RTÉ has acquired the broadcasting rights to show live more than 12 Glasgow Celtic soccer matches for the remainder of the Scottish Premier League season.
The new package is to begin on Sunday with coverage of the Old Firm derby against Glasgow Rangers at Celtic Park, to be shown live on Network 2.
RTÉ has obtained the rights through a sub-licensing arrangement with Setanta Television, which yesterday announced a new £2.75 million, two-year pay-per-view deal with the league.
The deal will allow up to 18 matches to be broadcast throughout the UK and Ireland.
The majority of games will be Saturday fixtures, featuring either Celtic or Rangers, with kick-offs switched to lunchtimes.
A similar deal was agreed with Setanta earlier in the year but the league pulled out when the company encountered problems broadcasting Celtic's Champions League qualifier with Basel.
A spokesman for RTÉ said it hoped to show up to 14 matches.
Under the package these would comprise three Old Firm derbies and a number of Celtic away fixtures.
RTÉ has yet to finalise a list of games for broadcast due to a number of fixtures clashing with other sports events, such as the upcoming GAA International Rules games at Croke Park.
When clashes occur, RTÉ is expected to defer the broadcast of Celtic games until later in the day.
Coverage of this Sunday's match begins at 2 p.m., with kick-off at 2.15 p.m.
Commentary will be by George Hamilton and Billy McNeill.
