Setanta to screen 76 Premiership matches each season

Satellite channel, Setanta Sports, will broadcast at least 76 matches from the English Premier league each season from next year, it revealed tonight.

The package is made up mostly of Monday night football but includes games being played at 3pm on Saturday afternoon and late kick-offs also on Saturday.

The rights run for three seasons, commencing August 2007 and will be added to the 30 match package of games on Saturdays.

Niall Cogley, chief executive of Setanta Sports Ireland, said: “After our incredible recent success in the UK, to get 76 games in Ireland is a huge day for Setanta Sports Ireland as the company goes from strength to strength.

“By any definition, Setanta Sports has now achieved the status of must have for Irish football fans.”

The football package will be added to Setanta’s other sports shows which provide coverage of the Champions League, Rugby World Cup, GAA, Formula One and golf.