Northern Ireland

Sinn Féin 'disappointed' no signficant progress on BBC's GAA coverage

Michelle O'Neill said Sinn Féin is 'disappointed that there has been no significant progress or investment made by the BBC to extend their coverage'. Michael Cooper, Press Association
Michelle O'Neill said Sinn Féin is 'disappointed that there has been no significant progress or investment made by the BBC to extend their coverage'. Michael Cooper, Press Association Michelle O'Neill said Sinn Féin is 'disappointed that there has been no significant progress or investment made by the BBC to extend their coverage'. Michael Cooper, Press Association

A SINN Féin delegation met senior BBC figures yesterday to discuss the broadcaster's GAA coverage.

The party is pressing the BBC for more live coverage of Gaelic games, including the Ulster and club championships.

Among those at the talks were northern leader Michelle O'Neill, assembly member Sinéad Ennis and Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile.

Mrs O’Neill said they are "disappointed that there has been no significant progress or investment made by the BBC to extend their coverage" after two years of Sinn Féin lobbying.

"Sinn Féin will continue to press broadcasters, including BBC and RTÉ, on the need for fair, equitable and accessible access to Gaelic games for everyone right across Ireland.”

The corporation has previously described "sport rights" as "highly competitive and complex" in relation to its coverage.

"Value for money is a fundamental consideration in all of this, taking account of our responsibility to provide a broad mix of output," it said.

Sinn Féin has criticised the BBC's GAA coverage
Sinn Féin has criticised the BBC's GAA coverage Sinn Féin has criticised the BBC's GAA coverage