Former stars of Clare GAA are calling for the association and RTÉ to adopt a common sense approach when choosing fixtures for broadcast on terrestrial television.
RTE & the GAA will appear before an Oireachtas committee following an immense public backlash over decisions to place games of major public interest behind a paywall.
A former hurler of the year and two time All-Ireland winner with Clare has described this years delivery of the GAA’s online streaming service as a major own goal.
Subscription based service GAA Go was granted exclusive rights to 38 Gaelic Football & Hurling fixtures for the 2023 season , following Sky Sport’s decision to exit the market last October.
The RTE & GAA joint venture has since faced an immense public backlash over decisions to broadcast major championship fixtures such as Clare’s victory over Limerick in the Munster Hurling Championship behind a pay wall.
St.Joseph’s Doora-Barefield clubman, Jamesie O’Connor says the GAA need to take public interest into account when scheduling fixtures for terrestrial TV.
Meanwhile a 2013 All-Ireland winner with Clare believes the GAA’s streaming service is disproportionately affecting both the older and younger generations.
Tubber native & former Clare captain, Patrick O’Connor claims young people are being denied the opportunity to become inspired by their local heroes, while the nature of internet dependence renders the service unfriendly for elderly & rural communities.
An Ennis based former Intercounty referee claims there is no necessity for either GAA or the RTÉ to profit from a streaming service.
The GAA recorded operating profits of over €91m last year through a combination of gate receipts, commercial income & state funding.
Eire Óg Clubman, & Clare FM football analyst Rory Hickey believes our national game should always be made available free to air on either the RTÉ News channel or TG4 as a condition of the TV licence.
You can listen to the full interview below
