RTÉ was quick out of the traps to highlight the ratings success of its programming on Christmas Day on both of its channels.

On December 28th, the State broadcaster gleefully reported that nine out of the 10 most watched programmes were shown by RTÉ, the honourable exception being Coronation Streeton TV3.

Top of the ratings was Pat Shortt's so-called comedy Killinaskully, which AGB Nielsen recorded as having 772,000 viewers, although it's not clear how many were awake at the time.

RTÉ's gloating will no doubt have raised a smile among TV3 executives and its private-equity owners Doughty Hanson, especially as RTÉ's share of adult viewing over the festive period fell while the Ballymount broadcaster increased its numbers.

Figures from Nielsen show that RTÉ's combined share of all-day, adult viewing between Friday, December 21st, and New Year's Eve declined to 37.8 per cent from 38.2 per cent in 2006.

TV3, meanwhile, saw its share rise to 12.3 per cent from 11.6 per cent in 2006, albeit with a schedule that heavily mirrors that of former shareholder ITV.