The GAA has today announced its television and radio rights deal encompassing the next five years from 2017.
RTE and Sky Sports have maintained live TV coverage of games for the allotted period, with 31 and 14 games respectively.
RTE have also secured full and exclusive live rights for all senior championship matches.
Newstalk has secured score flash rights under the new deal.
The incoming deal will run from 2017 until 2022.
This afternoon, Newstalk Head of Sport Adrian Barry commented on developments in the following statement:
Statement
"We believe we made a very competitive pitch to retain our live GAA commentary rights and we are disappointed that, after six years of innovative and extensive coverage, the GAA has decided not to renew that agreement.
"Despite RTE continuing to benefit from 85% of the license fee, today’s decision begs the question as to why the state broadcaster would use state funding to purchase rights for a service that was already available to the public, free of charge, via Newstalk.
"Off the Ball produced some iconic moments this year – in addition to our full coverage of Euro 2016, the Rio Olympics and the Paralympics, we grilled Lance, toasted the Dubs and drank in another successful season of Irish rugby.
"We were delighted to renew our Premier League commentary package this year for another three seasons, we have recently broadcast live Republic of Ireland games for the first time, we continue to broadcast live Champions Cup rugby and we remain a broadcast partner of the GAA, with live score flash rights for the coming five years. Off the Ball’s listenership across seven days is at an all-time high, bring on 2017."
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