TV rights motion ruled out of order for Congress agenda

February 12, 2015

Clare chairman Michael McDonagh.

A Clare motion seeking to make all gaelic football and hurling championship games available on free-to-air TV will not be up for debate at Congress later this month.

The Eire Og club, Ennis club forwarded a proposal that, if successful, would mean that should Sky be interested in contuining to cover gaelic games following the next round of media rights in 2017, they would have their share their games with a free-to-air provider.

The Examiner reports that the motion had the support of Offaly, Donegal and several other Ulster counties but it has been removed from the Clar because The Rules Advisory Committee deemed it does not amend a rule or enact one.

Instead, the proposal will be discussed by Central Council and Banner County chairman Michael McDonagh gave his reaction to The Examiner: "A number of Clare clubs put forward this motion at convention and the understanding was that it would be discussed at Congress.

"I believe it's the place to discuss such a motion and whether it's successful or not at least it showed the ordinary member of the GAA could get his point across through their clubs or county boards. I know a number of other counties wanted it discussed. It's a shame that it won't be discussed in full because I firmly believe that all our games should be free-to-air.

"I don't think anybody should have to pay to see our Championship games. I don't think that's what our Association is about. It's an amateur organisation with an amateur ethos.

"It will come again next year and I believe if it's put before the membership it would be passed because the ordinary GAA man and woman wants the games on terrestrial television."

RTE pundit Joe Brolly is not impressed with the latest development either ...


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