GAA under fire over sale of match rights to Sky Sports
Outraged fans took to the airwaves yesterday to vent their fury, with some going as far as to say the health of their elderly loved ones would be damaged by the decision.
Politicians also joined the fray, with Fianna Fáil spokesman on sports, Timmy Dooley, saying he too was concerned older people would suffer over the deal.
“For many these games are the focal point of their weekend, and now they will be forced to either pay for a subscription or go to a pub to watch these matches.
“People are already under pressure with high taxes and reduced salaries and many will find it next to impossible to find an additional €64 a month to pay for a Sky subscription.”
Independent MEP Marian Harkin said as an organisation sustained by voluntary effort, the GAA had a duty of care to people unable to afford Sky.
“Older people in particular who cannot get to games, and children who should not be required to go to a pub to view GAA games, must be provided with the opportunity to view all televised GAA games,” she said.
She said the GAA should consider paying the Sky fee for clubs and community halls and provide transport to screenings.
Labour Party MEP Emer Costello said she would ask Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte to stop more games being lost to pay-per-view by using the European Audio Visual Services Directive to designate certain events as free-to-air.
Sky Sports costs €36 per month or €432 per year but to obtain it, viewers also have to have a general Sky TV package, the cheapest of which is €28 per month. So for a customer subscribing for the first time, the annual cost is €768.
Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said the cost was out of the question for many.
“We would be concerned for older people. Television is a very important support for them, particularly people who are housebound, and the GAA is very close to their hearts.”
Sports Minister Leo Varadkar acknowledged the concerns and said it would be important to know how the money from the Sky deal would be spent.
“What I think would be of reassurance to fans and the general public would be some indication as to how the GAA is to spend the money they are going to get,” he said. “I’d like to see that filter down to clubs and players as well.”
GAA president Liam O’Neill said Sky’s coverage would open up GAA to a global audience.
