**Mark Rodden** leads Virgin Media coverage of **Shamrock Rovers v St Patrick's Athletic** in the Irish Premier Division

Match date: 29 May 2026

Shamrock Rovers v St Patrick's Athletic will be shown live across Virgin Media platforms on Friday evening, with Mark Rodden the main commentator for the match in the Irish Premier Division.[1]

For viewers in the UK and Ireland looking for coverage, the fixture is listed on Virgin Media Two HD and Virgin Media Play, with the latter carrying geo-restrictions, while Virgin Media Audio Description will also feature Rodden on commentary.[1][2] The game kicks off at 20:00 UK time, giving fans a prime-time window for one of the league’s standout Dublin derbies.[1]

On Virgin Media Play, the broadcast line-up includes presenter Tommy Martin, co-commentator Graham Gartland, pundits Conan Byrne and Ian Morris, and reporter Stuart McAvoy.[1] The same presenter, pundit and reporter team is also listed for Virgin Media Two HD, although that channel’s main commentary duties are assigned to Bernard O'Toole alongside Gartland.[1]

Tommy Martin is a familiar face in Irish football broadcasting, having built a reputation as a frontman across live sport coverage with a clear, studio-led style. Mark Rodden has established himself as one of the more recognisable voices in Irish football coverage, while Bernard O'Toole has also become a regular commentator on domestic matches. Their involvement underlines how strongly Virgin Media continues to invest in homegrown football presentation.[1]

The punditry group adds further local insight. Conan Byrne, a former league title winner with Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic, brings first-hand knowledge of both clubs, while Ian Morris offers the perspective of a former Premier Division midfielder and coach. Graham Gartland, also a former defender in Irish football, adds balance in the co-commentary role, and Stuart McAvoy is listed again as reporter for pitchside updates.[1]

The fixture itself carries extra interest because it brings together two of the League of Ireland’s best-supported clubs, with Shamrock Rovers traditionally setting the pace at the top end of the table and St Patrick's Athletic often central to the title and European race. Matches between the sides usually draw strong attention in Dublin and beyond, and this one comes with a full studio and commentary team to match.

Virgin Media’s domestic football coverage remains central to how many British and Irish viewers follow the League of Ireland, particularly when matches are not available on UK terrestrial broadcasters. For more background on the competition, see the League of Ireland.

Article generated: 29 May 2026, 20:01 GMT