TV3 has prised Tuesday night Champions League action from the grasp of RTE for at least three seasons beginning in the summer of 2009.
While RTE retains the most live matches of any Irish terrestrial station, with 18 compared to the 16 secured by TV3, it's share has been cut significantly after losing the Tuesday night slot.
RTE has secured the rights to the final and the Uefa Super Cup but TV3 will broadcast round three of the qualifying phase and has delayed rights to all other matches in the competition.
Glen Killane, Group Head of RTE Sport, said today: "We're delighted to continue to deliver Uefa Champions League live coverage to fans in Ireland free-to-air until 2012.
"In the current competitive climate, securing the most coverage of any terrestrial television channel in Ireland with the premium package for Wednesday night matches - including the final - is no mean feat for a public service broadcaster."
TV3 commercial director Pat Kiely said it was a "major coup".
"The Uefa Champions League is as good as it gets in club football and it just continues to grow in prestige and popularity. We are really looking forward to working with Uefa and Team, their marketing partner, in providing top class Tuesday night coverage."
