TG4 announce extension of Ladies Football Championship coverage

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD today launched the 2006 TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Championship at a reception in Croke Park.

Today’s launch also heard confirmation of a major increase in official sponsor TG4’s live coverage of the 2006 Championships.

The channel will broadcast 10 Championship games live this season, up from four last year). The four All-Ireland quarter-finals at senior level and both All-Ireland semi-finals in the junior championship will be broadcast for the first time.

This means that fans of Ladies Football can view a major Championship match live on television every Saturday from mid-August to mid September. In an exciting innovation, all matches being broadcast live by TG4 this season will also be webcast live, free of charge, worldwide on www.tg4.ie.

“As a nation, we are rightly proud of our language and our native sports,” said Mr Ahern. “TG4 has revitalized the public’s and young people’s attitude to Irish.

“It has showcased the best aspects of our culture. There is no better example to set than to promote this wonderful sport of Ladies Football – with its emphasis on skill and passion.”

TG4 Ceannasaí, Pól Ó Gallchóir also confirmed that agreement has been reached between TG4 and Cumann Peil Gael na mBan to extend the term of the current sponsorship and broadcast rights contract between them up to 2009.