Sunday Game panelist Dónal Óg Cusack has said the "GAA has failed hurling" following controversy over championship games being streamed on GAAGO instead of free-to-air TV.
Last year, GAAGO announced a 38-game schedule for the 2023 Championship following the departure of Sky, with games set to be split 50-50 between the GAA and RTÉ.
However, the streaming service has been hit with controversy after people cited pricing, a lack of access for the elderly and internet difficulties for those living in rural Ireland as key issues affecting this year's GAA Championship.
Read More: GAAGO announces 38-game schedule for 2023 Championship
Speaking on The Sunday Game following GAAGO-only coverage of a thrilling Munster Hurling Championship between Cork and Tipperary this Saturday in a packed-out Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Mr Cusack stated that the "GAA has failed hurling."
The former Cork goalkeeper said: "Hurling needs oxygen. I have no issue with Pay Per View. By next weekend, when Clare play Waterford, four of the biggest Munster Championship games will have been on pay per view."
He stressed that the GAA has introduced a compressed hurling championship this year, with three to four weeks featuring no games on free-to-air channels RTÉ or TG4.
"You have to ask, who is accountable for the promotion of hurling, because whoever it is, is not doing a good job. The GAA took on trusteeship of it. It looks like they are actually shrinking the game, instead of growing the game.
"You have to question, are RTÉ and the GAA exploiting hurling?" he questioned on Sunday night, speaking with host Jacqui Hurley and fellow panelist former Kilkenny hurler, Jackie Tyrell.
Cusack claimed that it "looks like they are using hurling to get this joint-venture off the ground."
The 46-year-old, who played for The Rebel County for 16 seasons, said there is no better imagery or oxygen for hurling than games like Clare v Limerick being "beamed into every house" to help grow the game in Ireland.
"We have lost a huge opportunity over the last number of weeks, and I would say that the GAA has failed hurling," he added.
Viewers were quick to row in on the controversy and in support of Dónal Óg's "honest assessment."
One Twitter user said: "It is very wrong that these games are not available on RTE. There is a whole demographic that are being excluded including the older person, those in hospitals and nursing homes and those that do not have access to technology. Donal Óg is spot on with his analysis."
While another expressed: "GAAGO should be part of the TV license fee, it would form part of the free to air, boosting licensing numbers. Initially set up for those on foreign shores - keep that as the paid subscription. Daily shows with local clubs, nutrition + sessions. Lots could be done to educate."
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