Putting games behind a paywall is a slap in the face for GAA’s dedicated volunteers and supporters
There must be full transparency behind the process for selecting GAA games for pay-per-view, according to Social Democrats sports spokesperson Gary Gannon.
“There is growing disquiet over high-profile games – such as last weekend’s Munster Senior Hurling Championship clash between Cork and Tipperary – being put behind a paywall on the GAAGO streaming service.
“Ideally, all GAA games should be available free-to-air, given that hurling and Gaelic football are our national sports and part of Ireland’s cultural and social fabric. While this may not always be possible due to the large number of games and scheduling restrictions, it should never be a case that GAA fans have to pay to watch big ticket events on television.
“There are genuine concerns that major games are being put behind a paywall in a cynical attempt to drive subscriptions to GAAGO, a partnership with RTÉ. There must be full transparency on how individual games are selected for pay-per-view. We also should know who makes these decisions.
“The GAA owes its success to the hard work of tens of thousands of volunteers all over the country. Putting games behind a paywall is a slap in the face for these ordinary members and supporters.
“I fully agree with calls for a review of the subscription model and believe we need an open and honest debate on the subject.”
May 9, 2023