Costello questions Oz link

GAELIC GAMES:DUBLIN COUNTY Board CEO John Costello has questioned both the long-term relevance of the International Rules series and the true passion of the Irish players involved. In his annual report to next Monday's annual convention, Costello is also critical of RTÉ's attitude towards Gaelic games, claiming "GAA supporters are not getting a fair deal from the national broadcaster".

In a typically wide-ranging report Costello – now his 16th year as a full-time administrator – also addresses the issue of ticket pricing and general GAA finance.

“Ireland’s two Test matches against the Australians were a reality check,” he says, “as it was only in the latter stages of both Tests, when Ireland threw caution to the wind, that we looked like troubling our visitors,” he says.

“It is no doubt a huge honour to represent your country at international level but the level of passion exhibited by our players did not match that which you’d expect from the same players while performing at county or club level.

“The foot-passing and point-taking were also sub-par and you’d have to wonder what is the long-term relevance of the game?

“Is it a marriage that will some day be harmonious or is it one that will also be subject to a path of extreme highs and lows as one nation holds the upper-hand until they seem to lose a bit of interest in the concept of International Rules and are surpassed by their rival?”

Costello then raises his concerns about the division of television rights recently announced by the GAA, which sees the number of live championship matches reduced from 50, in 2010, to just 40 for 2011: “By 2013, RTÉ will screen more live games of League of Ireland soccer than Gaelic games championship action, hurling and football combined,” warns Costello.

“RTÉ screened 18 live domestic soccer games this year, a figure that is set to increase to 33 by 2013. Likewise, rugby will eclipse Gaelic games in terms of live coverage, with our national broadcaster contracted to show Six Nations, autumn Test friendlies, as well as both the All-Ireland League and Magners League.

“I am aware of recent comments by the director general that the GAA were ‘overdoing the live coverage’. However, it is my contention that GAA supporters are not getting a fair deal from the national broadcaster.

“The attitude towards Gaelic games in Montrose seems to be that our national games are only played during the months of June, July, August and September. For starters, RTÉ should have a preview style programme throughout the season, which frames that weekend’s action. But, unfortunately, Gaelic games seems to be slipping down the decision-makers’ list of priorities when it comes to scheduling.”

The sensitive issue of ticket pricing and marketing is something Costello also believes the GAA should be wary of: “In straitened times the role of marketing and our sensitivity regarding ticket prices is more important than ever.

“You do not have to look too far for a salutary lesson in how planning and budgeting for the good times is no use during the bad days – the autumn rugby internationals highlighted this point. Contrast the IRFU’s experiences in the games against South Africa and Samoa with that of the FAI’s for their cup final.

“In Gaelic games, Parnell Park hosted a crowd of over 7,000 for the final of RTÉ’s Celebrity Bainisteoir. Yes the admission was free but it did highlight the fact that if games are marketed well, there is a sporting audience in Dublin who are crying out for games to attend on weekend nights.

“The topic of ticket prices in general has never been more scrutinised, and the current economic climate lends us to believe that this is a scenario that is unlikely to change for some considerable time. Central Council will agree their pricing structure for 2011 shortly. However, I believe it’s worth underlining the GAA’s approach to family and group ticketing.

“A number of initiatives have been introduced in recent seasons in an attempt to reward regular attendees at our games – across both codes,” he says.

On other issues, Costello reiterates his call for “removing the responsibility of time-keeping from referees” and comes out against the notion of video technology being used to confirm or overrule refereeing decisions.