LOI TV Coverage 2024

[joey B]

https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/amount-lost-league-ireland-clubs-36598541

Over 1 million revenue made from LOI TV last year,128% increase since 2021

Scanlon believe’s dodgy boxes are causing the same again being lost though

“social media presence continues to grow, with Instagram views up 284 percent to 67.9million, TikTok views up 123 percent to 21million, and YouTube highlights views up 45 percent to 1.7million.”

[EatYerGreens]

First 10 matches to be shown by Virgin Media will be:

Virgin Media Television live broadcasts on Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Play with newly confirmed fixtures:


Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk, Tallaght Stadium - Friday, 6 February (KO 20:00)
Bohemians v St. Patrick’s Athletic - Aviva Stadium - Sunday, 8 February (KO 14:00)
Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers, Tolka Park - Friday, 13 February (KO 20:00)
Dundalk v Drogheda United, Oriel Park - Friday, 20 February (KO 20:00) - *Virgin Media Three
Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers, Dalymount Park - Friday, 27 February (KO 20:00)
Shelbourne v St. Patrick’s Athletic, Tolka Park - Friday, 6 March (KO 20:00)
Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers, The Showgrounds - Friday, 13 March (KO 20:00)
Galway United v Waterford, Eamonn Deacy Park - Monday, 16 March (KO 20:00)
Bohemians v Dundalk, Dalymount Park - Friday, 20 March (KO 20:00)
Galway United v Derry City - Friday, 3 April (KO 20:00)


https://www.leagueofireland.ie/news/virgin-media-television-announce-tv-picks-first-series-2026-loi-fixtures/

The usual heavy Dublin bias there. I get why Virgin would think Dublin derbies would have TV appeal - but surely the majority of those interested in a game like Shels-Pats will be actually at it ? As opposed to screening home games for the likes of Waterford or Derry against the best-supported clubs, because away fan numbers to those places will be relatively low - so there would be a lot of motivated non-travelling fans keen to watch.

Derry only being screened once in the first 10 games is pretty disgraceful to be honest, given that they're title challengers and now also with the James McClean angle too (which would presuably attract people usually not interested in LOI). It just shows how Dublin-focused this coverage is (despite Galway being visited twice).

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

11 Dublin teams v 9 non Dublin teams in the 10 games with everyone being show. It’s pretty balanced considering the Dublin teams have the biggest support bases.

[EatYerGreens]

11 Dublin teams v 9 non Dublin teams in the 10 games with everyone being show. It’s pretty balanced considering the Dublin teams have the biggest support bases.

6 of the 10 televised games (60%) being located in Dublin, whilst only 40& of the Premier Division clubs are.

[Shinkicker]

6 of the 10 televised games (60%) being located in Dublin, whilst only 40& of the Premier Division clubs are.
The Bohs v Pats game throws the figures. If Bohs v Pats was in Dalymount on a Friday night, only one game would be shown that weekend and the percentage would be 50%. Any club located outside of Dublin who are riding high after the first round of games will feature more in the latter rounds.

[Shinkicker]

The usual heavy Dublin bias there. I get why Virgin would think Dublin derbies would have TV appeal - but surely the majority of those interested in a game like Shels-Pats will be actually at it ? As opposed to screening home games for the likes of Waterford or Derry against the best-supported clubs, because away fan numbers to those places will be relatively low - so there would be a lot of motivated non-travelling fans keen to watch.

Derry only being screened once in the first 10 games is pretty disgraceful to be honest, given that they're title challengers and now also with the James McClean angle too (which would presuably attract people usually not interested in LOI). It just shows how Dublin-focused this coverage is (despite Galway being visited twice).
The Derby games are the biggest attraction and the only other real derby game is Dundalk v Drogheda which is on the viewing list. With stadium capacities mostly below 6k then the expected tv viewing figures for these games should be the highest. I understand your James McClean point but one fairly high profile signing doesn't guarantee winning the league and therefore shouldn't warrant more tv time. Derry attendance figures should rise with McClean in the team but if they are on a bad run these will drop off. However if Derry are on a winning run attendance will be good and I'm sure they will feature on VM a bit more. Remember there is always LOI TV so if someone really wants to watch a game they can do so for a small fee.

[2 Year Contract]

Also, the televised fixtures were announced before James McClean was announced as a new signing for Derry. To be honest if it had’ve been the other way around I feel they’d have featured more than once in those first 10 games as Virgin do seem to like the angle of the ‘big names’ on their coverage which is also part of the reason why they had shels/duff on so much and Kenny/Pats when he returned initially

[Shinkicker]

Also, the televised fixtures were announced before James McClean was announced as a new signing for Derry. To be honest if it had’ve been the other way around I feel they’d have featured more than once in those first 10 games as Virgin do seem to like the angle of the ‘big names’ on their coverage which is also part of the reason why they had shels/duff on so much and Kenny/Pats when he returned initially
Does that mean if Bohs sign Dele Ali they'll be on even more?

[EatYerGreens]

The Bohs v Pats game throws the figures. If Bohs v Pats was in Dalymount on a Friday night, only one game would be shown that weekend and the percentage would be 50%. Any club located outside of Dublin who are riding high after the first round of games will feature more in the latter rounds.

But 50-50 isn't balanced either, when you have a 40-60 split.

[EatYerGreens]

The Derby games are the biggest attraction and the only other real derby game is Dundalk v Drogheda which is on the viewing list. With stadium capacities mostly below 6k then the expected tv viewing figures for these games should be the highest. I understand your James McClean point but one fairly high profile signing doesn't guarantee winning the league and therefore shouldn't warrant more tv time. Derry attendance figures should rise with McClean in the team but if they are on a bad run these will drop off. However if Derry are on a winning run attendance will be good and I'm sure they will feature on VM a bit more. Remember there is always LOI TV so if someone really wants to watch a game they can do so for a small fee.

Do we have statistical evidence to say that Shels v Pats, for example, would draw a bigger TV crowd than for example Cork v Rovers (in general - obviously not this year) ? Or Derry v Rovers? Or do we just all nod along with the belief that Dublin teams are always the biggest draw, no matter which ones it is or how they're doing in the league?

Also - as I outlined earlier, a very high proportion of those most motivated to watch both teams at a Dublin derby (i.e. their main siupporters) will be at the game (and yes - I know away tickets are limited). Whereas when any of the Dublin clubs play away - especially in places like Cork, Derry or Sligo - there are literally thousands of regular supporters of one of the two teams playing who don't go/can't go - and therefore dependent on wathcing on TV. So which is realistically going to attract more hardcore LOI fans/watchers?

With the exception of Bohs-Rovers, it honestly feels like there is a lazy assumption that the Dublin teams and Dublin derbies is where all the big TV interest is at in the league. But unless there are actual audience viewing stats to prove that, it's all just assumption/opinion/prejudice.

[EatYerGreens]

Does that mean if Bohs sign Dele Ali they'll be on even more?

They've more chance of getting Delhi Belly.

[BigEars]

But 50-50 isn't balanced either, when you have a 40-60 split.

I'm not a dub, and don't live there, so I've no bias in this. But considering the 4 Dublin clubs had the highest average attendance last year, and also all 4 finished in the top 5, it makes sense from a commerical interest to have a mild bias towards showing those sides.

When RTE were the ones showing the league, that bias seemed excessive, where as right now they've got the balance right imo.

[2 Year Contract]

Do we have statistical evidence to say that Shels v Pats, for example, would draw a bigger TV crowd than for example Cork v Rovers (in general - obviously not this year) ? Or Derry v Rovers? Or do we just all nod along with the belief that Dublin teams are always the biggest draw, no matter which ones it is or how they're doing in the league?

Also - as I outlined earlier, a very high proportion of those most motivated to watch both teams at a Dublin derby (i.e. their main siupporters) will be at the game (and yes - I know away tickets are limited). Whereas when any of the Dublin clubs play away - especially in places like Cork, Derry or Sligo - there are literally thousands of regular supporters of one of the two teams playing who don't go/can't go - and therefore dependent on wathcing on TV. So which is realistically going to attract more hardcore LOI fans/watchers?

With the exception of Bohs-Rovers, it honestly feels like there is a lazy assumption that the Dublin teams and Dublin derbies is where all the big TV interest is at in the league. But unless there are actual audience viewing stats to prove that, it's all just assumption/opinion/prejudice.

The most watched match on LOITV last year was Bohs vs Pats

https://x.com/leagueofireland/status/2004975818351497390?s=46

[Shinkicker]

Do we have statistical evidence to say that Shels v Pats, for example, would draw a bigger TV crowd than for example Cork v Rovers (in general - obviously not this year) ? Or Derry v Rovers? Or do we just all nod along with the belief that Dublin teams are always the biggest draw, no matter which ones it is or how they're doing in the league?

Also - as I outlined earlier, a very high proportion of those most motivated to watch both teams at a Dublin derby (i.e. their main siupporters) will be at the game (and yes - I know away tickets are limited). Whereas when any of the Dublin clubs play away - especially in places like Cork, Derry or Sligo - there are literally thousands of regular supporters of one of the two teams playing who don't go/can't go - and therefore dependent on wathcing on TV. So which is realistically going to attract more hardcore LOI fans/watchers?

With the exception of Bohs-Rovers, it honestly feels like there is a lazy assumption that the Dublin teams and Dublin derbies is where all the big TV interest is at in the league. But unless there are actual audience viewing stats to prove that, it's all just assumption/opinion/prejudice.
In your example above you mention Cork and Derry v Rovers, the big audience attraction there would be Rovers or it could be Bohs or Pats. If Derry played Cork, Galway or Waterford the figures would be less and I'm sure you'll agree with this. So the biggest attraction are the Dublin clubs, until a club from outside of Dublin overtake rovers and attracts more viewers. This may be Derry who have assembled a great squad this year and hopefully somebody can take the title from Rovers. I don't think it's a lazy assumption, it's more of an accepted fact. Someone also posted here that Bohs v Pats was the largest audience on LOI TV last year. When I'm sure most people on here would have thought it would be Bohs v Rovers or Rovers v Derry in the title race. If Derry V Rovers was on VM I'd be watching Bohs V the bottom club on LOI TV.

[brendy_�ire]

I'm not a dub, and don't live there, so I've no bias in this. But considering the 4 Dublin clubs had the highest average attendance last year, and also all 4 finished in the top 5, it makes sense from a commerical interest to have a mild bias towards showing those sides.

Mentioned on one of the podcasts last year, matches invovling Dublin teams have consistently higher viewing figures.
With Virgin, they're a commercial company, so it makes sense they'll pick Dublin teams, and ideally Dublin venues as it saves on their travel costs.

Personally, I'd be happy not having any matches from the Brandywell on TV, as it affects attendances. Not as much as it did in the past, but still an impact.

[legendz]

I subscribed for LOITV last year. The coverage was fine. I know highlight shows have gone a bit out of fashion but I think they should offer a preview show and a highlights show, a collaboration between VM and LOITV.

[EatYerGreens]

The most watched match on LOITV last year was Bohs vs Pats

https://x.com/leagueofireland/status/2004975818351497390?s=46

So does that mean that EVERY Dublin derby is gong to draw the biggest TV crowds in the league? Because that is the assumption here.

[EatYerGreens]

Mentioned on one of the podcasts last year, matches invovling Dublin teams have consistently higher viewing figures.
With Virgin, they're a commercial company, so it makes sense they'll pick Dublin teams, and ideally Dublin venues as it saves on their travel costs.

Personally, I'd be happy not having any matches from the Brandywell on TV, as it affects attendances. Not as much as it did in the past, but still an impact.

But that actually reinforces the point I'm making. I suspect that, for example and in general terms, a Derry-Rovers or Cork-Rovers game would draw a bigger TV crowd than a Shels-Pats game. For reasons that I've otulined a couple of times already.

Virgin didn't say that Dublin derbies draw the biggest crowds - just games involving a Dublin team.

[EatYerGreens]

In your example above you mention Cork and Derry v Rovers, the big audience attraction there would be Rovers or it could be Bohs or Pats. If Derry played Cork, Galway or Waterford the figures would be less and I'm sure you'll agree with this. So the biggest attraction are the Dublin clubs, until a club from outside of Dublin overtake rovers and attracts more viewers. This may be Derry who have assembled a great squad this year and hopefully somebody can take the title from Rovers. I don't think it's a lazy assumption, it's more of an accepted fact. Someone also posted here that Bohs v Pats was the largest audience on LOI TV last year. When I'm sure most people on here would have thought it would be Bohs v Rovers or Rovers v Derry in the title race. If Derry V Rovers was on VM I'd be watching Bohs V the bottom club on LOI TV.

You're unintentionally agreeing with me here.

Does a game involving one of the main Dublin teams usually draw a good TV crowd? Yes. Does that game have to involve TWO Dublin teams to do so? No. And often the fact that a proportionately very small number of fans travel from Dublin for games in places like Sligo, Cork, Derry etc means that the TV audience is likely to be amplified by screening Dublin clubs in such away locations. More so than screening a Dublin derby, when the majority/a high proportion of those interested amongst both fanbases will be at the game instead.

[2 Year Contract]

You seem to be overlooking the fact that the people who select the matches, Virgin, have access to literally all viewing figures and have televised games such as Cork vs Dublin clubs, as well as Dublin derbies, so they have the data to compare.

The fact that they’ve opted for the derbies in their first announcement of fixtures over the other options should probably tell you all you need to know given that as Brendy says, they’re a commercial company and putting on the matches that do the best viewership numbers is obviously in their best interests


More so than screening a Dublin derby, when the majority/a high proportion of those interested amongst both fanbases will be at the game instead.

If Pats/Shels/Rovers play Bohs in Dalymount for example, you have only 450 away fans at it, meaning there are thousands watching at home. Bohs sell out Dalymount so they too have thousands watching at home.

The other option being say Cork at home to one of the Dublin clubs. Yes you have a lot of the away club’s fans watching on tv, but for Cork they aren’t selling out and the figure of fans watching on tv is likely to be lower than the amount a Dublin club would have when their home ground is sold out

[EatYerGreens]

You seem to be overlooking the fact that the people who select the matches, Virgin, have access to literally all viewing figures and have televised games such as Cork vs Dublin clubs, as well as Dublin derbies, so they have the data to compare.

The fact that they’ve opted for the derbies in their first announcement of fixtures over the other options should probably tell you all you need to know given that as Brendy says, they’re a commercial company and putting on the matches that do the best viewership numbers is obviously in their best interests



If Pats/Shels/Rovers play Bohs in Dalymount for example, you have only 450 away fans at it, meaning there are thousands watching at home. Bohs sell out Dalymount so they too have thousands watching at home.

The other option being say Cork at home to one of the Dublin clubs. Yes you have a lot of the away club’s fans watching on tv, but for Cork they aren’t selling out and the figure of fans watching on tv is likely to be lower than the amount a Dublin club would have when their home ground is sold out

You seem to be overlooking the fact that the people who select the matches, Virgin, are based in Dublin. And like the vast majority of key decision makers in this country, have a limited ability to see much beyond Dublin - and no doubt a desire to limit how often they and their staff have to haul their arses to the other side of the country and back again late on Friday nights. Taking an OB van to Cork would easily be a 6hr+ round trip.That's the guts of a regular working day spent just on the rod to get there and back (and doesn't factor in the extra time usually needed for driving out of Dublin mid-afternoon). Then there;s the set-up, set-down and broadcast time to factor in once they get there. Similar journey for Sligo. Derry would be even longer, and on an awful road, so trips there could well even necessitate overnight stays. Amd even Waterford would be at least a 4hr round trip for their truck and crew.

So if we're honest, the difference in viewing figures across most of the games shown in the league is unlikely to be vast. Whereas the logistical, and probably also financial, hassle of traipsing around the country is likely to be a greater source of variance compared with screening games on their doorstep in Dublin. Dublin games will therefore be the easiest, cheapest and laziest option for them.

[nigel-harps1954]

You seem to be overlooking the fact that the people who select the matches, Virgin, are based in Dublin. And like the vast majority of key decision makers in this country, have a limited ability to see much beyond Dublin - and no doubt a desire to limit how often they and their staff have to haul their arses to the other side of the country and back again late on Friday nights. Taking an OB van to Cork would easily be a 6hr+ round trip.That's the guts of a regular working day spent just on the rod to get there and back (and doesn't factor in the extra time usually needed for driving out of Dublin mid-afternoon). Then there;s the set-up, set-down and broadcast time to factor in once they get there. Similar journey for Sligo. Derry would be even longer, and on an awful road, so trips there could well even necessitate overnight stays. Amd even Waterford would be at least a 4hr round trip for their truck and crew.

So if we're honest, the difference in viewing figures across most of the games shown in the league is unlikely to be vast. Whereas the logistical, and probably also financial, hassle of traipsing around the country is likely to be a greater source of variance compared with screening games on their doorstep in Dublin. Dublin games will therefore be the easiest, cheapest and laziest option for them.

I don't believe Virgin Media use a full OB truck setup. They're effectively using the LOITV setup, but with an extra camera or two. The cameramen will likely be local to the areas too rather than sending up lads from Dublin to do it.

[EatYerGreens]

I don't believe Virgin Media use a full OB truck setup. They're effectively using the LOITV setup, but with an extra camera or two. The cameramen will likely be local to the areas too rather than sending up lads from Dublin to do it.

They still have to send SOME people to the games. And if they're using external contractors/freelancers in local locations for the camera work, that would surely be additional cost versus using their own crews?

[Roones26]

They still have to send SOME people to the games. And if they're using external contractors/freelancers in local locations for the camera work, that would surely be additional cost versus using their own crews?

Oh I wouldn't think so at all. I'd say its both more convenient and cheaper

[nigel-harps1954]

They still have to send SOME people to the games. And if they're using external contractors/freelancers in local locations for the camera work, that would surely be additional cost versus using their own crews?

It's a much, much cheaper option than an outside broadcast crew. Much less equipment, more streamlined, and they use their studio in Dublin rather than sending analysis crew too. It'll effectively just be their commentary team and the camera operators.

[Shinkicker]

You're unintentionally agreeing with me here.

Does a game involving one of the main Dublin teams usually draw a good TV crowd? Yes. Does that game have to involve TWO Dublin teams to do so? No. And often the fact that a proportionately very small number of fans travel from Dublin for games in places like Sligo, Cork, Derry etc means that the TV audience is likely to be amplified by screening Dublin clubs in such away locations. More so than screening a Dublin derby, when the majority/a high proportion of those interested amongst both fanbases will be at the game instead.
I am intentionally agreeing with you to a point.
Does a game involving one of the main Dublin teams usually draw a good TV crowd? Yes. Does that game have to involve TWO Dublin teams to do so? No. However two Dublin clubs will attract a larger audience than a match involving 1 Dublin club unless the opposition has broken the mould and is really challenging for the league and not just trying to make the top four. Derry came second last year but never really challenged Rovers. Hopefully this year will see a real title race that will involve a none Dublin club or two.

[ontheotherhand]

Great to be arguing about which games are being shown and not that none are. We've come a long way.

[pineapple stu]

I think there's only one person arguing in fairness! Everyone else seems to think it's a decent coverage for the opening round of matches

[Shinkicker]

Totally agree, LOI has been great for getting it out the folk who follow the game and not VM taking it to everyone else if they choose to watch it. It's a long way from RTE showing 3 or 4 games a year

[ontheotherhand]

Tbf to the betting streams though, they didn't have a Dublin bias.

[legendz]

Wouldn't be too bothered about live TV coverage when they clash with regular First Division football on a Friday night. If the new highlights section is made available as a separate programme, it'll make it more watchable for watching back.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

EYG delighted with the spread of teams shown so far

[EatYerGreens]

My little rain dances seem to be doing the trick :D

[Shinkicker]

I don't know if it's the lights or the cameras at Ryan McBride but every time the ball is crossed in i loose sight of it then the commentator shouts GOAL o?r THAT'S A GREAT CLEARANCE and it's only in the slightly zoomed in replay I see what has happened. Anyone else find it the same

[ger121]

I don't know if it's the lights or the cameras at Ryan McBride but every time the ball is crossed in i loose sight of it then the commentator shouts GOAL o?r THAT'S A GREAT CLEARANCE and it's only in the slightly zoomed in replay I see what has happened. Anyone else find it the same

I thought it was just my ageing eyes but it is terrible. Hope the grass pitch helps with the shine.

[Yossarian]

It’s not just on TV that there is a glare off the pitch. At the game last night I struggled to see the ball anytime it went in to the bright areas.

[Shinkicker]

Thank God for that, I was about to book a spec saver appointment

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Back to Shamrock Rovers TV for April

Virgin Media Two broadcast selections

St. Patrick's Athletic v Shamrock Rovers, Richmond Park - Friday, 10 April at 20:00

Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians, Tallaght Stadium - Friday, 17 April at 20:00

Derry City v Shamrock Rovers, Celtic Park - Friday 24 April at 20:00

Bohemians v Derry City, Dalymount Park - Friday, 1 May at 20:00

[sbgawa]

Surely Shamrock Rovers v Waterford would have been a better match for may 1st ;)

[cobhlad]

If the new highlights section is made available as a separate programme, it'll make it more watchable for watching back.

I see GAA+ will have 4 (four) highlights/discussion shows per week this year. 1/4 of that would be nice…

[TonyD]

It’s not just on TV that there is a glare off the pitch. At the game last night I struggled to see the ball anytime it went in to the bright areas.

Its the lights on the new stand from what I can see. They seem to be way more powerful than the lights elsewhere in the ground.