TV3 have announced their panel members and schedule for Euro 2016 with Joey Barton, Keith Andrews and Emma Byrne among the pundits.
With the European Championships extended – meaning more matches will take place – coverage will be shared this year between TV3 and RTÉ.
TV3 will broadcast a total of 22 games live, beginning with England’s clash with Russia on Saturday, June 11th.
Barton – who was today offered a new deal with newly-promoted Burnley – is the surprise inclusion in the list of panellists with former Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews and Emma Byrne of the Ireland women’s team included along with Graeme Souness, Neil Lennon, Harry Redknapp, Kevin Kilbane, Gerry Armstrong and Lawrie Sanchez.
“This is an exciting time for TV3. We are thrilled to be bringing a festival of football to TV3 screens this summer and even more thrilled at the strong line-up of panellists that we have secured.
“I’m particularly happy to welcome Republic of Ireland women’s team captain Emma Byrne, the first female footballer to join the ranks. Emma’s credentials speak for themselves and we look forward to her input throughout the tournament,” said TV3’s group managing director Pat Kiely.
The full schedule of games set to be broadcast live on TV3 are as follows:
Saturday 11th June England v Russia
Sunday 12th June Turkey v Croatia & Germany v Ukraine
Monday 13th June Spain v Czech Republic
Tuesday 14th June Austria v Hungary
Wednesday 15th June Romania v Switzerland & France v Albania
Thursday 16th June Ukraine v N.Ireland
Friday 17th June Spain v Turkey
Saturday 18th June Iceland v Hungary
Sunday 19th June Romania v Albania
Monday 20th June Slovakia v England
Tuesday 21st June Ukraine v Poland & Croatia v Spain
Weds 22nd June Hungary v Portugal & Sweden v Belgium
Sat 25th & Sun 26th June Round of 16 (3 games*)
June 30th June - 3rd July Quarter Finals (2 games*)
Sunday 10th July The Final
