DONEGAL fans have contested RTE and the GAA’s controversial snub of the biggest match of the season – and told them “tell us straight”.
The GAA supporters’ criticisms about the TV blackout of this Saturday’s crucial All-Ireland match follows the two national bodies’ responses to the Donegal News.
One high-profile fan claimed a “clear and transparent explanation” is needed.
Jim McGuinness’s players battle Cork in just two days’ time for automatic qualification to this year’s championship quarter-finals
But the crunch match will controversially not be televised on either RTE, which charges a €160 yearly license fee, or the annual €95 GAA+ subscription service.
The Donegal News asked the GAA: “Why was the Donegal v Cork match not selected for broadcast?”
A GAA spokesperson responded: “GAA+ has the right.”
GAA+ costs an annual €95 subscription.
Well-known Donegal GAA fan Jack Murray, who is a County councillor from Inishowen, branded the TV blackout a “disgrace” and challenged the GAA’s about its response.
He told the Donegal News: “I find that response very unconvincing.
“GAA+ has multiple channels and the capacity to show far more games than traditional television.
“There will also be cameras at the match on the day with footage being recorded for highlights afterwards.
“If the game is already being filmed, it is difficult to understand why that footage cannot be made available live to supporters who are unable to attend.
“The GAA should give a clear and transparent explanation for why that is not happening.”
He added: “It is dismissive and they should give a clear explanation.”
Well-known Donegal GAA supporter Jack Murray, who is a Donegal Co Cllr, with his wife Sabrina and daughter Bláithín.
However, both RTE and the GAA have confirmed to the Donegal News that they do not plan a live broadcast – despite appeals from fans like the councillor, pubs, and cinemas.
A spokesperson for RTE told us that fixtures are “decided by the GAA” and that “GAA+ gets the first and second choice” at selecting games and that the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) decides “what games are on what days”.
The Donegal News asked the GAA: “Why was the Donegal v Cork match not selected for broadcast?”
A GAA spokesperson responded: “GAA+ has the right and will broadcast two games on the Saturday. They selected Monaghan v Roscommon and Derry v Meath.”
A source added: “Donegal has received the most broadcast coverage of every county in the country so far in 2026. That is 10 out of their 10 league and championship games either televised or streamed.”
Fans urged “tell us straight” and sent pleas on the social media of the Donegal News, while a west Donegal pub and a Letterkenny cinema want to screen the game themselves.
One reader, Ronan, wrote: “They want people to pay for GAA+ so a Donegal or Cork fan buys the package and still can’t see their county play. That is some farce.”
Another, Tony, stated: “There is no logical reason for this game not to be shown.”
Mary said: “So we can’t see the most important Donegal game. What a joke this is.”
A social media post claimed that the Bridge Inn bar in Dungloe was offering free pints for a “match-day hero” who provides a live stream from MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey.
Social media post on the Facebook page of the Bridge Inn bar in Dungloe.
It stated: “Can you help us watch the match? The game is not being televised. So we’re hoping you can stream it for us so we can watch live in the bar.
“We need you to please video call us on Facetime and show the match on your phone so we can watch live in the bar.”
It added: “Incredible reward: free pints of Guinness for you and a friend all day Sunday.”
The bar told the Donegal News that it has received a match ticket from a local whiskey company in their bid to find a punter who will go to the game and screen it.
A post on the bar’s Facebook page added: “The company has reached out and very kindly donated a ticket for the supporter who helps us stream the match live to the bar.
“We’ve had plenty of interest from people willing to help us out and now we have to decide who gets the ticket.
“We’ll be reviewing all the messages and will announce our chosen match-day hero soon.”
Similarly, Century Cinema in Letterkenny told the Donegal News that it is also looking to stream the match.
Century Cinema Letterkenny hopes to help fans.
A manager said: “We have streamed matches before. We have shown Ulster finals and All-Irelands before.
“We thought so many Donegal fans are disappointed, so it’d be great to show it – and it would be free; we won’t charge admission.
“We don’t know yet how we could broadcast it. Maybe the powers that be will change their mind. There might be regulations to look at.”
Century Cinema, Letterkenny.
A post on the cinema’s Facebook page stated: “Can Donegal fans work a little magic?
“Donegal take on Cork in a massive Championship showdown. Like many supporters, we’re disappointed that the game isn’t being shown live on television.
“We’d love to bring the match to the cinema screen and create a free viewing event for local fans – but we need a little help to make it happen.
“If you’re travelling to the game and think you might be able to help us access a live feed from MacCumhaill Park, we’d love to hear from you.
“Imagine it: championship football on the big screen; cinema atmosphere; hundreds of Donegal supporters together; free admission. No promises just yet, but if we can make it happen, we will.
“If you know someone heading to the game, who might be able to help, tag them or send them our way. Let’s see what the Donegal community can do.”
Donegal will host Cork in Ballybofey this Saturday with a 3pm throw-in.