RTÉ Inside Sport on RTE Radio 1: Marie Crowe, Jacqui Hurley and a strong World Cup 2026 line-up

Match date: 3 June 2026

RTÉ Radio 1 is set to carry RTÉ Inside Sport on 3 June 2026 at 18:00 UK time, with Marie Crowe and Jacqui Hurley presenting coverage linked to the FIFA World Cup 2026. The programme brings together a broad panel of familiar Irish football voices, including Darragh Maloney, Alan Cawley, Ray Houghton, Aine O'Gorman and Paul Corry, giving listeners analysis from broadcasters, former internationals and experienced pundits.

RTÉ has confirmed that its football coverage around major international tournaments will include live and extended radio programming, with an Inside Sport special on RTÉ Radio 1 running from 6.00pm to 7.00pm as part of a wider block of soccer content.[1] That places RTÉ Radio 1 firmly at the centre of Ireland’s tournament coverage for listeners who want informed build-up, reaction and discussion without relying on television.

Marie Crowe has become one of RTÉ’s most recognisable sports presenters, regularly fronting football and general sports coverage, while Jacqui Hurley is also a major voice in Irish broadcasting, known for her work across RTÉ sport on television and radio. Their presence gives the programme a strong presenting base, especially for an event as significant as the men’s World Cup, where context and clarity matter as much as live updates.

The pundit line-up is equally notable. Ray Houghton, a former Republic of Ireland international and one of the nation’s best-known tournament figures, brings long-standing authority on the international game. Aine O'Gorman, one of Ireland’s most experienced women’s internationals, adds a modern playing perspective and insight into elite performance. Alan Cawley and Paul Corry are both familiar to Irish audiences through punditry and analysis, while Darragh Maloney is a highly experienced broadcaster whose name is closely associated with RTÉ’s major football coverage.

This kind of line-up reflects the way Irish sports radio has evolved: listeners now expect a mix of match context, tactical breakdown, player perspective and studio discussion. The presence of former professionals alongside seasoned broadcasters should help RTÉ Inside Sport provide more than basic commentary, especially for a World Cup where national interest is likely to be high throughout the summer.

The timing also matters. A 6.00pm slot makes the show well placed for the UK and Irish evening audience, offering an accessible way to follow World Cup-related discussion after the day’s work. For British readers following tournament coverage in Ireland or comparing international broadcasters, the programme is another reminder of how radio remains an important route into live sport, particularly when listeners want analysis rather than just scores.

RTÉ’s wider World Cup and football output is part of a broader free-to-air sports offer across its television, streaming and radio platforms.[1] For listeners, RTÉ Radio 1 remains the simplest way to catch the discussion as it happens, while the combination of Marie Crowe, Jacqui Hurley and the expert panel should make RTÉ Inside Sport a useful listen for anyone tracking the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026. For background on the tournament itself, see FIFA.

Article generated: 3 June 2026, 18:01 GMT