Northern Ireland

Emotional film marks return of RTÉ's The Sunday Game

Shared on social media, it had been viewed more than half a million times
Shared on social media, it had been viewed more than half a million times Shared on social media, it had been viewed more than half a million times

A SHORT film heralding the return of The Sunday Game to TV screens has generated a wave of emotion.

RTÉ producer Elaine Buckley shared the stunning promotion video for the flagship show, which last night featured classic action.

Shared on social media, it had been viewed more than half a million times hours before last night's programme was broadcast.

The montage contrasts the current locked gates and empty pitches of GAA grounds with archive footage of glory moments over the decades with cheering crowds of supporters.

It includes several iconic and memorable highlights to the sound of an acoustic cover of Don Henley's The Boys Of Summer.

In little more than two minutes, it embraces scores of moving scenes of players, managers and fans.

Oisin McConville's goal for Armagh in the 2002 All-Ireland final features alongside short clips of past Tyrone and Down sides that lifted the Sam Maguire.

It finishes with a poignant aerial image of Croke Park, and a simple, poignant message "This Too Shall Pass".

Many who watched the trailer spoke about it being powerful and affecting, including Olympic sprinter David Gillick.

RTÉ journalist Marie Crowe wrote on Twitter: "Probably should have grabbed the box of tissues before watching."

Former Dublin footballer Jason Sherlock described it as "powerful".

"Times like this we realize the brilliance of many of the things we normally take for granted," wrote Cathall Carr, while fan Sean Buckley tweeted: "I’ll never complain about blanket defences again...I swear I’ve learnt my lesson! Just give us back Championship Sundays!"