Setanta cool on counties’ hopes to stream games live

Allianz League broadcasters Setanta TV have revealed surprise at suggestions individual counties may be sanctioned to stream live coverage of games.

Armagh TV was launched earlier this month, with 30,000 viewers taking in live online coverage of their McKenna Cup clash with Cavan. Organisers hope to roll out the same service for their four Allianz League Division 2 home games.

After gaining an apparent green light from TG4, they’re confident of securing the go-ahead also needed from fellow rights holders Setanta as well as Croke Park.

But there was a lukewarm reaction to the initiative from Croke Park yesterday, with commercial director Peter McKenna questioning the general quality of online coverage.

Setanta too appeared unimpressed. “I’d have to check the contract situation on that and double check with the GAA,” said Setanta’s Customer Acquisition Director Brian Quinn.

“But, from our perspective, as the broadcaster who has bought the rights to those live games, I’m kind of a little surprised to hear it (is a possibility). So we’d certainly be keen to look into that a wee bit further.”