Mixed views were expressed on the GAA's three-year deal with Sky Television to show a number of live championship games in football and hurling, which was announced last week, at the April meeting of the Meath County Board.

Brendan Cummins said the move was very high-minded with the matter not being discussed at Congress or Central Council, on which he is Meath's representative, remarking, "I couldn't believe the way it was done.

"I wouldn't be happy over the lack of respect shown to Congress and Central Council before such a big decision was made. It will probably be 10 years down the line before we know the effects of the decision," he said.

Eamonn Barry remarked that clubs should have been asked their views while Moynalvey delegate Peter Collins suggested that a lot of older people who gave great service to the GAA down the years and are no longer able to go to games will be hit.

Collins said the decision was a denial of democracy with only 20 per cent of houses having Sky.

Navan O'Mahonys delegate Pat Smyth said that the GAA leaders were treated badly on the RTE Television Prime Time programme, remarking that politicians would be treated with more respect.

However, treasurer Brendan Dempsey and secretary Francis Flynn supported the deal. "The people who made the decision should be backed rather than knocked. A commercial decision was made with huge money involved," said Dempsey.

Cummins expressed a fear that the move will damage the association's amateur ethos and thinks that older and poorer people have are being treated with disrespect.

Chairman Conor Tormey suggested that the matter be discussed by the clubs before the next meeting. Tweet

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