Tommy Walsh, the former Kerry left corner-forward, has slammed the GAA for its reported negotiations with Sky over showing Championship matches this summer.
The 26-year-old is now plying his trade with the Sydney Swans in the AFL, but that hasn’t stopped him wading into the debate over whether the GAA should sell broadcasting rights from under the noses of free-to-air domestic broadcasters.
So our “amateur” game is now being sold to Sky? There is no other sport in the world where players & supporters are taken advantage of more!
— Tommy Walsh (@tommywalshkor) March 28, 2014
Fan reaction has been generally against the idea of matches being shown on Sky, with many people insisting that the game must turn professional if the UK-based broadcaster buy the rights to show matches.
Doesn’t affect me, but poor form if GAA have sold exclusive Irish rights to Sky that were previously FTA on TV3. #gaa
— Ciaran McMonagle (@CiaranMcMonagle) March 28, 2014
The #gaa and #sky deal is interesting! Surely just adds more pressure to pay the players????
— Ryan Martin (@_RianMartin_) March 28, 2014
This is *completely* contrary to the entire ethos of the @officialgaa & is a utter disgrace! http://t.co/Qe2YNcAOt4 #GAA
— Eimear McCormack (@EimearMcCormack) March 28, 2014
I can’t believe Sky Sports are paying for the TV rights to GAA games. Although when you think of all the Irish abroad it’s a clever move.
— Rachel Ní Loingsigh (@Rachel_Lynchx) March 28, 2014
GAA to announce broadcasting deal with Sky Sports http://t.co/lgdNSZpTon via @IrishTimes No surpise, also talk of games being shown on Sky1
— Seán Clancy (@SeanJohnGerard) March 28, 2014
