Removal of free to air TV motion from Congress clár ‘a shame’

Clare chairman Michael McDonagh believes there is nationwide support in the GAA to make all Championship games available on free-to-air TV.

McDonagh was reacting to the news the county’s motion calling for that will not be on the Clár of Congress later this month. The proposal will be discussed by Central Council but won’t be debated or voted on in Cavan on February 28 as the rules advisory committee deemed it does not amend a rule nor enact one. Clonard, Éire Óg and Scariff had put forward three separate motions but, in the end, they backed Éire Óg’s recommendation. The clubs did not object to Sky Sports but their exclusive live rights to 14 Championship matches per year as part of the current media rights agreement. They suggested in the next round of media rights in 2017 that if Sky are to remain in the GAA’s stable of broadcasters they share their games with a free-to-air provider.

Offaly, Donegal as well as several other Ulster counties were prepared to support the motion before the decision was taken to cut it from the Clár.