Cork Senator invites Jarlath Burns to Seanad over 'unbelievable' GAAGO situation
GAAGO pundits, from left, John 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer Richie Hogan, left, and Eoin Cadogan before the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 3 match between Waterford and Tipperary at Walsh Park in Waterford. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Cork Senator Tim Lombard has invited GAA president Jarlath Burns to the Seanad to hear his and fellow colleagues' concerns about the number of hurling games being shown on GAAGO, the association’s joint premium streaming platform with RTÉ.
As Cork hurlers’ third consecutive Munster SHC game is to be shown on the pay-per-view service on Saturday evening when they host Limerick in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the Fine Gael politician has extended the invite to Burns.
“Last year we heard the same concerns from advocacy groups and public representatives about how GAAGO is acting as a barrier to people, particularly vulnerable groups, accessing the matches they have enjoyed for years.
“It’s unbelievable that for the second weekend in a row, if you want to watch a Munster or Leinster hurling championship, you will have to subscribe to the GAAGO streaming service.
“This is frustrating for hurling supporters everywhere and in particular for Cork GAA supporters. The big hurling game this weekend is the Cork versus Limerick clash. This is the fourth Munster Senior Hurling Championship round robin fixture to be behind a paywall and unbelievably the third Cork hurling match on GAAGO this season.
“It’s no wonder Cork hurling greats like Tom Kenny, Mark Foley and Dónal Óg Cusack have been speaking out about this. I raised this matter in the Seanad this (Thursday) morning and asked the Seanad Cathaoirleach to invite the President of the GAA to appear before the Seanad so that valid concerns and issues can be aired.
“The Seanad Cathaoirleach confirmed that a request is before the Seanad Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight to invite the President of the GAA to address Seanad Eireann.
“I welcome this as I believe we’re at the point where questions need to be asked about who exactly is benefitting from having these games behind a paywall. GAAGO was initially set up in 2017 as a service to broadcast hurling and football matches to people overseas. It’s turned into something completely different now when you have so many matches behind a paywall.
“Instead of promoting and showcasing brilliant Munster hurling games, the GAA are putting up barriers and obstacles to enjoying the game.”
