A surprise bid for the GAA's TV rights has been made by one of the country's leading businessmen. According to reports in this morning's Examiner, Supermac restaurant supremo Pat McDonagh has made an eleventh hour bid to wrestle the rights from RTÉ, who have surprisingly remained unchallenged in their bid to screen both Championships despite anticipated interest from possible buyers.
The GAA had employed British TV consultants, Oliver and Ohlbaum, with a view to maximising revenue for the coverage of the games on both radio and TV, while also negotiating separate packages for the National Leagues, Championships, club Championships and several other minor deals.
However, the national broadcaster emerged as the only firm candidate, a decision that has disappointed all at GAA headquarters. And while McDonagh's bid has yet to be confirmed at source, it is thought that a bid of £2million has been made by the man who currently sponsors the Galway hurling teams. McDonagh is out of the country at present and was unavailable to comment.
Filed by Shane Murray
