The GAA has been accused of “losing its way” over a move to put some of its games behind a paywall.
Limerick councilors have resolved to write to association chairman 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 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 criticized the new deal, which saw a television blackout for Limerick’s second round Munster Championship clash with Clare at TUS Gaelic Grounds.
Instead, those who were unable to make it to the game and wanted to watch the 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.
His party colleague, Cllr Gerald Mitchell, pointed out that so many volunteers invested their time and money in the organization without any expectation of getting it back, and now find themselves being charged.
Councilor John Egan, whose motion to write to Mr McCarthy passed unanimously, said: “The GAA has lost control here. They’ve given us a hit to see if they can get some extra money. I know older people who have supported and contributed to the GAA all their lives, but they couldn’t see these games on a Sunday or Saturday.”
Cllr O’Sullivan, who seconded the motion, added: “GAA Championship games should be broadcast on television in this country, not online via websites and apps, and should be streamed for free. We should seek to preserve the game and we should continually seek to build on its profile, not exclude too many from access. Not everyone has a smartphone, tablet or laptop, or even access to the Internet. And not everyone can use them even if they have them.”
Meanwhile, former Mayor Cllr Stephen Keary added that it is “ironic” that the national broadcaster chose to show the coronation of the British king for free, but the epic Munster championship draw between Cork and Tipperary was only available on the channel. of transmission.
“It’s a shame that the GAA is sticking to the abbreviation ‘global association,’” he said.
Abbeyfeale councilor Liam Galvin said he was saddened when he saw youngsters wearing football shirts emblazoned with Ronaldo and Messi on the back of their shirts at Gaelic football training.
He noted that many of them were trying to head the ball into the net.
“I think to myself when I see this, there is something seriously wrong here.
If you look at RTÉ 2, Virgin Media and these channels, it’s the Champions League that it’s been in for the last few months,” said Cllr Galvin, who captained his local club Fr Casey’s to county football glory in 2000.
Mayor Francis Foley also supported the motion, and the GAA president will now be contacted.
This week it was confirmed that Limerick’s decider against Cork at TUS Gaelic Grounds will be broadcast live on RTÉ television.
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