Senator: Donegal v Cork blackout shows 'traditions are being lost'

Senator Manus Boyle believes the GAA is going against its own ethos by not allowing supporters access to watch the fixture between Donegal and Cork

Published 3rd Jun 2026, 20:19 BST Sportsfile Senator Manus Boyle believes the GAA is going against its own ethos by not allowing supporters access to watch the fixture between Donegal and Cork A local senator has said it is “difficult to understand” why Donegal ’s All-Ireland SFC Round 2A clash against Cork will not be televised or streamed live.

Whoever wins the clash between the sides on Saturday week at Sean MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey will secure direct passage to the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals.

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“As Donegal supporters, we are extremely disappointed that our All-Ireland SFC Round 2A clash with Cork in MacCumhaill Park on Saturday, June 13 at 3pm will not be televised by either RTÉ or GAA+ ,” Senator Manus Boyle of Fine Gael says.

“The decision is difficult to understand when every other Round 2A game is being shown live.

For many supporters, especially older fans, families, and the Donegal diaspora spread across Ireland and the world, attending in person is simply not possible. Television and streaming coverage are often the only way they can follow their county.”

Read More Donegal had highest number of rain and wet days in May as temperature highs set Donegal village’s heart is being ‘ripped from its chest’ Donegal minors to face Down in Paul McGirr semi-final this weekend Home draw for Finn Harps in the FAI Cup second round In Round 2A, the Donegal meeting with Cork is the only one of the four fixtures that will not be televised by either RTÉ or GAA+, with the Sunday meetings of Louth and Armagh, Galway against Westmeath and Tyrone against Mayo all to be featured.

In Round 2B, Monaghan’s home fixture against Roscommon and Derry welcoming Meath, both on Saturday week, will be screened or streamed live, while Kildare against Kerry and Cavan taking on Dublin will not.

“The GAA has always prided itself on community, inclusion, and keeping supporters connected to their teams,” Senator Boyle added. “Decisions like this leave many feeling that those traditions are being lost.

“While Kildare v Kerry and Cavan v Dublin are also not being shown live, it is particularly frustrating that Donegal is the only county in Round 2A whose supporters will be denied coverage while all the other games in the group are being broadcast.

“We wish Jim McGuinness and the squad every success on the day, but Donegal supporters deserve better. Championship football should be accessible to the people who make the GAA what it is.”

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