ESPN and Kickball, Vol. 1: Premiere, kiss us if you're Irish

ESPN has officially picked up the rights to televise Premier League soccer in Ireland, showing the 46 matches next season that were previously held by Setanta Sports.

Said Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore: "They have a formidable worldwide reputation and we have great confidence in their ability to provide football fans with first rate coverage and programming."

Further Irish rights for next season are up for grabs in the coming weeks. The auction process to show matches from 2010 to 2013 will take place later this year.

Setanta has continued to broadcast other sporting events in Ireland since its British channels closed last month after filing for bankruptcy protection.