RTÉ 2 Ireland hosts the FAI Cup with Peter Collins, Adrian Eames and more

The 9 October 2026 Irish FAI Cup comes live tonight, with Bohemians facing Waterford in what promises to be a decisive night for both teams. The match runs from 19:45 UK time, and the broadcast is being delivered over RTÉ 2 Ireland, presented in HD and played through the RTÉ Player platform. For viewers following the match live, the channel offers a clean, high-quality feed straight from the arena, which is exactly the kind of setup that keeps commentary crisp and the play-by-play easy to follow.

Leading the presentation is Peter Collins, who has long been a fixture at Irish league events and brings a familiar face to the microphone. The supporting commentary is handled by Adrian Eames as main commentator, with Conan Byrne alongside as co-commentator. Two further voices round out the team: Alan Cawley and Richie Towell as pundits, while Darren Frehill is on reporting duty to keep the audience informed of what is happening on the ground.

The presenter: Peter Collins

Peter Collins is a name many Irish footballers will recognise from years of league history. A former professional footballer, he played for both Chelmsford City and Tottenham Hotspur, and has spoken fondly of his early career. On his first team debut in a friendly against Glasgow Rangers, he scored twice within the first nine minutes in front of around 48,000 fans, and he was also involved in a notable 'A' team friendly as part of a transfer deal at New Writtle Street. That history makes him a natural fit to anchor tonight's broadcast.

The commentary: Adrian Eames and Conan Byrne

Adrian Eames is best known as an RTÉ commentator and has been a supporter of Sligo Rovers throughout his life. He holds fond memories of the League Title win of 1977 and the FAI Cup win among many famous nights, and he has discussed his early Rovers memories, the current team, and his career in sports journalism with interviewers over the years. He did some work with Century Radio, which led to an offer from FM 104, and he is comfortable delivering commentary on both Gaelic matches and soccer. As a long-time supporter of the Bit o'Red, he is used to the hardship of a sports fan, though the county's footballers brought him some cheer in 2007 by winning the Connacht Championship. He is often heard doing a Premier League game on Saturdays for Premier Soccer Saturday on RTÉ Two Television, alongside a GAA Championsh programme.

Conan Byrne works alongside him as co-commentator, and the pair have been seen agreeing on the right decisions ahead of matches. Their combined presence gives the commentary a strong, experienced feel throughout the night.

The pundits and reporter: Alan Cawley, Richie Towell and Darren Frehill

Alan Cawley and Richie Towell provide punditry, having been seen reacting to Friday's League of Ireland action and previewing the FAI Cup final as well as Ireland's U17 world course. Richie Towell, whose full name is Richard Patrick Towell and who was born on 17 July 1991, is an Irish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He started his career with the Scottish club Celtic, making his debut in the first half of the 2010–11 season, before taking two loan spells with Hibernian and leaving Celtic in 2012. Alan Cawley complements him as a steady, informed voice on the match.

Darren Frehill rounds out the team as reporter, keeping the audience informed of events on the ground as the match plays out.

Where to watch

To follow the Bohemians v Waterford FAI Cup tonight, tune into RTÉ 2 Ireland over the HD feed and use the RTÉ Player. The match is scheduled to start at 19:45 UK time, so have your details ready ahead of then. For background on the commentary team and their career, the Peter Collins (footballer) Wikipedia page offers useful reading.

Article generated: 9 October 2026, 19:46 GMT