Both RTÉ Sport and Cork GAA have issued statements following outrage that Cork and Limerick's division one hurling clash was not set to be broadcast live this weekend.
Last year's All-Ireland finalists are set to welcome John Kiely's Limerick to Supervalu Pairc Uí Chaoimh this Saturday for what is a replay of last year's epic All-Ireland semi-final and one of the most mouth-watering fixtures on the league calendar.
Given the gravity of the clash, there was widespread disappointment when this weekend's TV schedule was confirmed and there was no sign of the provincial Munster derby on the listings, with fans from both counties and further afield taking to social media in their droves to air their frustrations.
Taking to social media one fan said: "How the hell is Cork Vs Limerick not been televised Sat night on any Channel. It’s wrong", while others bemoaned the lack of coverage as a missed opportunity, taking aim at RTÉ and the GAA for the decision.
No TV or streaming coverage for Cork Vs Limerick on Saturday night. Looks like the 20K crowd will be growing
— Liam Aherne (@laherne84) January 27, 2025
Cork and Limerick are two of the best supported teams so no excuse for not showing it on RTE or any other GAA station. Both counties deserve more respect.
— Trevor O Sullivan (@OTrevor30) January 28, 2025
Even though I’m mostly a football follower, there’s no question Cork v Limerick deserved to be shown before Donegal v Dublin. New rules or not, it’s currently 4 Football live games to Hurling 0 this weekend (not including iPlayer streams). Not fair to the Hurling supporter.
— Roman Carton (@romanc_95) January 27, 2025
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7 July 2024; Gearóid Hegarty of Limerick in action against Ciarán Joyce of Cork during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Limerick and Cork at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
RTE respond to outrage over Cork v Limerick TV coverage
While initially much of the annoyance seemed to be aimed at RTÉ, the national broadcaster has this afternoon issued a short statement on their social media channels, revealing that they had sought permission to cover the game but were refused.
RTÉ sought Cork-Limerick in the Allianz Hurling League as our match selection a number of months ago but the counties could not accommodate. RTÉ subsequently chose Armagh-Tyrone.
RTÉ sought Cork-Limerick in the Allianz Hurling League as our match selection a number of months ago but the counties could not accommodate.
RTÉ subsequently chose Armagh-Tyrone.— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) January 28, 2025
While it remains unclear why Cork and Limerick were unable to accommodate RTÉ in Cork, both stands in the 45,000-capacity stadium are now sold out, with only standing room still available for the Division 1a clash.
As RTÉ confirmed in the statement, Amragh's Division One football clash with Tyrone will now be broadcast on the channel instead, with throw-in in Amargh set for 6 pm.
Cork's clash with Limerick will throw-in ninety minutes later at 7.30 pm, but will be unable for viewing on either terrestrial TV or on any streaming platforms as it stands.
Cork GAA hit back
But Cork GAA have since given their version of events. Cork GAA CEO Kevin O'Donovan says that they 'were particularly surprised' to hear a number of weeks ago that Cork-Limerick was not one of the chosen games by appointed broadcasters.
Cork CEO Kevin O’Donovan on why Saturday’s hurling league game against Limerick won’t be on TV: pic.twitter.com/BkrSR5stQz
— Fintan O'Toole (@fotoole13) January 28, 2025
He says they were then asked if they wanted to consider 'changing our game to an earlier time to facilitate broadcast' but declined because this 'clashed directly with the England v Ireland rugby game' (4.45 kick-off) and they didn't want to 'deprive our supporters of seeing both games.'
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