A Clare TD believes a revision of the GAA’s broadcasting agreement is required.
When it was announced that the meeting of Clare vs Wexford in the All-Ireland SHC qualifiers would only be televised on GAAGO and not by either RTÉ or Sky Sports, Deputy Michael McNamara (IND) called on both broadcasters to show the game on alternative networks citing the “broadband blackspots” that would prevent some supporters from being able to view the knockout clash.
RTÉ have advised the Clare TD that they are prohibited from broadcasting at the same time as other broadcasters on their main channels as per contractual terms of the coverage. Broadcasting rights are decided upon by the GAA.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Deputy McNamara believed it highlighted the need for the GAA’s agreement to be altered. “It would seem to me that, unfortunately, the difficulty arises from the GAA’s agreement with other broadcasters. I will be raising this issue with the GAA but, while I would hope it might be taken into account when the current agreement is to be revised, renewed or replaced, that’s not going to be before the game on Saturday”.
