Kerry-Donegal broadcast rights up for grabs due to All-Ireland SFC format change

RTÉ have requested the Kerry-Donegal game as their first choice round 1 fixture. However, the match could still land on GAA+

Kerry will be at home to Donegal in the first round of the All-Ireland SFC on May 23/24. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Live coverage of the prized Kerry-Donegal All-Ireland SFC first round game on May 23/24 is up for grabs due to the change in the format of the competition.

It had been expected RTÉ would seek the Killarney fixture for their 4pm slot on Saturday, May 23. However, the previous contract for the All-Ireland series no longer applies as the structure has changed from group stages to an enhanced qualifier system and GAA+ could yet stream the repeat of last year’s All-Ireland SFC final and this season’s Division 1 decider.

As RTÉ did not have the rights, they did not show any of last year’s first round matches in the All-Ireland SFC groups. Those games transferred from Sky Sports to GAAGO in 2023 as part of a new media rights deal.

However, following discussions with the GAA, RTÉ confirmed they would this year be screening a live Round 1 fixture on May 23. It is understood RTÉ have requested the Kerry-Donegal game as their first choice and Cork-Meath as the alternative.

GAA+ are due to show three of the four All-Ireland SFC matches that weekend, the other two being Galway v Kildare and Roscommon v Tyrone.

GAA+ are this weekend screening the Waterford-Cork Munster SHC Round 3 game in Azzurri Walsh Park, the Kildare-Galway Leinster SHC Round 3 match as well as the Laois-Wicklow Tailteann Round 1 fixture.

The following Saturday, they are showing what is shaping up to be a pivotal Tipperary-Clare Round 4 fixture in Thurles.