Who Is Commentating Shamrock Rovers v Cork City: RTÉ 2 Broadcast Team and Where to Watch the FAI Cup Second Round
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Who Is Commentating Shamrock Rovers v Cork City: RTÉ 2 Broadcast Team and Where to Watch the FAI Cup Second Round
Irish football fans can watch the Club Orange FAI Cup second-round clash between Shamrock Rovers and Cork City live on RTÉ 2 Ireland, RTÉ 2 HD, and the RTÉ Player at 19:45 UK time on Friday, 17 July 2026 [13]. The match, a rematch of the 2025 FAI Cup final, takes place at Tallaght Stadium, with RTÉ kicking off its 2026 live coverage of the Cup with this high-profile encounter [13].The RTÉ Broadcast Team
The broadcast is led by presenter Peter Collins, a familiar voice in Irish sports broadcasting with extensive experience covering football across the League of Ireland and international competitions. Main commentator Cathal Mullaney, known for his sharp, clear delivery during live matches, will guide viewers through the action. Joining him as co-commentator is Keith Treacy, a former professional footballer who played for clubs including Barnsley, Aberdeen, and Sheffield Wednesday, bringing valuable on-pitch insight to the analysis [13]. The punditry panel features two former League of Ireland stars: Stuart Byrne and Paul Corry. Byrne, a versatile defender who enjoyed spells with Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk, and Ireland U21s, is well-regarded for his tactical breakdowns. Corry, a long-serving midfielder for Cork City and Derry City, offers deep insight into Cork's playing style and mentality [13]. On-the-ground reporting is handled by John Kenny, a seasoned RTÉ sports reporter who has covered numerous FAI Cup fixtures and League of Ireland matches, providing live updates and post-match interviews.Background: The Rovers–Cork Rivalry
This fixture carries significant weight, as the teams met in the 2025 FAI Cup final at Aviva Stadium, where **Shamrock Rovers secured a 2–0 victory to complete their first League and FAI Cup double since 1987 [1][3]. Rory Gaffney scored both goals for Rovers, while Cork City played much of the match with just 10 men after a controversial dismissal [1][7]. The triumph marked Stephen Bradley's team's 26th FAI Cup title, cementing their status as one of Ireland's most successful clubs [4]. Cork City, now leading the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division, will be eager to exact revenge and avoid a second major defeat to their Dublin counterparts in consecutive seasons [13]. Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers, as SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division leaders, aim to continue their dominant form and build momentum toward another potential double [13].How to Watch
UK viewers can access the match via RTÉ 2 Ireland (available through certain satellite and streaming packages), while Irish viewers can tune in via RTÉ 2 HD or stream live on the RTÉ Player, subject to geo-restrictions [13]. The kickoff has been adjusted to 19:45, previously scheduled for 20:00, to accommodate scheduling requirements [13]. For more on the FAI Cup, teams, or RTÉ's broadcasting rights, visit the official FAI website for up-to-date competition details and fixtures. With a high-stakes rematch of last year's final, crisp RTÉ coverage, and a talented panel of former players and commentators, this FAI Cup second-round clash promises to be a compelling night of Irish football.Article generated: 17 July 2026, 19:46 GMT