GAA president defends use of paywall following criticism from Limerick councillors

GAA president Larry McCarthy has defended the use of GAAGo after local councillors criticised the fact one high profile Limerick hurling championship game was only available behind the paywall.

Limerick's second round match with Clare last April on their road to a fifth straight Munster title was only available to watch either at the TUS Gaelic Grounds itself, or through GAAGo.

A joint venture between Croke Park and RTE, GAAGo last season cost €12 to watch a single game, and relies on a strong internet connection.

A season pass, costing €79, gave subscribers access to all of its 38 games.

But keeping games off RTE proved controversial, and members of Limerick City and County Council wrote to Mr McCarthy to express their opposition.

Councillor Stephen Keary pointed out the national broadcaster dedicated four hours to the Coronation of King Charles III in London on its free-to-air, while an epic Munster draw between Cork and Tipperary was behind a paywall.

Another councillor John Egan, whose resolution it was to write to Mr McCarthy said the GAA had “lost the plot”.

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But in a reply to councillors on foot of the original letter, Mr McCarthy wrote: “The only free to air broadcaster who expressed an interest and meaningfully pursued live championship rights, namely RTE, received the full quota of games packages they sought. In that context, the remainder of our games will either be covered by GAAGo or not be available to view at all,” he wrote.

However, he added the association is conducting a review of GAAGo over this close season “and sentiments such as yours will be very much part of this process.”

During the same debate, Independent councillor Brigid Teefy asked for a cash turnstile to be re-introduced at championship games for those who cannot access the internet or feel uncomfortable using a bank card.

Fine Gael’s Olivia O’Sullivan said the GAA was displaying “digital discrimination” against elderly and vulnerable people.

In reply to these points, Mr McCarthy pointed out that while cash has not been accepted at turnstiles for more than a decade, it’s possible to pay in the traditional manner at 330 Centra or Supervalu stores - 28 of which are located within three kilometres of the GAA’s main county grounds.

“We have of course put provisions in place to assist those at grounds having experienced difficulties with online technology and this will continue to be the case,” his letter continues.

The Centra branch opposite TUS Gaelic Grounds in Caherdavin sells tickets for GAA matches across the island.

The president of the GAA signed off his letter be wishing Limerick’s GAA teams “continued success on and off the field.” as the county hurlers bid for five All-Ireland titles in a row next year.