If Ireland were in a World Cup final, you'd have to wonder if more people would watch that game or the Late Late Toy Show. It would probably be a close run thing. Come the Qatar World Cup, people might actually have to make a choice.
The top 20 most matched Irish TV programmes of 2016 were all broadcast on RTÉ.
As is the norm, the Late Late Toy Show is at number one. The remainder of the top 10 are all sporting events.
In all there are 12 sporting events in the top 20.
The most watched sports event on Irish TV was the Euro 2016 last 16 encounter between Ireland and France. That game had an audience of 1.26 million - over 300,000 less than the Toy Show. The crucial final group game against Italy finished third and the opening game of the group against Sweden fourth.
Two games not featuring Ireland - the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France and the semi-final between Portugal and Wales - also featured in the top 10.
Three GAA games, the drawn All-Ireland football final and the replay along with the hurling final, are also in the top 10.
Three rugby games feature in the top 20, though none in the top 10. The second November encounter with the All Blacks came in at 14 while the Six Nations games against France and England were 18th and 19th, respectively.
Top 20 most watched Irish TV shows of 2016
Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile
