THE GAA’S NEW TV rights deal has prompted a storm of debate since it was announced last week that Sky Sports will be entering the market for the first time.
TheScore.ie canvassed Dublin footballer Michael Darragh Macauley, former Dublin manager Paul Caffrey, Clare hurler Brendan Bugler and Cork dual player Alan Cadogan for their views on the subject.
Michael Darragh Macauley
“Personally I think it’s going to be interesting to see where it goes. I think that’s the thing. Over the next few years, I know they have 14 games at the moment, I don’t think anyone would like to see your average Joe sitting at home and won’t be able to watch his county play.
“That would be the part of the deal that you wouldn’t want. It’s going to be interesting, it’s hard to know how it’s going to work out.
“It is an exciting thing, having such a big brand like Sky coming in but I suppose it’s how it develops over the next few years. It’s going to be very interesting.”
Paul Caffrey
“I’m hugely in favour of it. I’m in a house with three lads and we have all their mates in their late twenties coming around and I haven’t heard one negative voice. I’m looking forward to seeing what they roll out. We should never be afraid of competition, when we’re talking about RTÉ.
“I think competition will make them up their game and the main games will be available to everyone. A change is as good as a rest and I think people should think of the bigger picture going forward.
“The GAA is huge. It’s okay to say it’s our national game and but we need to get more people involved. When Newstalk came on the scene, people said ‘it’ll never work.’
“Newstalk have been brilliant for the GAA and for sport. This is what people want. They want coverage and different views. And this is why people are still prepared to pick up newspapers and read articles and tune into all the media outlets.
“In that sense, let’s roll it on and see what happens. And the GAA hierarchy should be given great credit for seeing that will be a brave move.
“When people are talking about people being marginalised, under one per cent of society? There must be someone who can collect that person and bring them to see the match. Let’s not the one per cent dictate what the majority get.”
Brendan Bugler
“I think it’s a positive move. You look at what the GAA are doing with the Allstar trips in the past couple of years, they’re trying to promote the game internationally and I think this is a great way to do that.
“I can understand both arguments but my own opinion is that if we want to promote our own games, which are unique, then this is a great way to do that internationally.
“First and foremost I think it’s very important that the game stays amateur. Otherwise we’ll lose. I’d love it to always stay amateur.
“You could talk about the money and where’s it going to go but if it’s pumped into grassroots and the development of clubs and county teams then I’m going to be happy.
“And also players in Clare are very well looked after in relation to training and gear, we’re very fortunate with what we have so that doesn’t bother me regarding what money we (personally) get out of Sky.”
Alan Cadogan
“I think the Sky deal is very good. Anything that can promote our game is brilliant. Looking at our population, I don’t think pay for play is an option.
“We don’t have a population to sustain that. But to advertise our game worldwide, it can only be good for GAA and help it gain recognition.”
