Ger Gilroy joining RTÉ to present sports podcast

Ger Gilroy, a prominent figure in Irish media and sports broadcasting, has officially joined RTÉ to host a new daily sports podcast. This move marks a significant shift in the landscape of sports journalism in Ireland, as Gilroy transitions from his role at Newstalk to one of the public broadcasters. His departure from Newstalk follows nearly two decades of involvement with Off The Ball, a popular sports program that has been a staple of Irish radio since its inception in 2002.

Gilroy’s new venture with RTÉ involves presenting a daily sports podcast that is set to launch later this year. The show promises to cover a wide range of sports including GAA, soccer, rugby, athletics, boxing, and others. This comprehensive approach reflects Gilroy’s extensive experience in sports media, having worked across radio, podcasting, television, and digital video over the past 25 years. His most recent roles included serving as the Managing Director of Off The Ball and hosting the Off The Ball Breakfast segment from Monday to Thursday.

Born in Belfast, Gilroy grew up in Athy, County Kildare, before moving to Dublin in the 1990s. He expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating that he is thrilled to be joining RTÉ and eager to engage with new audiences across the network’s podcast platform. Gilroy emphasized the importance of two-way communication with listeners, noting that engaging with audiences directly is crucial in today’s media environment, especially amid challenges posed by artificial intelligence and misinformation.

RTÉ officials described the new show as part of an ambitious strategy aimed at expanding their audio offerings. Patricia Monahan, RTÉ’s Director of Audio, highlighted that Gilroy’s appointment, along with the rollout of new podcasts and the upcoming launch of RTÉ’s Audio App, signifies the realization of RTÉ Audio’s commitment to reaching audiences wherever they are. This strategic initiative underscores RTÉ’s efforts to remain competitive in the evolving media landscape.

Hugh Ormond, the Head of RTÉ Podcasts, praised Gilroy for his on-air charisma and deep connection with the sports community. He noted that Gilroy’s understanding of the emotional and narrative aspects of sports—rooted in stories, characters, opinions, and humor—is essential for creating compelling content. Ormond expressed excitement about the potential for growth in Gilroy’s RTÉ audience and the opportunities that lie ahead for both the broadcaster and the host.

As the new podcast prepares to launch, anticipation builds around what kind of content Gilroy will bring to the table. With his rich history in sports broadcasting and a keen awareness of audience engagement, the expectations are high for the show to make a meaningful impact on the Irish sports media scene. The collaboration between Gilroy and RTÉ is seen as a promising step forward, potentially reshaping how sports news and commentary are delivered to the public. As the date for the podcast’s debut approaches, fans and industry observers alike await the first episode with interest, hoping to see how this partnership will unfold in the dynamic world of sports journalism.