GAAGO excluding rural and older fans - Senator Robbie Gallagher
Fianna Fáil Senator, Robbie Gallagher, has said that GAAGO coverage is simply not accessible for many older and rural-based fans, directly contradicting the GAA’s ethos of being accessible for all.
Senator Gallagher’s comments come as it has been confirmed that a total of 38 exclusive GAA championship games will be streamed by GAAGO in 2024, with nine hurling championship, 22 football championship and seven Tailteann Cup games included in their package.
Senator Gallagher said: “As many people as is possible should be able to watch GAA games. For many fans, particularly ones in rural areas like here in Monaghan or older fans, when a game is on GAAGO they cannot watch it. They might have insufficient or no access to broadband, no laptop or device capable of streaming games or might lack the required technical skills.
“The ethos of the GAA is that it is a game that is open to all. With 38 games exclusively on GAAGO, combined with moves to restrict people from paying for tickets with cash, there is a real feeling that people are being excluded from watching the games they love.
“I am calling today for our national games, hurling and football, to be accessible to all. It is of the utmost importance that nobody is faced with barriers when they want to watch their county play. Inclusivity and volunteerism are core values of the GAA and this must be reflected in how games are televised.”
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