GAA wants right to talk to all terrestrial television channels

THE GAA wants to retain the freedom to be able to negotiate with any of Ireland's terrestrial television stations for the sale of the rights to their games.

With the Government’s ‘listing’ of major sporting events aimed at confining coverage to RTÉ, TV3 or TG4, it’s clear the GAA would also wants to be able to negotiate with UTV or BBC Northern Ireland.

In a statement yesterday the Association confirmed its has no objection in principle to the Government's proposals for the Association, as outlined in the draft list of protected sports events for television.

It said president Sean McCague had already stated there was an onus on the GAA to ensure games were readily available on free-to-air channels.

“The Association is looking forward to meeting with the Minister as part of the consultation process when the GAA will have the opportunity to put its position in respect of all of the issues raised by the proposals,’’ it added.

Interviewed on RTÉ Radio yesterday, Mr McCague revealed the RTÉ link with Sky Digital had had a knock-on effect in terms of them being able to sell their games to carriers overseas.

“That certainly is a big financial blow to us already,’’ he said.

More significantly, he said the GAA wishes to afford members and supporters the opportunity of staying with terrestrial television. That is its stated position and policy, and it does not wish to divert from that. At the same time, he expressed surprise that the GAA had been included on the list.

Mr McCague said: “It is only a draft list and there will be discussions in relation to it, but I would have to say it somewhat restricts us in our ability to negotiate a deal with any of the terrestrial stations.

“While we never had any intention of going to any of the Sky stations and we do not have an international dimension to our games, we do not have a sufficient number of (terrestrial) stations to cover the whole of the 32 counties.

“While our preferred option was to be with RTÉ, which has the largest circulation in Ireland, we were restricted in that they are the only ‘main’ carrier in Ireland.’’

Mr McCague does not envisage a joint approach with the FAI and the IRFU because they are international sports. But, it will pursue the matter with the Government in the context of how it’s going to affect them.

Mr McCague said: “We will be seeking clarification on that. It may not necessarily be financial compensation, but we would like to the issue addressed in relation to our controlling of our own destiny within the island.’’