Setanta woe causes fans concern abroad

By Colm O’Connor

Saturday, July 04, 2009

GAA FANS in Great Britain and throughout Europe may have difficulty watching the weekend’s championship action in pubs or clubs due to the collapse of Setanta in the UK.

Croke Park bosses last night admitted they are to begin talks next week with unnamed broadcasters in an effort to re-instate the service which has become a lifeline for thousands of ex-pats and holiday makers.

However some foreign venues using Sky Digital cards issued in Ireland have access to RTÉ and TV3. Failing that GAA supporters are advised that a number of matches will be shown on the Setanta website.

Three games will be available online this weekend through the Setanta i-player on a match pay per view basis by clicking on www.setanta.com/i/global — tonight’s All-Ireland SFC qualifier between Monaghan and Armagh along with tomorrow’s Munster SFC final (Cork v Limerick) and the Leinster SHC decider (Kilkenny v Dublin).

Users outside the US, Canada, Australia and Ireland can also access these games live by clicking on www.setanta.com/i/global. Users living in the US, Canada and Australia should refer to the Setanta-i player for their region to confirm availability online. Users in these regions will still be able to view games live on TV in bars through Setanta Premium and also through home subscriptions in Australia. Contact global-setanta-i@setanta.com for assistance is needed.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Saturday, July 04, 2009