RTÉ pundit hits out as Offaly supporters miss the start of historic quarter final on TV
RTÉ pundit criticises treatment of hurling as Offaly supporters miss the start of historic quarter final against Cork in Thurles on Sunday.
Former Antrim hurler and RTÉ pundit Neil McManus has criticised the treatment of hurling after viewers missed the opening stages of Offaly’s All-Ireland quarter final clash with Cork on Sunday.
The match, which marked Offaly’s first appearance at this stage of the championship in 23 years, threw in at 3.30pm in Thurles.
However, live television coverage was delayed after the All-Ireland football quarter final between Dublin and Donegal at Croke Park went to extra time.
RTÉ directed viewers to RTÉ player for the opening stages of the game, though many viewers reported difficulties accessing the stream.
Television coverage finally switched to Thurles around 10 minutes into the game, by which Cork had already established an early lead.
Speaking on RTÉ after the game, McManus said the situation reflected a wider problem of how hurling is treated.
“We watched 10 minutes of the extra time of football rather than coming to the biggest day in hurling for Offaly in 23 years,” he said.
“That’s what we did here today. And that’s the respect we’ve shown hurling. So why should we be in any way surprised when the game isn’t growing?”
RTÉ presenter Joanne Cantwell explained during the broadcast that the station had requested a earlier 1pm throw in for the Dublin v Donegal game in an attempt to avoid a clash. However, the request was declined by the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC), which said it was not feasible.
McManus said Sunday’s events should prompt serious reflection on the future promotion of hurling.
“There has to be a serious rethink here about where we’re going with this game. We have the best game in the world. We haven’t given it space to breathe,” he said.
The former Antrim captain also highlighted Offaly’s progress this season as one of the championships success stories.
“Offaly have been the story of the season when we talk about a developing county, a county pushing forward,” he said.