After a few weeks of classic movies and albums, it was time for something a little different on this week's Cultural Toolbox.
Given the day (of the week) that's in it, what better candidate than RTE's flagship GAA programme The Sunday Game?
"To me in a way it's almost like Match of the Day - in that its source material is above reproach. You have two games - and of course camogie as well - that people absolutely adore, and it's hard to get it wrong," John Fardy argued.
"At root you have a game that's uniquely Irish. In the same way that it's hard to screw up a Merseyside derby, it's also hard to screw up Dublin v Kerry in that glorious stadium on a mildly warm September afternoon. You're already halfway there."
Shane recalled the days when the only GAA on air were basically the All Ireland semi-finals, and then the finals. But things changed in 1979 with The Sunday Game started, despite some initial 'fear' and nervousness about the new programme.
"It wasn't until the 1990s, when they started showing more games, and it became this 'event TV'," John suggested. Shane discussed some of the 'radical' aspects of the show, including the - at the time - unusual decision to include a female panelist with Liz Howard.
The pair criticised RTE's decision to overhaul the show in the early 00s - and indeed the (temporary) decision to get rid of the show's signature theme music. However, they praised the broadcaster's decision to bring it back. "It's a call to arms," John said. "People talk about missing it when they're away."
While there has been some discussion recently over whether the show has become 'too critical', Shane and John had plenty of kind words about the show's current state.
There was little debate in studio this week about the Sunday Game's worthiness of inclusion in the Cultural Toolbox. Do you agree? Let us know, and feel free to share your favourite memories of the show!
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