Setanta regain Premier League rights in Ireland

IRISH soccer supporters can look forward to a feast of football in the upcoming season after Setanta Ireland yesterday revealed they have won the rights to broadcast 33 Premier League games in the Republic of Ireland.

Like last season the channel will show Saturday games in the prime-time 3pm slot which coupled with the 46 matches American broadcaster ESPN will show and the 92 Sky Sports will broadcast means fans will be seeing a lot of the beautiful game next season.

The news is a huge boost to the company in Ireland given Setanta’s well documented financial problems in recent months.

Last month Setanta UK was forced into administration after it failed to meet payments to the English and Scottish Premier Leagues.

However two of Setanta’s four channels have kept broadcasting in Ireland.

The closure of Setanta UK meant the loss of 200 jobs but Setanta Sports Ireland has continued to broadcast in Ireland where it employs 180 people.

As a result of Setanta’s British division filing for bankruptcy protection Setanta initially lost the right to broadcast Premier League games.

However that changed yesterday and Setanta Ireland CEO Niall Cogley expressed his delight at the news that the station will again be broadcasting the games.

“We are delighted to announce our success in winning back Saturday afternoon Barclays Premier League games for next season,’’ he said.

“Traditionally this has been the most popular and best performing slot for us of all of our sporting rights.

“We anticipate a high level of quality this season with nine of our first 13 games featuring top four teams including Manchester United at Wigan on August 22 and Liverpool visiting Bolton on August 29.

“Our opening game will see Carlos Tevez spearheading the new-look Manchester City who kick-off their season at Blackburn.”

Cogley added that the news would clear up any ‘confusion’ about the future of Setanta in Ireland.

He said: “Although there has been some confusion about Setanta Sports in Ireland following recent developments in the UK we are now delighted to confirm that we will continue to provide our subscribers with the best value premium sports service in Ireland and the most attractive sports option for all television advertisers.”

The Premier League explained the decision to award Setanta the right yesterday, stating: “Setanta Ireland was allowed into the sales process as a newly-formed company and after having met certain criteria.’’

Setanta Sports Ireland have confirmed the first 13 games they will be broadcasting live next season. All games are on Saturdays and all have a 3pm kick-off. Matches are subject to change.

Aug 15: Blackburn v Manchester City.

Aug 22: Wigan v Manchester United.

Aug 29: Bolton v Liverpool.

Sept 12: Liverpool v Burnley.

Sept 19: Arsenal v Wigan.

Sept 26: Stoke v Manchester United.

Oct 3: Bolton v Tottenham.

Oct 17: Manchester United v Bolton.

Oct 24: Manchester City v Fulham.

Oct 31: Fulham v Liverpool.

Nov 7: Tottenham v Sunderland.

Nov 21: Chelsea v Wolves.

Nov 28: Portsmouth v Manchester United.