In a world of social media, box sets and on demand TV there is only one protected programme that demands everyone's attention and, for me, that's The Sunday Game.
- Sean Cavanagh
On Wednesday night RTÉ celebrated 40 years of The Sunday Game with a special documentary Sunday Best: 40 Years of The Sunday Game taking us behind the scenes as key figures reflected on an entity that is more institution than TV show.
Jim Carney, Michael Lyster, Joanne Cantwell, Brolly, Spillane ... the extensive list of contributors to the documentary served as an example of just how many people The Sunday Game has touched since it first aired in 1979 - and they're just the on-air talent.
In sitting rooms around the country, GAA fans were losing themselves down memory lane, engrossed in the nostalgia and falling in love with The Sunday Game all over again. It has entertained us, it has moved us, angered us and much more besides, but more than anything The Sunday Game has made us always feel part of something special.
There weren't many TV programmes that brought our house to a standstill but when my late father was living the @TheSundayGame was certainly one! So many fond memories attached to this Irish institution... #Sundaybest #TheSundayGame https://t.co/d6H1alOykv
— Eamonn McGurk (@McGurkEamonn) December 4, 2019
You are going to think I am daft but am watching #SundayBest again. It is simply brilliant. So many incredible TV sporting moments. Well done #RTE.
— John Mulligan (@Mulliganj) December 4, 2019
Well done to all @RTEgaa on a fine tribute to 40 years of @TheSundayGame. My favourite moment was right at the very end though. #sundaybest pic.twitter.com/6uFTWdoo7D
— Alan Dooley (@alanmdooley) December 4, 2019
I was at the back of the Town End in Semple Stadium when Maurice Fitzgerald scored the greatest point in the history of televised Gaelic Football. The exhilaration of it. Pure genius. #SundayBest #GAA
— Dermot Keyes (@DermotKeyes) December 4, 2019
Pat could see into the future with those things. #sundaybest #thesundaygame @TheSundayGame pic.twitter.com/G23BDVfPEP
— Johnny Keane (@diamondkeane) December 4, 2019
Interesting insight into the history of the @TheSundayGame how it has adopted over the years & what it means to Irish people's culture & heritage. Can't beat GAA 💪🏻💪🏻where the hart lies #sundaygame #GAA #family #allasone
— Thomas Rossiter (@t_rossiter25) December 4, 2019
Watching Sunday Best: 40 Years of the Sunday Game. I remember once the camera focused on a spectator at a game, and when he realised the camera was on him he started jiggling his false teeth in his mouth with his tongue. I hope they show that clip. #SundayBest
— Derek McHugh (@_DerekMcHugh_) December 4, 2019
Listen to @LeitrimGAA hurler @ZakmoradiGAA, as he recalls his debut on @TheSundayGame 🙌#SundayBest celebrates 40 years of @TheSundayGame and airs this Wednesday at 9.35pm on @RTEOne📺👀 pic.twitter.com/01b53ki8rs
— Loosehorse Sport (@LoosehorseSport) December 3, 2019
Brilliant Programme #SundayBest @TheSundayGame . The rush home from Croke Park to watch the Sunday Game with more tae and sambos #GAA
— Lynda Mooney (@lyndamoo7) December 4, 2019
Another fine bit of telly with @RTEgaa's #SundayBest. Jim Carney's in depth analysis of a kick in the hole is *chef's kiss*
— Aidan Delaney (@aidand472) December 4, 2019
" @TheSundayGame reflects the gratitude we have for the GAA in our lives" Perfect quote from @Vincent_Hogan .
It's been a great 40 years and here's to many more. @RTEgaa @RTEsport #SundayBest #GAA— Michael Cooke (@MikeCooke92) December 4, 2019
If you missed Wednesday night's documentary airing you can catch it on RTÉ Player here.
