Ireland tour will not feature in RTE's summer coverage

RTE yesterday announced their "unrivalled summer sports coverage" which includes 11 Formula One Grand Prix, live coverage of 25 matches in Euro 2000, GAA, racing and tennis from Wimbledon but confirmed that the station is highly unlikely to be screening either Ireland's rugby or soccer tours abroad.

Warren Gatland's touring side face Argentina on June 3rd, USA on June 10th and Canada on June 17th, while Mick McCarthy's squad will play Mexico on June 4th, USA on June 6th and South Africa on June 11th.

The national broadcaster cited two reasons for not covering the three soccer matches, namely the very late kick-off times as well as a prior commitment to Euro 2000. RTE has no access to highlights yet as it is unknown if another broadcaster is covering the soccer tour. E do not yet have access to highlights.

Regarding the rugby tour, RTE do not have broadcasting rights. "As of yet we are not covering the rugby," said a spokesperson. "Rupert Murdoch's Fox TV have the rights."

They will, however, be showing Saturday's European Cup final between Munster and Northampton live on Network 2 and Ireland's match against the Barbarians at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.

Meanwhile, although a spokesperson for Aer Lingus yesterday confirmed it had just one economy seat left on the Saturday morning flight to Gatwick, London, due to Munster's European Cup final at Twickenham against Northampton, 747 Travel have said there are a number of seats remaining on three planes leaving from Shannon to Gatwick on Friday and Saturday.

"We still have seats remaining," said Michael Caslin of 747 travel. "I think people have gotten the impression that there is now no way anyone can get over to London to see the Munster match."

The travel company, however, point out there is a chartered Tristar with a 361-seat capacity leaving Shannon for Stansted at 6 a.m. on Saturday and returning at midnight. They also have a Transair flight leaving on Friday at 3 p.m. and a Ryanair flight departing an hour later. As of 3.30 pm yesterday all flights had seats available. The cost of a return flight from London on Saturday is £249 with the match ticket extra while the overnight package which includes flight, B&B and a match ticket costs £299.

For inquiries: Telephone 014780099.