Pay per view GAA is against the ethos of the organisation - Kelly

Many people will be priced out of viewing big GAA games because of the new deal which the organisation has signed up to with Sky according to a local Councillor.  Cllr Anthony Kelly made the comments at a meeting of Wexford Borough Council last week where his motion calling on the GAA to reconsider the deal was passed unanimously.

"The very idea of pay per view GAA is against the very ethos of the organisation," Cllr Kelly said.  "The GAA is at the heart of every community on this island.  During the Summer months especially it becomes a focal point for the nation.  Selling distribution rights to Sky will price a section of the population out of viewing the sport."

"For many years it has resisted the lure of big money and remained an non professional sport, though those who play it could run rings around some of the drama queens playing in the premiership.  This deal goes against that spirit."

"While I fully accept that the GAA must look at all options of funding, this deal has the potential to seriously damage the sport.  I have spoken to scores of people around Wexford in the last week who are very alarmed by this move.  Many elderly people are particularly worried.  It's important that the GAA realises what the very people who have supported the organisation over the years are thinking."