For many viewers, RTÉ no longer looks like an independent broadcaster but a taxpayer-supported institution protected by Government funding, despite repeated controversies.
After receiving a €725 million taxpayer-funded rescue package, RTÉ now faces growing criticism that it has become increasingly dependent on the State while asking the public to continue funding both its operations and charitable initiatives.
RTÉ is facing mounting criticism after launching a tender process that could see up to €855,000 spent on outside consultants to manage and distribute Late Late Toy Show Appeal funds, despite the broadcaster already benefiting from a massive taxpayer-funded rescue package worth €725 million over three years.
The national broadcaster is seeking a consultancy firm to oversee grant assessments, compliance, audits, reporting, PR support and fund distribution linked to the Toy Show Appeal, which has raised more than €31 million since 2020. Crucially, the tender documents confirm that the consultancy costs “will be deducted from the Fund” itself — meaning public donations intended for children’s charities will partly finance administration and consultancy fees.
The move is likely to anger many taxpayers and viewers who have already watched RTÉ receive extraordinary levels of state support following the broadcaster’s financial and governance scandals. In July 2024, the Government approved a controversial €725 million public funding package for RTÉ covering the years 2025 to 2027, effectively guaranteeing the broadcaster’s future despite collapsing public trust after the Ryan Tubridy payment controversy.
That bailout followed an earlier emergency rescue package worth €56 million approved in late 2023.
Now, critics are asking why an organisation already heavily dependent on taxpayers and public donations requires nearly another €1 million for consultants to administer a charity fund.
RTÉ insists the appeal operates efficiently, pointing to figures claiming that 96.7% of all Toy Show Appeal money raised has gone directly to frontline charities, with operating costs accounting for 3.3% of funds raised over five years. But opponents argue that almost €900,000 in administration costs remains difficult to justify given the emotional public fundraising campaigns surrounding the annual Toy Show.
The controversy comes as RTÉ also faces backlash over its politically charged decision to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest over Israel’s participation. Ireland is among several countries refusing to participate or broadcast the event this year.
The decision is expected to drive large Irish audiences toward rival UK coverage on BBC One, over the coming nights, with BBC broadcasts now becoming the default viewing option for many Eurovision fans in Ireland.
While millions across Europe tune into Eurovision from Vienna this week, RTÉ will instead stupidly air alternative programming including reruns such as ‘Father Ted’ during the final.
For many critics, the optics are increasingly damaging; a broadcaster reliant on hundreds of millions in taxpayer support, deducting consultancy fees from children’s charity donations, while simultaneously walking away from one of Europe’s biggest television events and effectively handing audiences to the BBC.
A proud Tipperary native was among the international visitors gathered at Space Center Houston ahead of one of the most historic moments in modern space exploration; the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission.
Mr Seanie Ryan, originally from Kennedy Park, Thurles, and a former member of the Tweed and Kenny Ryder Superband, travelled to the renowned visitor centre prior to the launch of the Artemis II mission from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Wednesday, April 1st.
The landmark mission saw four astronauts embark on humanity’s first crewed journey around the Moon in over 50 years, marking a major milestone in global space exploration.
Mr. Seanie Ryan and his wife Pamela, at Houston Space Center for Artemis II Moon Mission.
Mr. Ryan and his wife Pamela, (pictured above), who previously lived in Houston and now resides in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, was joined by family members for the memorable visit. His daughter, Sarah, works locally as an American Sign Language teacher, near the Space Center, while his son, Kevin; a former member of the White House Press Corps, was present in a professional capacity, reporting on the historic launch.
The Artemis II mission has captivated millions worldwide, as the crew of four astronauts. including the first woman assigned to a lunar mission, undertake a journey orbiting the Moon before returning to Earth.
A well-known musician on both sides of the Atlantic, Mr Seanie Ryan has performed with numerous bands in Ireland and the United States. He is currently working as a professional soccer referee in America and remains a loyal supporter of Port Vale Football Club.
Mr. Seanie Ryan is also the brother of Thurles-based journalist Mr Tom Ryan, Rahealty, Thurles, whose poem commemorating the Artemis mission has featured in coverage of the event by his son Kevin.
The Ryan family’s presence at Space Center Houston added a personal Irish connection to an event of global significance, as the world once again turns its attention to the Moon and the future of human space exploration.
Bon voyage Artemis 11. By Poet & Author Tom Ryan.
When there’s a bridge, Between stars and sod, Who knows all men may yet find God. And so at last in one another See ourselves as sister – brother Bon voyage Artemis 11. END.
Thurles Co. Tipperary came alive today as the rural heart of mid-County Tipperary marked St Patrick’s Day with a parade that reflected the warmth, pride and community spirit for which the town is so well known. Despite the cold and cloudy conditions, large crowds gathered along the streets in great numbers, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere from start to finish. Thurles is a thriving town in County Tipperary, and St Patrick’s Day, celebrated each year on 17th March, remains one of the most important occasions in Ireland’s civic and cultural calendar.
Families, friends, neighbours and visitors of all ages turned out in good spirits, wrapped up against the chill but full of enthusiasm and festive cheer. The parade offered a proud display of local identity, bringing together a broad and mixed population in a shared celebration of Irish heritage, community and belonging. The sight of the crowd lining the route, applauding participants and waving flags, captured the very best of Thurles; resilient, friendly and united.
Video: Courtesy G. Willoughby.
Today’s event was a reminder that even under grey skies, the spirit of St Patrick’s Day shines brightly in towns such as Thurles. The success of the parade is a credit to the organisers, volunteers, participants and all those who attended and supported the celebration. Their contribution ensured a memorable occasion that honoured tradition while strengthening the bonds of community that continue to define Thurles.
A series of events will take place in Waterford city this weekend to commemorate the life and legacy of Thomas Francis Meagher, with particular reflection on his role in the Young Ireland rebellion, the rising at Ballingarry in South Tipperary, and the dramatic events that led to his arrest and transportation to Van Diemen’s Land.
Signatures of Thomas Francis Meagher and Patrick O’Donoghue, both arrested at Rathcannon, Holycross, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, following the 1848 Ballingarry (SR) rebellion. Both signatures are written on the back of a prison library book called “Wreath of Friendship”. Picture: G. Willoughby.
Although Meagher is forever associated with raising the tricolour at the Wolfe Tone Confederate Club at No. 33 The Mall in Waterford on Tuesday 7th March 1848, his place in Irish history was shaped just as powerfully by what happened later that year. As one of the leading figures of the Young Irelanders, he became involved in the 1848 rebellion, culminating in the confrontation at Ballingarry, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, in July.
The Ballingarry rising, though unsuccessful, became one of the defining episodes of the Young Ireland revolt. In its aftermath, Meagher was arrested at Rathcannon, Holycross, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, tried for treason, and sentenced to death, a sentence later commuted to transportation to Van Diemen’s Land*. His exile marked a crucial chapter in his life and secured his place among the most significant Irish nationalist figures of the nineteenth century.
* Van Diemen’s Land was the original European name for the island of Tasmania, Australia, used from its 1642 discovery by Abel Tasman, until renamed in 1856. Settled by the British in 1803, it served as a notorious, harsh penal colony for convicts. It is now a state of Australia known for its rugged landscape.
Earlier that same year, Meagher had unveiled what would later become the national flag of Ireland in his native Waterford. The tricolour flew for eight days and nights before being removed by the then British authorities. Speaking about the flag in April 1848, Meagher said: “The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between Orange and Green and I trust that beneath its folds the hands of Irish Protestants and Irish Catholics may be clasped in generous and heroic brotherhood.”
The tricolour was adopted as the flag of the Irish Free State in 1922 and formally confirmed as the national flag in the 1937 Constitution.
This weekend’s Thomas Francis Meagher 178th Anniversary Tricolour Celebration will see a three-day festival of talks and events take place in Waterford city. Organisers say the festival offers an opportunity not only to reflect on the proud history of the flag, but also to consider Meagher’s wider legacy as a revolutionary, a political exile, and a symbol of Irish resilience.
Sadly, our local Thurles Tourist Office promoters have seen fit to ignore this same 178th Anniversary Tricolour Celebration. Same seem to be keeping themselves busy promoting Facebook posts about local children’s and men’s clothing shops, local nail bars, pubs, cafés, Easter camps, college open days, and Mother’s Day; clearly the kind of world-famous attractions that have international tourists booking flights as we speak. After all nothing says ‘must-visit destination’ quite like a last-minute Easter camp and a half-price manicure. Seriously, while all these Thurles advertised businesses are unquestionably among the very best in their field, same can hardly be seen as unique selling points (USP’s), as far as foreign tourism attractions are concerned, and therefore are about as useful as an ashtray on a motorcycle.
The commemorative weekend opens this evening with the Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum Band performing at the Granville Hotel on Meagher Quay.
Chairperson of the organising committee, Mr Éamonn McEneaney, said the weekend will feature many highlights, including the Friday evening walking tour of the city, four guest speakers at the Medieval Museum on Saturday morning, a gala dinner on Saturday night, and the military parade, wreath-laying ceremony and raising of the flag on Sunday morning.
Following on from Tipperary’s successful campaign to win back the Liam McCarthy Cup in July 2025, Tipperary GAA have released ‘Blue to Gold‘, the definitive behind the scenes story of Tipperary’s All Ireland winning season.
The official movie was produced locally in Thurles by Retake Productions, a venture run by two local Thurles men Mr Conor Stakelum and Mr Ben Walsh.
‘Blue to Gold‘ takes you from the depths of the miserable 2024 season to the steps of the Hogan Stand in July 2025. This journey takes viewers behind the scenes and lays bare the agonies and ecstasy that are associated with Tipperary’s run to Liam McCarthy success. It gives you a fascinating insight into the character and characters behind the Cooper helmets!
‘Blue to Gold‘ is available to rent or buy with the proceeds going towards Tipperary GAA and the recently announced Centre of Excellence.
A great stocking filler for young and old, and more importantly it is supporting locally produced content by the team at Retake Productions.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Recent Comments