*Photograph: ©INPHO/Oisin Keniry
Clare GAA are to stream games in the Clare SHC and IHC this weekend on a pay per view basis.
All games will be recorded with contests taking place in Cusack Park to be streamed live online while deferred showings will be broadcast of all other encounters taking place. Live games on Clare GAA TV will cost viewers €7.80 to stream with €3.50 set as the price for deferred outings.
Four first round senior games, Friday’s opener between Clooney/Quin and Inagh/Kilnamona, Sixmilebridge’s first game in defence of their title against Éire Óg, the derby contest between reigning intermediate champions Broadford and O’Callaghans Mills plus Sunday’s encounter between Ballyea and Crusheen will all be streamed live this weekend.
All remaining contests in the Clare SHC plus the full amount of games in the Clare IHC will be available as deferred showings. A link to purchase and view games can be obtained from Clare GAA’s official website. . A similar format will be in place for the Clare SFC and IFC which kick off next weekend.
The Clare Echo understands that Clare GAA has invested up to €20,000 in the project. The organisation has purchased their own equipment for the venture which they say will provide a “top quality service” to patrons.
With games taking place behind closed doors, the decision to stream matches and bring them to as big an audience as possible was made by Clare GAA officials. They are also hopeful the county’s diaspora abroad will take up the opportunity to avail of the online coverage which they view as an option to keeping the service viable in the long-term.
Michael O’Connor, Clare GAA PRO stated, “Clare GAA TV will be showing the largest number of games in the country on live or deferred showing for any county in Ireland”. An online match programme is to be produced, the Crusheen man confirmed. It will be provided to every club and media outlet and will be made available to every supporter who visits Clare GAA’s website or Twitter page, the links to purchase games will be included in the official programme.
“With the current health climate and regulations in place that predetermine the attendances at games this offers supporters of teams an opportunity to view our games in a safe environment and still follow all the action as it happens,” Chairperson of Clare GAA, Joe Cooney commented.
Cooney added, “In the space of 12 short months the GAA in Clare have progressed to giving spectators and supporters of our games all over the world a sense of togetherness with their native community”. He wished all teams well as they commence action and urged all involved to follow protocols issued by the HSE and the GAA.
