April 12: GAA’s Sky deal ‘a thundering disgrace’

The words ‘disgusting’, ‘dismay’, ‘anger’, ‘shattered’ and ‘cynical’ sprung to mind when certain aspects of the viewing agreement between the GAA and Sky television was announced last week.

A positive welcome must be given for making our games available to our exiles worldwide, but at what price? It could be considered cynical of the GAA to ‘soft sell’ the Sky package as if it were for the benefit of our diaspora only, and not for financial gain.

The shock over this direction taken by the leaders of the GAA cannot be underestimated.

Our association leaders must not have countenanced what the exclusive loss of about 14 inter-county games – free to view- will mean to so many families and specifically older people.

Surely they must acknowledge that the primary fostering base for young people is in their home, on their own Irish television channels.

Withdrawing this privilege of free to air viewing , which is deserved by so many people who were the backbone of the GAA through the years , is a thundering disgrace.

What justification was given by our now wealthy association to the consequences of those ordinary men and women who cannot afford the Sky subscription in these financially challenging times? Then there are some parents of school-going children who will not entertain Sky Sports because they believe the constant availability of so much sport may lead to passive sports fanatics, instead of active young people developing their social, educational and sporting skills.

As for the plight of the elderly, they have already the cost of health insurance, property tax , water rates, septic tank registration which they have to pay from their meagre resources of reducing income.

Other issues ignored are sections of the elderly’s inability to attend games and the onset of disability. Was this factored in? This is a foul, a step too far. No doubt, further steps are contemplated. It is not fair that those people, including ex county players, must pay Sky to watch their counties play. The cost of the perceived globalisation, if it were to happen, must not be borne by those people. They should be reaping the rewards of the rich social and sporting heritage that they helped to develop.

No Sky monies can pay for depriving so many Irish people from seeing our Irish games on our Irish television channels. The GAA’s assertion that games are available to watch on computers and iPads is not an option for every GAA enthusiast.

Our 130-year-old Gaelic Athletic Association is a splendid, mostly amateur and fantastic movement. It benefits individuals, families, and unifies parishes and counties. It is an umbrella over great Irish sporting pastimes, a flame of beauty and excitement lit by Cusack, Davin and Croke. May it not be quenched by Sky deals.

Goodwill and inspiration can only be regained by revising this agreement. If there’s a will, there’s a way to admit the mistake and make the viewing of our games available to all in our country. Then and only then can fair play for all resume.

Pat O’Connor,

Crean, Bruff, CO LIMERICK