Willie O’Reilly: Virgin Media TV plays on the big pitch now

Ireland’s private TV operator has had a chequered history since it launched, as TV3, in 1998. But it’s now part of a family of businesses that can better weather the storms

‘What Virgin seems most proud of at present is its success in the sports arena.’ Picture: Fergal Phillips

It’s almost six years now since Virgin Media TV debuted on our screens and it’s been celebrating of late. Like other media it’s had a good lockdown. Viewers have been corralled at home and there’s been a constant appetitive for pandemic-related information and escapist TV.

Its first quarter share of viewing for adults over 15 was 19.8 per cent. In March when sport was at its peak it reached 21.4 per cent. Impressive results.

Ireland’s ...