Should Tyrone upset the odds and collect their fourth Sam Maguire cup win on Sunday then one of the biggest All-Ireland traditions will be thrown up in the air.
Mickey Harte has declined to speak with RTE since 2011 after an ill-advised comedy sketch mocking Harte was aired not long after the death of his daughter, Michaela.
RTE released a statement two weeks ago confirming that Tyrone will not be participating in any of their All-Ireland final
“Last week RTÉ Sport extended the same invitation to Tyrone GAA that it has to Dublin GAA, and all previous All Ireland finalists with regard to participation in RTÉ coverage across television, radio and digital platforms.
This included pre-match, day of match at Croke Park, and post match interviews.
Tyrone GAA have informed RTÉ Sport that the Tyrone management and players do not wish to participate in any such media activity with RTÉ and we respect that decision.
RTÉ Sport will now continue with its planning and preparation and we wish both Tyrone GAA and Dublin GAA the very best of luck in the final.”
We are a nation famous for keeping tradition alive.
One of the big traditions on All-Ireland final day is that Michael Lyster will be there at the team hotel the night of the final for the winners banquet.
One of the main reasons to watch the All-Ireland highlights show is for this live broadcast. We get to hear the thoughts of the players and managers after they have reached the summit and are in celebratory mode.
It is also good as it can provide us with moments of humour like this one from Jack McCaffrey during Lyster’s interview with Jim Gavin and Stephen Cuxton after Dublin’s win in 2017.
Jim Gavin and Stephen Cluxton somewhat overshadowed by a celebratory Jack McCaffrey #RTEgaa #SundayGame pic.twitter.com/xjfVtfrON8
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) September 17, 2017
Another tradition is the man of the match award. It is normally presented live on the night to one of the winning team.
A great moment for any player.
Only a few weeks ago there was an unfortunate error when Lyster accidentally revealed Kyle Hayes as the hurling final’s man of the match prematurely.
So, what happens if Tyrone win on Sunday?
Does a Tyrone victory mean these two GAA traditions will die on Sunday?
Well, it would seem so.
RTE have already commented that they won’t be taking part, so we can only imagine plans for a winning banquet in the Tyrone hotel will not happen.
Does this mean the Man of the Match award will handed out after the final is over as opposed to later on in the evening?
Also, Sunday is Michael Lyster’s last day working on the Sunday Game before his retirement. Does that mean if Tyrone win, his last broadcast will be the match, but if Dublin win he will have one more show later that night?
SportsJOE spoke with RTE earlier and asked the above questions. The broadcaster refused to comment on the current situation.
So many questions! So few answers!
