Copyright evoke
Jacqui Hurley and Marie Crowe are brilliant broadcasters in their own right, so just imagine what could happen when they join forces. Well, perhaps we won't have to imagine it after all, as the Irish Independent has reported the women could be set to put their heads together for RTÉ's new flagship sports show. It comes after a huge shake-up in RTÉ Radio 1, which saw Kieran Cuddihy take over Liveline, and huge names such as Ray D'Arcy and Claire Byrne head towards the door. Just weeks ago, after the schedule shuffle was announced, RTÉ director of audio Patricia Monahan indicated that the roster would feature an all-new 6pm sports show. No names had been touted, but RTÉ insiders have looked favourably upon the idea that Jacqui and Marie could take the reins. 'They are two very well-respected broadcasters with a huge range of experience between them, so people would be very happy to see them getting the new gig,' the insider said. They continued: 'It would be good to see more female broadcasters on the Radio 1 schedule as it’s very male-heavy from mid-morning, with David McCullagh on straight after Oliver Callan. 'Given that Kieran -Cuddihy got the Liveline gig, that would help -correct any perceived gender -imbalance.' Jacqui is well equipped for a radio role, and previously told the Irish Independent that she'd already made a big mistake you're not supposed to make - so at least that's out of her system! 'I said 'sh*t on he radio once. I started Sunday Sport in 2009, and I was the first ever woman to present the show. I was actually more worried at the time that I was the youngest ever presenter because I was only 25... 'I remember at the time thinking, "Oh Jesus, they'll never put another woman on the radio," because this is going to be a gender thing. They are going to be like "Those women, they can't keep their mouths closed".' Jacqui was called into her boss's office over the mistake, convinced that this slip-up had cost her everything. After a long chat, she was still standing, but she learned an important lesson, which is to never take at face value that your microphone is off when it's supposed to be!
