R.I.P. Setanta
As I mentioned back in this post, about the only way you can hope to see any top-level hurling or gaelic football games in America is through Setanta Sports.
The ecstasy of seeing these games on regular TV is over. Yes, I was saddened today to discover that Setanta has ceased operations in the U.S. markets. A message on the U.S. version of the Setanta site suggests we check out the Fox Soccer Channel and its sister station Fox Soccer Plus.
Somehow I doubt that either of those channels will be running the games I want to see.
The official announcement on Setanta came late in February, just a few months before it was set to start its Gaelic Athletic Association coverage, which includes hurling and gaelic football games. I only found out about the death of Setanta today after reading an Associated Press report about some legal action it was taking against Britain’s Sky Sports. (You can click on the image above to read the statement for yourself.)
It seems the only alternative for games is now RTE’s online coverage, which offers edited versions of each week’s games.
It’s not perfect, but I’ll take what I can get.
(And if anyone out there knows of a different way to get games on my U.S.-based TV, please post a comment.)
April 1st, 2010 at 6:11 am
TG4, our Irish Language channel shows National Hurling League games live every Sunday until the main championship starts. Not sure if you can access it over there but look out for it anyway.
All broadcasts are in Irish though!!
April 21st, 2010 at 5:26 am
Very interesting blog on hurling. Like sketches a lot. I am familar with Baltimore GAA Club. Drope me a line at above email. denis
April 27th, 2010 at 11:43 am
Setanta still offer the games online through their website www.setanta-i.com (you’ll pay handsomely for the privilege though). Alternatively, the games are shown in the bigger Irish pubs (see www.premiumsportsinc.com Venue finder). TG4 block all the games to US based users.
April 28th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
John,
Check out this link, it has info of new coverage of GAA games in North America being transmitted from next year on i think. What you’ve been praying for i think!!
http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=127775