Today brought some big, big news if you're an Irish sports fan, as Virgin Media (formerly UPC) confirmed that they would no longer be offering Eir Sport (formerly Setanta Sport) as part of their TV package. It will mean a significant loss of live sport to Virgin Media customers, as the only way Irish customers can subscribe to BT Sport is through Eir Sport.
The news was confirmed via this statement on the Virgin Media website:
At midnight on 31st July, we’ll be bidding farewell to Setanta Sports (including BT Sports). With the number of live Premier League matches on Setanta Sports being cut for 2016/17, we’ve reviewed the pack and can no longer offer you the same great value. This is why we’ll stop airing the channels from the end of this month.
But it’s not game over! We have some good news for all you sports fans out there. A new channel is on the way. Sky Sports Mix will be available to all our customers as part of your package from August 24th to bring you even more sport, in-depth analysis and gripping documentaries.
Want more action with live and exclusive content? Check out our entire sports line-up.
In the FAQ section beneath it, Virgin explained in greater detail as to why the decision had been made:
The number of Barclays premier league matches broadcast by Setanta Sports/ BT sports will reduce from 71 to 42 games from the start of the 2016/17 season this August. In discussions with Setanta it was not possible to agree terms with the broadcaster to allow us to offer you the eir Sport/Setanta Sports channels at a reasonable price.
The main factor that has led to the decision, it seems, concerns the 3pm Saturday afternoon kick-offs in the Premier League. Owing to British broadcasting rules, Sky Sports and BT Sport (the Premier League rights holders) are forbidden from broadcasting live football between 3pm and 5.15pm.
This rule, however, does not extend to the Republic of Ireland, something Setanta Sports capitalised on, with the Dublin-based broadcaster offering live coverage of 3pm kick-offs on a Saturday in the Premier League over the last few seasons.
From this coming season, however, Sky Sports have assumed control of these rights, and will broadcast the 3pm games on television in Ireland. Virgin have evidently believed that the loss of these Premier League games means the fee they pay Eir Sport to offer their services is not worth it.
Despite this, the Eir Sport package will continue to broadcast exclusive rights of a number of events of interest to Irish fans, including 5.30pm Premier League kick-offs, the best selection of live Champions League and Europa League games and UFC 202, featuring the rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz.
Virgin Media customers currently paying €22 per month for the Eir Sport package will see that payment ceased from August 1st.
