WITH spectators still banned from attending games in the six counties, or possibly numbers restricted in the weeks ahead, Antrim’s enforced armchair GAA fans will be able to watch 15 club championship games after Saffron officials signed a ‘live’ streaming deal with Irish TV company Nemeton.
The championship streaming, with full commentary and scores, begins with Lamh Dhearg’s group opener in the Northern Switchgear SFC against St John’s this Sunday – a game that can be viewed free of charge.
Waterford-based company Nemeton will also provide an on-demand service where Gaels can re-watch the games for a 30-day period after purchase.
Antrim PRO Sean Kelly said the county board has tried to pitch the pricing of games at “affordable prices” for their members.
Group games in football and hurling will be £3 and will increase to £5 at the quarter-final stages.
“We have been providing top quality action from our championships over the last number of years and this year we find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic,” Kelly said.
“While ‘streaming’ is the way forward it is not ideal as our Gaels at this current minute cannot attend our games. I would hope that this will change soon as social distancing can take place in our club grounds.”
Kelly also heaped praise on the clubs in the county for playing a “pivotal role” in helping their communities during lockdown.
“The work of our clubs was inspirational. Every single club in Antrim has played a pivotal role by fundraising for local groups, providing food to the local food banks.”
The senior football and hurling panels donated £3,000 to three local foodbanks during the crisis – a figure that was matched by the county board.
Kelly added: “It’s in these times you see the GAA at its best. We will provide these games to our Gaels in Antrim and around the world for an extremely affordable price.
“They will be able to watch from the comfort of their own home and each game has on-demand feature too.”
Games can be watched via Antrim GAA Facebook page.
