Darragh Maloney: 'Studio debates are what helps us to set apart'

It can perhaps be a difficult task to rein in some of the more heated discussions that take place during RTÉ’s football coverage but anchor Darragh Maloney is one who welcomes such open and candid dialogues.

He was speaking during the launch of RTÉ’s coverage of Russia 2018. The World Cup is an occasion where impassioned conversations tend to occur and he is looking forward to the challenge.

“Absolutely. That’s what makes it special. You just don’t know what direction those chats are going to go in. You might have an idea of where it starts but it goes where it goes and we are happy enough to follow it.”

He believes this aspect is what helps differentiate the organisation in terms of its coverage. Panellists and guests are not afraid to express opinions that might be stymied elsewhere. “Essentially the matches are there but we have always had a group of panellists who will call it as they see it and say what they see. Not be afraid to say something that might not go along the expected lines.”

He puts that down to the knowledge and experience of the people employed. This is even true of relative new-comers like Damien Duff and incoming guests such as Richard Dunne and Shay Given.

“The knowledge that they all have about football means that you are learning something new from them all the time. You get something completely different and you get a unique perspective from all of them.”

This was also backed up by Richard Sadlier. “We are not talking about something which is clinical or fact based which can be solely backed up with numbers. Or where there is an absolute right or wrong. There are many grey areas where you can make your case and take part in the debate. What I love about working in RTÉ is that we are given licence to do exactly that.”

It can be tough as an editor or studio presenter in such as situation. A script can be going to plan until one comment sets the whole thing askew. Maloney is well used to that seemingly. “You might have an editorial idea where it might go but then it takes a turn. You just have to go with it.”

He stresses the need to let the conversation flow. “If something needs to be said, it will be said, and we have a group of people who all have very strong opinions. They’ll back them up and argue them with whatever. Whether they be beside them, behind them or whatever. There is never a fear of that when you start one of these programmes.”

But despite potential disagreements, things never turn too nasty. “To throw a pen? Me! Maybe, I’ll put money on me. I could skew that in a certain way. I don’t know if that has happened in a long time. That was 1990 and the day of the Egypt game. Which I remember watching at home. But yeah, put money on me to throw a pen!”