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Bill O'Herlihy, John Giles and Eamon Dunphy all frequently feature as part of RTÉ's Champions League coverage. INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
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Three more years: RTÉ and TV3 retain Champions League rights

The stations will share coverage of European football’s most prestigious event until at least 2015.

RTÉ AND TV3 have retained the rights to broadcast Champions League matches until 2015, it has been announced.

Both stations made the agreement with UEFA earlier today, while TV3 also secured the rights to show Europa League games for the next three seasons.

Speaking following the news, TV3’s Director of Programmes Ben Frow said:

“This is more great news for TV3 and 3e on top of their continued audience growth so far in 2012 and we are delighted to be continuing our relationship with UEFA, which has been so fantastic for us over many years.

“The UEFA Champions League is the premium football competition in the world and we look forward to showing the best games from the top Premier League and European teams on Tuesday nights.”

Ryle Nugent, Group Head of Sport, RTÉ, added: “We are delighted to have been able to secure these rights in the current difficult financial climate in line with our policy of significantly reducing sports rights costs. We’re particularly delighted to be able to continue to deliver UEFA Champions League live coverage to fans in Ireland until 2015. In an increasingly competitive climate securing the premium package for Wednesday night matches is a significant coup for a public service broadcaster.

“This is good news for Irish sports fans and means that all Champions League first choice matches continue to be free for Irish audiences for the next three years.  It also means that RTÉ Sport will be able to continue to bring our viewers top quality coverage of Wednesday night matches, including the final, with our hugely popular team of pundits and presenters.”

The announcement comes after what has been a record-breaking week for TV3, with news that over 407,000 viewers watched Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final second leg with Barcelona.

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