Twitter reacts to World Cup match commentary: 'RTE have spent €2.7m on an AI George Hamilton'

Ireland performed admirably in their FIFA Women's World Cup debut, losing out to co-hosts Australia by a single goal. While the performance was highly commended, the same can't be said about the technical problems suffered by RTÉ, with a lag on the TV commentary. 

Presenter Evanne Ní Chuilinn apologised a number of times during the interval for the sound difficulties, which appeared to be worse on TV than for those watching on the RTÉ player. 

Having gone behind to a penalty early in the second half, Ireland took the game to Australia for long periods of the second half as they went in search of an elusive equaliser. 

However, it was not to be and Vera Pauw's side had to settle with a narrow defeat in their maiden game in the World Cup. 

Next up are reigning Olympic champions, Canada, who will also prove to be a tough challenge. 

The lag on commentary during the game produced some witty responses on Twitter. Check them out below. 

I'm not saying the commentary is out of time but George Hamilton just mentioned John Aldridge is involved in a sideline altercation with a FIFA Offical .

— Patrick Michael Barrett (@Arrivalists_) July 20, 2023

George Hamilton is already commentating on the World Cup final here. #AUSvIRL #IRLWNT

— Really Unofficial Kildare Fans Page (@KildareFan2023) July 20, 2023

I can't believe RTE have spent 2.7m on an AI George Hamilton#COYGIG #AUSvIRL

— Seamus (@FPLBow) July 20, 2023

George Hamilton " A A A nation nation nation holds holds holds its its its breath breath breath.... @rte #COYGIG #WomensWorldCup2023

— Buzz O'Neill-Maxwell (@buzzoneill) July 20, 2023

Looking forward to the oireachtas committee to get to the bottom of how George Hamilton knew ahead of time what was about to happen in #IRLvAUS #COYGIG #RTE

— Séamus Conaty (@OConnachtaigh) July 20, 2023

George Hamilton will start commentating on the Canada game in the 85th minute of this one, with the way things are going.

— Karl Johnson (@john_karlson90) July 20, 2023

The RTE commentary is actually just a recording of George Hamilton phrases being played on a old record player. #RTE #FIFAWWC

— Cian Bushell (@Ciano316) July 20, 2023

Commentary so far out of sync that George Hamilton is giving out about the new Pippa in home and away #COYGIG

— talkofvisions (@talkofvisions) July 20, 2023