GAA chiefs to appear before Oireachtas Committee to explain Sky deal
GAA chiefs will appear before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications today to explain the reasoning behind awarding Sky Sports exclusive rights to some gaelic games for the next three years.
GAA President Liam O'Neill and the Association’s director-general Páraic Duffy will be asked to outline the benefits accruing from the television rights deal which has caused much debate since being announced earlier this month.
The Oireachtas Committee includes former Wexford Youths manager Mick Wallace TD, 5000m World Champion Eamonn Coghlan and former Galway and Mayo senior football manager John O'Mahony TD.
“The decision announced in recent weeks by the GAA to grant Sky Sports exclusive rights to championship games has provoked considerable public debate, “said O’ Mahony.
“As a committee with responsibilities in the areas of both sport and communications, we look forward to hearing from Liam O’ Neill and Páraic Duffy on the benefits they see accruing to their Association on foot of the deal.
“Committee members will have an opportunity to raise any concerns around new arrangements which will see 14 matches available only behind Sky’s paywall,” he added.
