Rant: RTÉ Coverage of the Olympics

The Volt

1. Jimmy McGee

He WRECKED my head this morning. Ugh

He just seems to think he has to talk over every second, about absolute rubbish.

"He's done RTÉ proud today"

"Two cities beginning with a B, Beijing and Barcelona."

Surely there's someone fresher and more worthy of a dream job for many. Aspiring to be a broadcaster myself he's a right pain whether he's doing The Premiership or The Olympics.

2. Tracy Piggott

What is she even doing on an Irish broadcast? If I wanted to watch English presenters I'd switch to the BBC

3. Bill

Knows nothing about Sailing, Rowing etc.

"Now explain for the viewers at home exactly what that means"

RTÉ Get your act together.

Rant over.

Bill is a legend!

ewj1978

tbh I thought some of the presenting in the 7pm show was very good, truthfully I've seen none of the late night live stuff, so's i can't comment on tracy but they guy who was commenting on the swimming was brill.

Rockee

Voltwad wrote: »

1. Jimmy McGee

He WRECKED my head this morning. Ugh

He just seems to think he has to talk over every second, about absolute rubbish.

"He's done RTÉ proud today"

"Two cities beginning with a B, Beijing and Barcelona."

Surely there's someone fresher and more worthy of a dream job for many. Aspiring to be a broadcaster myself he's a right pain whether he's doing The Premiership or The Olympics.

Or during Kenny Egans semi-final the other day when he started listing off the 'Great irish Olympians' He mentioned one 'Waye McCullough who won a silver in 1952.' :eek::eek:

Funny that, I remember watching Wayne McCullough win that medal on the TV. Am I that old?

The Volt

Deleted User wrote: »

Bill is a legend!

I enjoy RTÉ's analysis of Soccer as much as the next guy but the line's drawn there for me.

Dave!

Jimmy Magee should just F*CK OFF! I hate him. There's a thread in Radio... or maybe TV... and the general sentiment is that he just talks sh*te all the time, and should retire.

ewj1978

Rockee wrote: »

Or during Kenny Egans semi-final the other day when he started listing off the 'Great irish Olympians' He mentioned one 'Waye McCullough who won a silver in 1952.' :eek::eek:

Funny that, I remember watching Wayne McCullough win that medal on the TV. Am I that old?

ah senility where would we be without it... no seriously where am I?

taidghbaby

well if it werent for jimmy i wouldn now know theres two cities begining with b......

oh wait now belfast, brussells........:o

The Volt

Rockee wrote: »

He mentioned one 'Waye McCullough who won a silver in 1952.'

Ironic, The Memory Man my bum

I thought their coverage was pretty good overall tbh.

Jimmy Magee is a head wrecker though. He talks sum serious s**** just for the sake of talking ! Theres an easy solution though- MUTE BUTTON !:D

ewj1978

Voltwad wrote: »

Ironic, The Memory Man my bum

no really he's got a great memory its just up muddled....

dr.bollocko

Just watching it right now, apparently the Thing won a gold medal for Ireland.
Who is that dewd?

cabra64

Kenny Cunningham come out with "Go Go Gadget Legs" to describe Messi going around some brazilian midfielder the other day! i nearly fell off the sofa! Dangerous Descriptive Skills.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

Voltwad wrote: »

1. Jimmy McGee

"Now explain for the viewers at home exactly what that means"
.

In fairness, any of the viewers who know what that means are watching on a different channel...

Ruu_Old

Jimmy McGee has been a sufferer of diarrhoea of the mouth for a long time now.

connundrum

Can't believe no one has mentioned yer man Tim McCarthy who was commentating on basketball. I actually was gonna throw the frickin tv out the window listening to him.

Stuck with the beeb for most of the coverage.

I would watch the RTE coverage inthe morning sometimes, only to come in for the evening show to see the same guests in, being asked the same questions by a different presenter.

Gary O'Toole on swimming was spot on btw.

Zaph

I think part of the problem with the boxing over the last few days is that they used Magee's commentary on Radio 1, and he obviously felt the need to talk loads to ensure there was no dead air. Unfortunately this was to the detriment of the tv commentary and I'd imagine it sounded even worse on radio. Never thought he was much of a commentator, even when he was at his "peak" 20-odd years ago. He's 73 now, time to pension him off before he spoils the 2012 Olympics for us, although I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to hang around for that and then retired.

The Volt

More of this

Al_Fernz

Voltwad wrote: »

2. Tracy Piggott

What is she even doing on an Irish broadcast? If I wanted to watch English presenters I'd switch to the BBC

3. Bill

Knows nothing about Sailing, Rowing etc.

"Now explain for the viewers at home exactly what that means"

RTÉ Get your act together.

Rant over.

RTE have to structure their coverage to satisfy as much viewers as possible.

Tracy Piggott was hired because she's a competent presenter. Her nationality isn't an issue to the majority of people who tune into RTE's coverage. I don't think RTE should recruit their presenters based on the preferences of a xenophobic few.

Bill O'Herlihy is RTE's best presenter. His empathy makes him the best. His questions are a reflection of what kind of analysis the majority of viewers want to hear. Most RTE viewers would be unable to grasp any in depth analysis into obscure sports like sailing and rowing. Basic analysis means that more viewers stay tuned in.

You can't satisfy everybody. If you don't like the coverage turn off the TV or switch to the BBC. Demand dictates the type of coverage these events receive.

shels08

:D:DJimmy's a legend:D:D:D

The Volt

Al_Fernz wrote: »

RTE have to structure their coverage to satisfy as much viewers as possible.

+1

spadder

Jimmy is a great boxing commentator and a gentleman. I met him in kerry a while back, he had great time for the kids and everyone he met.

FlutterinBantam

Zaph wrote: »

I think part of the problem with the boxing over the last few days is that they used Magee's commentary on Radio 1, and he obviously felt the need to talk loads to ensure there was no dead air. Unfortunately this was to the detriment of the tv commentary and I'd imagine it sounded even worse on radio. Never thought he was much of a commentator, even when he was at his "peak" 20-odd years ago. He's 73 now, time to pension him off before he spoils the 2012 Olympics for us, although I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to hang around for that and then retired.

Is a pigs pussy pork????

Mossy Monk

Voltwad wrote: »

2. Tracy Piggott

What is she even doing on an Irish broadcast? If I wanted to watch English presenters I'd switch to the BBC

I realised that the post was nothing but a load of **** when I read that. Nice try though. Be careful you don't bump into any foreigners in real life. Cannot have you being upset.

Handsome Bob

It would be interesting to see an official count of the amount of times he was confused in regards to which one was John Joe Joyce and which one was John Joe Nevin, Memory Man my ass.:pac:

Toto Wolfcastle

Jimmy Magee was commentating on a boxing match the other day and although the USA weren't actually competing he still managed to mention that they were a couple of times.

I wouldn't expect Bill to know a lot about every sport tbh. I find that sometimes he even struggles with the soccer! And anyway, not everyone watching would know about all the sports so it's the duty of the presenter to make sure things are clearly explained. That said I don't really like Bill!

I really enjoyed a lot of RTE's coverage. I loved listening to Sonia, although Jerry whatshisface and Eamonn Coughlan are complete asshats.

I loved Bernard Dunne and Andy Lee on the boxing, and I thought Katie did a good enough job too.

My favourite has to be Gary O' Toole. He really knows his stuff and is a pleasure to listen to.

I've said it elsewhere on boards: George Hamilton annoyed the crap out of me today at the closing ceremony with his lovey-dovey 'flame of joy lingers in their hearts' crap.

Fulton Crown

Al_Fernz wrote: »

You can't satisfy everybody. If you don't like the coverage turn off the TV or switch to the BBC. Demand dictates the type of coverage these events receive.

A tad Trite Al if I may say so - the poster is entitled to his opinion - Magee was high as a kite on his own verbosity and a clear case of the fan getting carried away - instead of a more professional approach.

That Lemon O'Muirceartaig who does the GAA suffers from the same syndrome - is it a coincidence that he is over 70 as well...

Always know when your time is up - leave gracefully...make way for the new order.

Mossy Monk

Fulton Crown wrote: »

That Lemon O'Muirceartaig who does the GAA suffers from the same syndrome - is it a coincidence that he is over 70 as well...

I would much rather listen to commentary that has some personality.

Red Alert

Who actually thinks Tracey Piggot is a decent commentator? She should like Beverly Cooper Flynn with a british accent!

dr.bollocko

Red Alert wrote: »

Who actually thinks Tracey Piggot is a decent commentator? She should like Beverly Cooper Flynn with a british accent!

I think she's generally inoffensive but can comes across as bland or banal or like she has a rod up her arse next to the rest of the Irish male RTE clowns.

Al_Fernz

Fulton Crown wrote: »

A tad Trite Al if I may say so - the poster is entitled to his opinion

Did I say otherwise?

RTE can justify their coverage of the games based on their viewing figures. If it causes you such annoyance then turn off your TV. You aren't being forced to watch it.

floyd333

Ah leave poor Jimmy alone. The mans a legend. Eamonn Coghlan p*ssed me off. He's one arrogant pr*ck. I always get a laugh off Bill, especially when he starts Dunphy off.

irish_bob

bill plays the role of inquisitive gob****e

that is a charechter that is popular in this country

neaideabh

I'd watch jimmy before Ryall Nugent anyday! How did he become a commentator. He sounds like a 16 year old child trying to hard!

GhostInTheRuins

Did anyone listen to the opening ceremony a few weeks back? The scutter that was coming from Jimmy was pure comedy gold.

Fulton Crown

Mossy Monk wrote: »

I would much rather listen to commentary that has some personality.

I take your point pal - but as in all other thingsit's the level of balancethat is important.

The job of the commentator is to describe what is happening and to explain any technicalities of which the avg viewer may not be aware.

Magee seems obsessed with showboating all the various statistics he has at his fingertips as well as tediously mentioning family members / pubs / previous medal winners etc - to an excessive degree.

Parochial in the extreme.

Ditto with O'Muircheartaig who throws in obscure place names as well " His Uncle's Grandfather played on the 40 for Lyrecrompane in the 1934 Kerry JUNOR Final against Knockgoshel" or some simliar useless shyte.

The dismal attendances at the recent Croke Park matches show the Dublin public is uninterested in GAA (as opposed to the Dublin team)they may as well throw their marketing budgets in the fire while they have this type of "Backwoodsman" type commentary - wont have a chance against the Premier League wall to wall coverage i all medias.

javaboy

Am I the only one who thought Eamonn Coughlan and Jerry Kiernan were not speaking during the coverage?

There seemed to be a frosty atmosphere between them. They seemed to disagree on everything and Eamonn in particular was giving Jerry dagger eyes constantly. Is there some history between them?

kevmy

janeybabe wrote: »

Jimmy Magee was commentating on a boxing match the other day and although the USA weren't actually competing he still managed to mention that they were a couple of times.

I wouldn't expect Bill to know a lot about every sport tbh. I find that sometimes he even struggles with the soccer! And anyway, not everyone watching would know about all the sports so it's the duty of the presenter to make sure things are clearly explained. That said I don't really like Bill!

Bill deliberately puts on a face of ignorance especially in regard of soccer. If you watch the soccer you know well he's saying stuff that is stupid or insane or wrong or controversial to get a reaction or a bit of conversation going. Most people don't have great knowledge of all sports and need basic level knowledge to understand it. It's Bill's job to get this info out of the expert beside him. Some of the guys who are experts in Olympic sports only get on the tv every 4 years so Bill has to handle them with kid gloves.
However him and Gary O Toole have a great rapport and Bill knows him from way back and is quite up on his swimming (Bill's daughter was a really good swimmer in her day nearly made it to the Olympics at one stage if I'm not mistaken.)

javaboy wrote: »

Am I the only one who thought Eamonn Coughlan and Jerry Kiernan were not speaking during the coverage?

There seemed to be a frosty atmosphere between them. They seemed to disagree on everything and Eamonn in particular was giving Jerry dagger eyes constantly. Is there some history between them?

Don't know if there is history between them personally but a lot of people don't like them. O'Toole looked like he was going to hit Coughlan the one time they were on together. Kiernan is a little eccentric as well and can rub people up the wrong way.

mental07

Could never stand Eamonn Coughlan tbh! I didn't see any RTE coverage this year (am abroad and there was a complete Olympic black out on website - :mad:) but I imagine he hasn't changed much. Tracy Piggott's good though, I think...and as someone else said, please don't use her nationality as an excuse to bash her :rolleyes:

javaboy

kevmy wrote: »

Bill deliberately puts on a face of ignorance especially in regard of soccer. If you watch the soccer you know well he's saying stuff that is stupid or insane or wrong or controversial to get a reaction or a bit of conversation going. Most people don't have great knowledge of all sports and need basic level knowledge to understand it. It's Bill's job to get this info out of the expert beside him.

+1. I think this was even covered in an Aprés Match sketch. Brady was giving out to Bill for pretending to not know what was going on.

Don't know if there is history between them personally but a lot of people don't like them. O'Toole looked like he was going to hit Coughlan the one time they were on together. Kiernan is a little eccentric as well and can rub people up the wrong way.

I thought Coughlan was a lot easier to listen to than Kiernan. Kiernan was so negative about everything. They're both fairly rusty though on account of only being on TV every 4 years. They haven't learned to pull their punches and be diplomatic about things.

O'Toole was the exception though. Very professional and knowledgeable.

mental07

javaboy wrote: »

O'Toole was the exception though. Very professional and knowledgeable.

Everyone's been raving about him! Pity he can't pundit on every sport, then there'd be no need to complain about the coverage

javaboy

mental07 wrote: »

Everyone's been raving about him! Pity he can't pundit on every sport, then there'd be no need to complain about the coverage

He can replace Ronnie Whelan or Kenny Cunningham on the soccer coverage. You won't hear me complaining.

Toto Wolfcastle

kevmy wrote: »

Most people don't have great knowledge of all sports and need basic level knowledge to understand it. It's Bill's job to get this info out of the expert beside him.

In fairness I did say that, that he's asking questions that will help the public understand better.

Thanks for clearing up the Bill's knowledge of soccer thing. I haven't been a regular viewer of soccer since my early teens so I wouldn't have picked up on it.

ScumLord

The only thing rte commentary is good for is arguments. I saw none of them over the Olympics, just people repeating each other over and over and not a shred of badness in anything they say. Very disappointing.

Have to say though the RTE Olympic website was top notch.

Mountjoy Mugger

Coughlan - Chairman of the Boards or is it boreds? (sorry, DeV).

thefizz

Voltwad wrote: »

1. Jimmy McGee

He WRECKED my head this morning. Ugh

He just seems to think he has to talk over every second, about absolute rubbish.

"He's done RTÉ proud today"

"Two cities beginning with a B, Beijing and Barcelona."

Surely there's someone fresher and more worthy of a dream job for many. Aspiring to be a broadcaster myself he's a right pain whether he's doing The Premiership or The Olympics.

2. Tracy Piggott

What is she even doing on an Irish broadcast? If I wanted to watch English presenters I'd switch to the BBC

3. Bill

Knows nothing about Sailing, Rowing etc.

"Now explain for the viewers at home exactly what that means"

RTÉ Get your act together.

Rant over.

I actually think Tracey Piggot is a good presenter. Don't give a toss where she's from. Not sure how that matters

I agree Bill knows nothing about sailing etc but did he not have the appropriate experts with him for each sport?

KnifeWRENCH

Jimmy Magee - Yes he is a bit irritating, but he's an institution. He's very popular and has been there so long. He'll probably be a commentator until he dies.

Tracy Piggott - meh. No particular opinion. She's a fairly good, inoffensive commentator.

Bill O'Herlihy - legend! Fantastic presenter.

Overall, from what I saw I thought RTE's coverage was pretty good. Gary O'Toole, Bernard Dunne, Michael Carruth and Sonia O'Sullivan all did a very good job in the studio.

shane86

Voltwad wrote: »

1. Jimmy McGee

He WRECKED my head this morning. Ugh

He just seems to think he has to talk over every second, about absolute rubbish.

"He's done RTÉ proud today"

"Two cities beginning with a B, Beijing and Barcelona."

Surely there's someone fresher and more worthy of a dream job for many.

Ah leave off.

spadder wrote: »

Jimmy is a great boxing commentator and a gentleman. I met him in kerry a while back, he had great time for the kids and everyone he met.

Indeed. The bizarre bits of the commentary are part of the package :P He had a horrific Euro 2008 but it was gas The man is a legend. And aside from the gaffes he seems to genuinely enjoy his boxing and football, leave him be.


Dont know where he got the memory man tag mind he has been off it for years. The oul lad was telling me about a Brazil world cup match in the 80s. They had a player who, when he came on, Jimmy remarked about how much he resembled Sammy Davis Jr.

A few mins in, said player gets the ball, to which Jimmy says "And here`s Sammy Davis Juni....oh, wait!"

bigtime

glad to see this tatter has finally ended.

"make them heroes" was the headlind about a load of amateur boxers who get a bronze. Catch yourselves on, what will the wee irish fan not watch.

Soby

:cool:

janeybabe wrote: »

Jimmy Magee was commentating on a boxing match the other day and although the USA weren't actually competing he still managed to mention that they were a couple of times.

I wouldn't expect Bill to know a lot about every sport tbh. I find that sometimes he even struggles with the soccer! And anyway, not everyone watching would know about all the sports so it's the duty of the presenter to make sure things are clearly explained. That said I don't really like Bill!

I really enjoyed a lot of RTE's coverage. I loved listening to Sonia, although Jerry whatshisface and Eamonn Coughlan are complete asshats.

I loved Bernard Dunne and Andy Lee on the boxing, and I thought Katie did a good enough job too.

My favourite has to be Gary O' Toole. He really knows his stuff and is a pleasure to listen to.

I've said it elsewhere on boards: George Hamilton annoyed the crap out of me today at the closing ceremony with his lovey-dovey 'flame of joy lingers in their hearts' crap.

Did Bernard Dunne do commentary...didnt know that...did he thank hunky dorys during his time on telle?:p

Toto Wolfcastle

Soby wrote: »

:cool:

Did Bernard Dunne do commentary...didnt know that...did he thank hunky dorys during his time on telle?:p

He did analysis. I thought he was great.