Kelly defends GAA pay-per-view deal

THE GAA did not appreciate that a significant number of supporters would be precluded from watching live NFL games when it signed an agreement with Setanta Sports, President Sean Kelly admitted yesterday.

However, he stressed the channel had only been given "minimal" rights to six games. He argued having Setanta involved in the last "auction" of rights strengthened the GAA's hand in negotiating with RTÉ.

Kerry fans were upset when they learned last week that they would not be able to see Saturday night's floodlit game with Mayo unless they were subscribers to Setanta.