The GAA has been accused of “losing the plot” over a move to place some of its games behind a paywall.
Limerick councillors have resolved to write to the president of the association Larry McCarthy to urge Croke Park to urge him to scrap the controversial move to broadcast some games on GAAGo.
A joint venture between RTÉ and the GAA, the streaming service 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.
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At this month’s Limerick council meeting, 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.
Instead, those who could not attend the game and wanted to watch proceedings had to watch the live-stream.
At the meeting, Fine Gael’s Olivia O’Sullivan accused Croke Park of “digital discrimination” against the elderly and vulnerable.
Her party 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.”
Meanwhile, former mayor, Cllr Stephen Keary added it’s “ironic” the national broadcaster chose to show the British King’s Coronation for free, but the epic Munster championship draw between Cork and Tipperary was only available on the streaming channel.
“It’s a damn shame the GAA is being true to the abbreviation of the ‘grab-all association,” he said.
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 the last number of months,” said Cllr Galvin, who captained his local club Fr Casey’s to county football glory in the year 2000.
Mayor Francis Foley also gave his support to the motion, with the GAA president now set to be contacted.
It was confirmed this week that Limerick’s crunch match against Cork at TUS Gaelic Grounds will be broadcast live on RTÉ television.
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