GAA president invited to Seanad to hear concerns about matches being aired behind paywall

30 March 2024; Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns during the Allianz Football League Division 4 final match between Laois and Leitrim at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Philip Ryan

GAA President Jarlath Burns has been invited before the Seanad to discuss the on-going row over Gaelic games streaming service GAAGO.

Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard issued the invite to Mr Burns after it emerged significant hurling games this weekend will only be aired behind the pay wall streaming services operated by the GAA and RTÉ.

This includes Cork versus Limerick and Kilkenny versus Carlow.

“The lack of hurling matches being screened on RTÉ is a big talking point in Munster and Leinster this week,” Mr Lombard said.

“Last year, we heard the same concerns from advocacy groups and public representatives about how GAAGO is acting as a barrier to people, particularly vulnerable groups, accessing the matches they have enjoyed for years.

“It’s unbelievable that for the second weekend in a row, if you want to watch a Munster or Leinster hurling championship, you will have to subscribe to the GAAGO streaming service,” he added.

Mr Lombard said this is third time this season that a Cork hurling will be aired behind a paywall.

“It’s no wonder Cork hurling greats like Tom Kenny, Mark Foley and Dónal Óg Cusack have been speaking out about this,” he said.

“I raised this matter in the Seanad this morning and asked the Seanad Cathaoirleach to invite the President of the GAA to appear before the Seanad so that valid concerns and issues can be aired.

“The Seanad Cathaoirleach confirmed that a request is before the Seanad Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight to invite the President of the GAA to address Seanad Eireann.

“I welcome this as I believe we’re at the point where questions need to be asked about who exactly is benefitting from having these games behind a paywall,” he added.

Mr Lombard said GAAGO was initially established to broadcast hurling and football to Irish people living overseas but has “turned into something completely different now when you have so many matches behind a paywall”.

“Instead of promoting and showcasing brilliant Munster hurling games, the GAA are putting up barriers and obstacles to enjoying the game,” he said.