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'It's our sport' - Why people 'shouldn't have to pay to watch' GAA

It comes after criticism of the GAA Go live streaming app, with fans angry that key matches are not available on television
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

20.59 8 May 2023


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'It's our sport' - Why people...

'It's our sport' - Why people 'shouldn't have to pay to watch' GAA

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

20.59 8 May 2023


Share this article


People in Ireland shouldn't have to pay to watch an Irish sport, Cork Camogie player Ashling Thompson has said.

The All-Ireland winner was speaking after strong criticism of the GAA Go live streaming app, with fans angry that key matches are not available on television - including Saturday's Munster Championship Hurling game between Cork and Tipperary.

The GAA and RTÉ have been accused of exploiting hurling, by choosing high-profile games for the service.

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Age Action has also criticised the organisation for creating an "invisible barrier" for older people.

Ms Thompson told The Hard Shoulder this approach is not fair.

"GAA Go it's not the most accessible - my parents wouldn't have a clue how to even go about it," she said.

"I don't have an account, but I paid for the Cork and Tipp game and I paid for the Limerick and Clare game.

"Just even going about it: I've to get my laptop, I've to get a HDMI cable, connect it to the TV.

"The quality of the picture is shocking, the sound is absolutely shocking.

"If you don't have a good Wi-Fi then you can't keep up with the game".

Pennants at Dublin's Croke Park in March 2009 Pennants at Dublin's Croke Park in March 2009. Picture by: J Orr / Alamy Stock Photo

Ms Thompson said people should not have to pay.

"I just don't think you should have to pay to watch," she said.

"It's our sport, it's an Irish sport.

"If your priority is promote the game of hurling - or no matter what sport it is - unless there's a clash where you simply cannot go about it, there is no way that anybody should have to put their hands in their pockets".

'The selection wasn't good'

Liam Griffin, former Wexford Hurling manager, said the app has its uses.

"It has a purpose - I know that if I'm away on holidays, I can watch a match," he said.

"It has its advantages, but it has its disadvantages.

"I just think that the selection wasn't good; and I think if the selection had of been better, and the matches hadn't been so good, that they were missed by everybody it would have made a difference.

"A lot of people don't have proper broadband and can't see it".

Mr Griffin said the issue needs to be looked at again.

"When you look at the GAA it's a parish organisation," he said.

"Most parishes have their own clubs, the allegiance is to the parish and volunteers are doing a lot of work in parishes and that work is essentially for the GAA.

"When they seem marginalised by the fact that they can't watch it on television they're going to get very, very annoyed about it.

"I can absolutely understand that; but I think we don't need to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

"We need to look at it again," he added.

The GAA has said it needs to charge to watch games to help pay to develop the games and renovate stadiums around the country.

Listen back here:

Main image: Ashling Thompson at New Ireland Assurance’s launch of the 2017 Cork Camogie championship season. Picture by: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

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Age Action Ireland Ashling Thompson Camogie GAA GAA GO Liam Griffin Munster Championship The Hard Shoulder

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