27 June 2023
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Congratulations to Jacqui Hurley
The Sunday Game presenter Jacqui Hurley has been named Person of the Month to mark her sports broadcasting career on RTE Radio and TV.
Back in 2009 she also made news as the first ever female anchor of Sunday Sport on Radio One. Now, another big achievement, taking over as the 2023 Sunday Game TV Presenter..
“Working on the Sunday Game was a childhood dream of mine. It’s an absolute privilege to take on such an iconic role and follow in the footsteps of some incredible broadcasters“, said Jacqui.
Dáithí O’ Sé, presenter of The Today Show, said “The Sunday Game is one of those iconic shows like The Late Late Show. I would imagine that every presenter, whether you’re sports or not, would like to take it on. I am delighted for Jacqui Hurley getting the job, I actually sent her a text when the news emerged that Des Cahill was stepping down. She is the right person for the job.”
She also anchors RTE’s rugby coverage on TV and has presented all of the major sporting events, including the Olympics, World Cups, the Euro’s and multiple All Ireland finals.
The Sunday Game Anchor and top sports broadcaster Jacqui Hurley has been honoured with a Cork Person of the Month award to mark her sports career over the years. Her work in gender equality in women’s sport was also acclaimed. Hurley hails from Ballinhassig. Pictured at the presentation L/R Jan Mitchell, Metropole Hotel, Manus O’Callaghan, Cork Person of Year awards scheme, Jacqui Hurley, Cork Person of the Month, Anthony O’Donovan, Masterkabin. Pic by Tony O’Connell.
Jacqui Hurley is a champion of gender equality in sport and has been part of an initiative which aims to change the perception of women’s sport in Ireland. She has published two children’s books in her “Girls Play Too” series, which share the sports stories of some of Ireland’s top female athletes. She is an athlete herself, having represented Ireland in basketball and played camogie for Cork. She is also a keen golfer.
Jacqui’s name now goes forward, with the other Cork Persons of the Month selected this year, for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at a Gala Awards Lunch to be held at The Metropole Hotel in Cork’s City Centre on January 26th next, 2024.