEsport. Average tv audience 209k & peak of 340k. Huge win, huge momentum. Imperative now that Finland game is a total sellout when it comes needs & deserves full house atmosphere. #COYGIG
4
4
70
Huge thanks to all involved across @RTEsport for bringing Womens Euros to mass audience. Presenters, pundits, comms & co-comms & background team at base who worked so hard to deliver hugely significant tournament. Over to @FAIWomen for next chapter. #canseecanbe
2
2
71
Life lesson for my boys today. It ain’t over til it’s over.
5
0
69
Amid the celebrations in @Armagh_GAA & @ArmaghLGFA tonight, one All Ireland taken home today, U16. Brilliant performance by the girls & management, a credit to their clubs & schools. @drominteegac @OLSNewry. 14’s,16’s & minors all in AI finals🟠⚪️
13
5
70
Delighted that Siskin et al proved beyond doubt the desire for live sport. Viewing figures on Friday almost twice that of 2019 with 129k watching. 150k watched the 1,000Guineas, highest figure of the last six years. @RTEsport
1
12
69
Serial winners Michael Murphy, Marc O’Sè & Seamus Hickey among those on the @GAAGO team for 2023. Presenter @grainnemac3 brings her experience, expertise & professionalism to the table. More games than ever via @officialgaa & @RTEsport
3
4
69
Great day for public service media as @VMSportIE & @RTEsport launch another Six Nations campaign.
2
3
68
Before the drama of penalties it was brilliant to see @ArmaghLGFA before the Ulster final today. The way it should be. Not for the first time @AimeeMackin was simply outstanding. A joy to watch.
1
2
66
Great credit to @stpaulsbbrook for honouring & actively promoting two great past pupils, players & role models. This is what young girls need to see. #cantseecantbe. Visibility is key for every young sportsperson. @ArmaghLGFA @LadiesFootball
1
7
66
On a massive weekend in Irish sport TV peak audience for @IrishRugby v NZ 854k, average 686k. Plus 109k on @RTEplayer & more on @RTERadio1 . @FAIreland.v Lux peak was 646k on tv with average of 499k. 45k more on Player. #nationalmoments
8
5
62
Lucky enough to see this in full this evening. It is Fantastic. Every child is the country MUST watch it.
Watch The Game on @RTEOne from 30 July. The ultimate story of hurling, as told by @CTLFilms with stunning live footage, enthralling interviews and rare archival footage #RTEGAA #GAA #TheGame
3
12
63
Very good trial run for new #Watchloi service at the @shelsfc game last night.Just six days until it starts with @derrycityfc v @sligorovers followed by @DundalkFC v @stpatsfc on @rtesport & then @shels v @WaterfordFCie on #watchloi
4
9
60
Brilliant to see the @IrelandFootball U17’s progress to Euro QF’s after two great wins. Great they are on @RTEsport . Details of QF coverage will be made known tomorrow.
2
5
59
Very solid start for #WATCHLOI tonight. Credit to all involved @rtesport, @FAIreland @SSEAirtricityLg & above all the clubs involved. Next up on #WATCHLOI @shelsfc & @WaterfordFCie tomorrow.
0
3
60
A night that no Monaghan person who witnessed it will ever forget. RIP Eusebio Pedroza.
A sad day for me as my rival and outstanding World Featherweight Champion Eusebio Pedroza passes away aged 62 RIP. Pedroza is one of the longest reigning Featherweight Champion in history, it was a pleasure to share the ring with him 🙏.
1
8
59
Need to turn interest into support. Go buy a ticket & just imagine Rep of Ireland at Euro finals 👇.
2
8
57
The beauty of this @IreWomenHockey team is while they do everything with a smile of their face they have continuously shown an inner steel & a mental resolve. Fantastic scenes @RTEsport.
1
7
55
Phenomenal effort by free to air broadcasters to bring club, county & international tournaments to the audience today. Credit to @SportTG4 @BBCSPORTNI @VMSportIE & @RTEsport for their offerings, even more credit to those who gave everything in game
1
4
54
Big day for @RTEsport & @FAIreland with the launch of #WATCHLOI. If we as a nation remain true to HSE guidelines in Covid-19 fight then live sport will continue its return to its rightful place.
2
11
54
Fantastic win for @tomasdaibhis and shows how unity in a club can drive a group on. Delighted @RTEsport able to cover it @ thanks to all involved in @DubGAAOfficial
5
1
54
Stunning day for @irishathletics . Well done to @gregallenRTE, @DavidGillick ,@DervalORourke @soniaagrith @OFlynnPaul @RM_Heffernan @DavidMatthews2 & all @RTEsport.
Ireland's trio of medallists, Mark English (800m bronze), Sarah Healy (3000m gold), and Kate O'Connor (pentathlon) chat to RTE Sport at the end of a hugely successful day at the European Indoor Championships.
1
5
52
All set @drominteegac for the start of the annual blitzes. Back to full house post Covid so across the 4 days, 1500 kids, 100 teams from 56 clubs from 9 different counties. Boys and girls having fun & giving their all.
2
5
52
After a long wait a huge weekend. Public & players health remains paramount but a championship will help so many people in so many ways in the dark days of winter.Delighted @RTEsport is a central part of it. Time to throw the ball in ref.
In a season like no other, RTÉ Sport brings you more Gaelic Games championship action than ever before. This winter - it's anyone's game. #GAA #RTEGAA
2
2
53