Setanta win rights to Ireland home soccer friendlies

Setanta Sports announced today it has won the rights to show all Ireland’s home friendlies for the next four years, starting next week.

The broadcaster will show next Wednesday's match against Oman in the Aviva, followed by the US match in November.

It will also have exclusive rights to show Ireland’s match against England next June, always a highly anticipated fixture.

Delighted to announce we will showing all @FAIreland International home friendly games for next 4 years+16 U21/Senior Women's games! #COYBIG

— eir Sport (@eirSport) August 28, 2014

Setanta will also show 16 live Senior Women and Under 21 matches over the next four years and will become sponsor of the FAI’s Emerging Talent Programme.

FAI CEO John Delaney thanked Setanta for their support for Irish football.

“This is a wide ranging agreement that demonstrates a real commitment from Setanta Sports to Irish football,” said Delaney.

“Covering all home friendly matches, U21 and senior women’s games and support for the FAI Emerging Talent programme alongside existing commitments to the SSE Airtricity League, Setanta Sports will provide an excellent platform for the promotion of the game.”

Others were not so welcoming of the news, which means Irish home friendlies will now only be available live on subscription.

@FAIreland @SetantaSports No it's not. More subscriptions needed, the fan lose as they pay to everyone to see all games!

— IMcA (@mcauleyi) August 28, 2014

Marketing Operations Director with Setanta Sports, Brian Quinn, said the broadcaster was committed to Irish football.

“We are delighted with this four year deal that re-affirms our commitment to Irish football from grassroots right up to the senior team,” said Quinn. “We look forward to working with the FAI and helping them further develop football in Ireland.”