Costello turns guns on RTÉ

RTÉ conveniently believe that Gaelic games in this country are played over a four-month season, according to Dublin GAA secretary John Costello.

In his report to the next week’s annual County convention, Costello dug the heels in on the national broadcasters and claimed the country’s indigenous games have dropped down Montrose’s pecking order behind rugby and soccer.

And while acknowledging that Croke Park has decided to cut live championships games in 2011 by 20 per cent, he is adamant GAA supporters are being short-changed by the national broadcaster.

"By 2013, RTÉ will screen more live games of League of Ireland soccer than Gaelic games championship action (hurling and football combined)," noted Costello.

"RTÉ screened 18 live domestic soccer games this year, a figure that is set to increase to 33 by 2013. Likewise, rugby will eclipse Gaelic games in terms of live coverage with our national broadcaster contracted to show Six Nations, autumn Test friendlies, as well as both the All-Ireland League and Magners League.

"I am aware of recent comments by the Árd Stiúrthóir (Páraic Duffy) that the GAA were ‘overdoing the live coverage’," Costello continued.

"However, it is my contention GAA supporters are not getting a fair deal from the national broadcaster.

"The attitude towards Gaelic games in Montrose seems to be that our national games are only played during the months of June, July, August and September.

"For starters, RTÉ should have a preview style programme throughout the season, which framed that weekend’s action. But, unfortunately, Gaelic games seem to be slipping down the decision-makers’ list of priorities when it comes to scheduling."