Motion 43 was defeated at GAA congress on Saturday.
It was a real shot in the arm to those who believe our national games should be free for all to view and not on subscription channels such as Sky Sports.
The motion, proposed by Dublin, stated:
All televised Inter-County Championship games shall be available on free to air T.V.
Somewhat surprisingly, the motion was massively opposed. Only 15.3% voted in favour.
Motion on TV Rights exclusive to free to air TV heavily defeated at GAA Congress . Yes 15.3% No 84.7%
— Marty Morrissey (@MartyM_RTE) February 27, 2016
Friday's Irish Independent reported that should the GAA lose the deal with Sky, then it could cost the association as much as €15 million over three years.
However, speaking to Balls.ie, UCD lecturer Paul Rouse - who has been majorly opposed to the deal since its signing - described these numbers as 'scare stories' and bascially 'invented figures'.
The major argmuent made against the carrying of motion 43 was that it could prove detrimental to the GAA's bargaining position with other broadcasters such as TV3 and RTÉ.
