Summer weddings and family events are often missed by sports presenter Aisling O'Reilly due to her demanding schedule covering Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) action. O'Reilly, who also co-presents the children's soccer program "Total Football," has found an unexpected audience among young fans at GAA matches.
Her work with GAA+ involves extensive travel across Ireland most weekends during the summer championship season. This often means missing significant personal events like christenings, birthdays, and weddings. O'Reilly described the need to be a good friend, sister, and auntie while managing her professional obligations. Her typical week includes preparing a review and preview show at Croke Park, followed by broadcasts from various locations, often covering double-headers on Saturdays and continuing the schedule on Sundays. She and her husband, Colm Maginn, who also plays club football, coordinate their schedules, with Maginn often accompanying her on assignments and assisting with driving.
O'Reilly's role on "Total Football," airing on RTÉ 2, has led to her recognition by children at GAA events. She recounted hearing groups of children chanting "Total Football" while she was on air at Semple Stadium. While many children at pitch-side interactions seek autographs from GAA stars like John O'Dwyer or Tommy Walsh, O'Reilly noted that "the odd one is for me." She also highlighted the celebrity status of her "Total Football" co-presenter, YouTube creator DavidMC, among children.
Despite the sacrifices, O'Reilly finds ways to compensate by spending time with her nieces and nephews during her quieter periods. Her husband has also joined her on assignments, including coverage of the New York versus Roscommon Connacht Championship game in New York and the Champions League final in Budapest for Premier Sports. She mentioned that her husband's increased involvement this year allows them to spend more time together.
O'Reilly also expressed support for the Irish women's national soccer team competing in the World Cup in Brazil, noting that it would be "only right" for them to participate, despite a recent loss to France impacting their direct qualification chances. "Total Football" episodes are available for streaming on the RTÉ Player.