Senator Robbie Gallagher recognised the GAA’s excellent community work: “It is constantly improving and adding to the facilities in every club and parish throughout the country. For example, many GAA clubs have put walking tracks in around their grounds. Why? So that all of the people in the community regardless of age, will be able to use those facilities. They are leaving no one behind.”
The Senator highlighted that while “the digital age is with us and no one will stop that train,” perhaps the move toward airing matches on the app has been adopted “too fast.” The Senator detailed that it “appears that we are leaving many people behind us. The reality is that for many people in this country, broadband is a big issue. Having the wherewithal to be able to handle digitals platforms is a challenge that they have yet to come to terms with…That is not what the GAA is about.”
Senator Gallagher discussed the issue with a lady in her 80s. She outlined that she had no access to broadband, “nevermind having the ability to use a digital platform, she has no connection.” The Senator urged GAAGO to press the pause button, re-evaluate its position and allow for greater access to Gaelic games.
He concluded: “We need to rethink this. I would welcome it if the Leader would invite the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to the House so that we can have a discussion on where exactly all of this is going for all our citizens so that everyone will have an opportunity to enjoy our Gaelic games.”
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