All-Ireland hurling semi-finals draw huge numbers of TV viewers for RTE

Almost a million viewers tuned in to watch the All-Ireland hurling semi-finals on RTE over the weekend.

An average of 534,000 watched on Sunday as Limerick held off Galway at Croke Park, with the audience peaking at 648,000 for the closing stages.

Tom Morrissey landed a couple of late points to see off a dogged Galway who were badly hampered by injuries to key men Cathal Mannion and later Joe Canning.

Waterford’s dramatic semi-final win over Kilkenny on the Saturday Game Live was watched by an average of 414,000, peaking at 541,000 as the game reached a climax.

Waterford's Tadhg De Burca and Calum Lyons celebrate after the game (©INPHO/Bryan Keane)

It means there will be an all-Munster All-Ireland final on December 13, the first ever decider between Limerick and Waterford.

Then the All-Ireland football semi-finals take centre stage this week with Ulster champions Cavan up against Dublin in Croke Park on the Saturday Game Live (4.45pm, RTÉ2 & RTÉ Player) while on the Sunday Game Live (2.45pm, RTÉ2 & RTÉ Player) it’s the turn of Tipperary and Mayo to face-off in Croke Park for a place in the final on 19 December.

Irish Language commentary for both All Ireland football semi-finals will be available on the RTÉ News channel.