A national GAAGO debate has been prevented after RTÉ and the GAA came together to ensure the Galway v Mayo All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final would be accessible on free-to-air TV.
Although the media rights deal which was signed last year allowed GAAGO the pick of the top matches for this week’s football round, an arrangement has been made that will see the game from Salthill throw in at 3pm on Sunday on RTÉ 1.
It was agreed under the scheduling at the start of the year that the national broadcaster were compelled to show the Tailteann Cup semi-finals which will take place in Croke Park.
While the other preliminary quarter-finals will take place on Saturday, Galway’s football match was always destined for Sunday because of the involvement of the hurlers on Saturday.
RTÉ rarely, if ever, showcase sports programmes or live matches on its two main channels at the same time but an exception has been made due to the rivalry and interest in these two Connacht sides.
The Tailteann Cup semi-finals will be shown live on RTÉ 2 with Antrim and Meath throwing in at 2pm, while Down will play Laois at 4pm.
Both these matches will be shown as planned on RTÉ 2.
Keeping Galway and Mayo off GAAGO has likely avoided the controversy which has surrounded the Munster hurling championship games on the streaming service earlier this season.
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