We talk about being the first female GAA presenter, Sky pads, pronunciations and Ed Chamberlain with the Dublin woman…
Sky Sports announced their team of presenters, commentators and analysts today and Sky Sports News favourite Rachel Wyse was confirmed as one of the main anchors and JOE was in Croke Park today and sat down with Rachel for a chat about her new role.
JOE: Thanks for talking to us Rachel, how excited are you by all of this?
Rachel: It’s a huge day for me and I’m very proud to be part of the line-up and it’s so exciting to be working with the guys, as one of the presenters I’m hoping to get the best out of them. I also get to come back to Ireland every weekend so that’s brilliant, I can’t wait to get started on the 7th of June.
JOE: There are some brilliant female presenters in the world of sport but you’re the first ever female GAA presenter, how does that make you feel?
Rachel: It makes me nervous, if I’m being honest. Sky gave me a great opportunity when they took me on four years ago, they’ve nurtured me to help me get to where I want to be. There is pressure on my shoulders but I’m going to do the best job that I can and as a presenter, I hope the skills I’ve picked up in a live broadcast environment stand me in good stead. I’m sure people who tune in will enjoy it.
JOE: The thing we love about Sky’s coverage is the technology; the Sky pads and touch screens and all those gadgets, have you been messing around with them already?
Rachel: I know my way around a Sky Pad and touch screens, they can be complicated at times but that’s what people want to see and they love that technology that Sky can bring to a game and show you a different side of it and I know for sure that’s what they want to bring to air.
JOE: We’ve seen a bit of GAA coverage already on Sky Sports News, how are all the team reacting to this new sport coming to the channel?
Rachel: They’ve all been very curious about it, I’ve spoken to Jim White and Kristy Gallagher about it and they’re excited about the sports coming to the channel. Yeah, they’ve been asking questions and they’ll get into very quickly. I’m going to try and get them to come over for a few matches and I’m sure Jim will be the first man on the flight.
JOE: Rachel, our favourite show on Sky Sports is Monday Night Football with Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Ed Chamberlain. The chemistry between the guys is great and the format works so well, will you ask Ed for some advice before you start?
Rachel: Ed’s a good friend, we worked along side each other when I started on Sky Sports News and he’s gone on to work on Monday Night Football which has been a massive success, I’ve spoken to him a bit about this so he’ll give me a bit of advice along the way but this is new to Sky and that’s why were surrounding ourselves with specific GAA experts like Jamesie, Peter and Nicky so we can put the best possible product out there but Ed will be there with help if I need him.”
JOE: Finally, does this mean you’ll be leaving Sky Sports News to focus fully on the GAA?
Rachel: I’m not sure, it depends on my midweek work. If I’m on the early shift, which is a 4am start, the flying back and forth could be a bit difficult so maybe I mightn’t be on Sky Sports News for a little bit.
Sky Sport’s first match broadcast will be the Leinster hurling championship semi final between Kilkenny and Offaly in Nowlan Park on June 7th.
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