Sold-out Cork v Donegal this weekend should be on TV, says Kerry senator

"The public cannot endure another summer of not being able to see their teams on free-to-air TV competing in the GAA championship, a Fine Gael senator has said.

Kerry-based Senator Mike Kennelly said the GAA and all involved must sit down over the coming months and work out a solution.

Referring to the Kildare v Kerry game this weekend, he added: “Donegal against Cork won’t be televised either, with the sold-out match to be played in Ballybofey. A lot of Cork supporters will miss out if they can’t make the long journey to Donegal.

“We need to see a long-term plan to address this.”

“The GAA is an inclusive, volunteer-led and community-based organisation, and we need to ensure that these volunteers and members can watch their county play,” Senator Kennelly said.

“Many people have paid their GAA+ subscription for the year but now won’t even get to see their county play some of their biggest matches. That’s a farce.

“I’m not in agreement with GAA matches on subscription models but we should be looking at ways of increasing access to watch these games for the remainder of the championship if no other solution is available.

“Clubber streams club matches from right across the country. If fans can have access to their local club games online they should be able to watch all county games that are not on RTÉ or GAA+.

“We have the technology to broadcast these games, let’s use it as a short term solution for the remainder of the year. After this weekend, there is still a third round of football qualifiers to come.

“The current set up is just not good enough, we need to see a clear plan from the GAA on how they’ll ensure fans can watch all county games next year.

“I’m cognisant that contracts exist with broadcasters, but viable solutions need to be found.

“I know of several organisations, including supporter clubs, who are contacting GAA HQ over this farce. It can’t continue,” he said.

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