The other 29% were probably at Stade de France or having a hooley at Place de Clichy.
Wes Hoolahan got one major tournament in his whole 42-game international career.
He scored and assisted the country’s only two goals from open play at Euro 2016 and his retirement is a big loss.
RTE split the broadcasting rights for Euro 2016 with TV3 back then but there was no way they were giving Ireland’s tournament opener up.
The national broadcaster had the three wise/grumpy men of Irish football – Liam Brady, John Giles and Eamon Dunphy – suited and booted for the occasion.
Like something out of 28 Days Later https://t.co/NXWDMUiMcE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Once the game kicked off, it felt as if the entire nation was indoors (a home, office or pub) to cheer on Martin O’Neill’s men and, according to the viewership figures obtained by RTE, that is exactly what happened.
Match Average 1.08 million viewers. Peak 1.35 million. Average Share 71.1% Huge numbers for @RTE2 yesterday. Thanks for watching @RTEsport
— Ryle Nugent (@ryle_nugent) June 14, 2016
Seven in 10 people watching TV on Monday evening had their eyes glued to Ireland versus Sweden and witnessed that peach of a goal from Wes Hoolahan.
As for the rest, they surely caught up on an absolute blinder.
