Ireland have won gold as the mixed 4x400m relay team made up of Chris O'Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr and Sharlene Mawdsley finished first in the European Athletics Championships.
The Irish quartet finished ahead of Belgium in a thrilling race that saw Ireland cross the line at 3:09.92, breaking a national record.
O’Donnell ran 46.09, Adeleke 49.53, Barr 44.90 and Mawdsley put the icing on the cake when she put the burners on to finish in 49.40.
Although these four incredible athletes were able to grab this opportunity, it seems like RTÉ let one slip through their fingers by not broadcasting the competitions on live TV.
The national broadcaster decided to show the events on iPlayer, despite the fact that Ireland were in a promising position to win silverware.
Fans fume as historic moment in Irish Athletics wasn't on live TV.
Tonight's record breaking race would have made for brilliant television as the nation could cheer on their heroes, but was instead bumped because of the Munster rugby game against the Ospreys, and while the race was happening, Ferrari vs Ford was being shown instead.
RTÉ news is often used for live sport as well, but wasn't in this case, and viewers were quick to vent their frustration.
European Athletics were scheduled to be on RTÉ 2 right now. I turned the TV on to watch the final only to find rugby was on instead. I missed a big moment in Irish sporting history because Muster were playing a game of rugby. I am furious
— mart (@mart5555555) June 7, 2024
RTE posting this is funny - HOPE YE ALL ENJOYED IT ON BBC PLAYER, REMINDER IF YOU HAVEN’T YET PAID YOUR LICENSE FEE! https://t.co/13lte0i1Y3
— LawlerKev (@LawlerKev) June 7, 2024
With a chance of a medal and we’re on the player. Zero new fans tonight
— Paul Anderson (@PauleeAnderson) June 7, 2024
Best Irish athletics achievement in a long time yet wasn’t on RTE… Shame, because it was some race!!!🏅🏅🏅🏅 https://t.co/tb4atD54so
— Benny O'Brien (@Benny0212) June 7, 2024
A lot of talk recently about GAA matches not being televised
That a European Championship final where Ireland had a medal chance - and won gold - was not televised by RTÉ (who, bear in mind have the rights) was disgraceful
Ford vs Ferrari was on. . .@RTEmcbennettd, seriously? https://t.co/mF8YXypnf1
— Chris McNulty (@ChrisMcNultyDgl) June 7, 2024
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Fortunately it will be shown live tomorrow on RTE 2, and on today's broadcast on iPlayer was brilliant, from Greg Allen's commentary to the studio team with Rob Heffernan, Derval O'Rourke and Sonia O'Sullivan - it's just a pity it wasn't on live TV.
Chris O'Donnell: "I was doing it for the whole country"
The runners of course were just delighted with their achievement and to see all of their hard work come to fruition.
"Unbelievable, everything we've dreamed of, said O'Donnell.
"When I started going into the blocks, I really felt I was doing it for the whole country; I wasn't nervous, I was really excited because I've seen these guys next to me and the support we have in the stadium.
"It's an unbelievable, we just can't get over it."
O'Donnell may not have been nervous, but for us watching at home our hearts were in our mouths, and the country couldn't be prouder.
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