GAA accused of 'losing the plot' with TV blackout of epic Limerick hurling clash

A LIMERICK councillor says it's "ironic" that RTÉ chose to show the British King's Coronation, but a top Munster hurling championship game was behind a paywall.

Fine Gael's Stephen Keary was speaking after the national broadcaster dedicated four hours to the crowning of King Charles III in London free-to-air - but (later on the same day) the epic Munster SHC draw between Cork and Tipperary was on the GAAGO subscription service.

A joint venture between the GAA and RTÉ, GAAGO costs €12 to watch a single game, and relies on a strong internet connection - a season pass, for €79, will give subscribers access to 38 games.

At this month's meeting of Limerick City and County Council, members railed against the new deal, which saw a TV blackout for Limerick's round two Munster championship clash with Clare at TUS Gaelic Grounds.

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Instead, those who could not attend the game and wanted to watch proceedings had to watch the live-stream.

At Monday's meeting of the council, members agreed to write to GAA president Larry McCarthy to get the association to change tack on the five-year deal introduced this season.

At the meeting, metropolitan district leader Cllr Olivia O'Sullivan accused Croke Park of “digital discrimination” against the elderly and vulnerable.

Her Fine Gael colleague, Cllr Gerald Mitchell, pointed out that so many volunteers put their time and money into the organisation without any expectation of getting it back, and now they find themselves being charged.

Councillor John Egan, whose motion to write to Mr McCarthy was unanimously passed, said: “The GAA has lost the plot here. They've pulled a stroke on us to see if they can get extra money in. I know elderly people who have all their lives supported the GAA and contributed to it, but could not see these games on a Sunday or a Saturday.”

Cllr O'Sullivan, who seconded the motion, added: “GAA championship matches should be shown on television in this country, not online via websites and apps and they should be shown free-to-air. We should be looking to preserve the game and we should be continually looking to build on its profile, not exclude many from access. Not everyone has a smartphone, a tablet or laptop, or even internet access. And not everyone can use them even if they do have them.”

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Councillor Keary added: “It's a damn shame the GAA is being true to the abbreviation of the 'grab-all association'.”

Abbeyfeale councillor Liam Galvin said he was saddened when he saw youngsters with soccer shirts emblazoned with the likes of Ronaldo and Messi on the back of their jerseys at gaelic football training.

He pointed out that many of them were attempting to head the football into the net.

"I think to myself when I see this, there's something seriously wrong here. If you watch RTÉ 2, Virgin Media and these channels, it's the Champions League which has been on (over)the last number of months,” said Cllr Galvin, who captained Fr Casey's to county football glory in the year 2000.

Independent councillor Brigid Teefy asked for a cash turnstile to be reintroduced at championship games for people who cannot access the internet, or feel uncomfortable using a bank card.

“Cash is still a legal tender,” she pointed out.

Mayor Francis Foley also gave his support to the motion, with the GAA president now set to be contacted.

It was confirmed this Tuesday morning that Limerick's crunch match against Cork at TUS Gaelic Grounds will be broadcast live on RTÉ television.