Covering Cork club fixtures was always a big target for Clubber TV

An exciting new adventure for Clubber TV as they dip their toes into covering club games on Leeside for at least the next three seasons.

The streaming platform has made huge strides since being formed in 2021 and their new partnership with Cork GAA is further proof of their progress.

Clubber TV’s Director of Operations Mark Ryan couldn't hide his delight when speaking to The Echo.

“Covering club matches in Cork was always a big target for us,” he says.

“It’s no secret that Cork are the best supported GAA county in Ireland, so from day one when we were set up, it was something we were always interested in. This year was the first time we were able to get in.

“It was confirmed back in February, it’s a huge privilege for Clubber TV to be able to stream these matches to the people of Cork and beyond. It’s something we are really looking forward to. We are now covering 14 different county club championships and also cover underage inter-county games in Munster and Leinster.” 

Clubber TV got their coverage of Cork GAA club fixtures underway last Friday when they showed the McCarthy Insurance Group Division 1 and 2 Football League deciders.

“It was great to cover those games last weekend, we want to cover as many games as possible,” the Tipperary native said, a first cousin to Cork senior hurler Seán O’Donoghue.

“The league competitions are big in Cork and mean a lot, so we saw it as an ideal chance to get our coverage underway on a good footing. There was great interest in the finals on Clubber TV, so we are delighted with the start.

“Covering the two games at the same time in different locations in Cork was tricky, but we were streaming seven games altogether on Friday evening. It does cause a strain, but we do have a great staff of workers. It can be a lot of work, but there’s a great understanding between all of us.” 

Clubber TV won’t just be focusing on the top-tier championships in Cork in this campaign. Their aim is to cover as many games as possible in every grade.

“Obviously, the Premier Senior championship in both codes are huge in Cork, but at Clubber TV, we always say we want to cover every corner of the county and every grade in hurling and football. It’s not feasible for every single game, but we want to give every fan unlimited access to as many games as possible.

“We try to be fair while also covering the most popular games that the fans would be interested in. That would be a discussion we would have amongst ourselves and we would be in contact with the county board for suggestions.” 

The cost to watch the games on Clubber TV are priced at €12.99 each. An annual pass is priced at €149.99. Ryan feels it's a great deal.

“Last year, we streamed exactly 1,000 games. This year, it’s looking like we will definitely get 1,500 matches covered. For €149.99 for the year, it’s brilliant value. You can keep up to date with your own local club, maybe your family and friends clubs and other counties. We cover 14 county championships in Ireland.

“It’s a brilliant way to stay connected throughout the GAA club season. For the Rebel fans, once the county championship is over, we will also be covering the Munster club championship across the grades.

“We are excited and really looking forward to the weeks, months and years ahead covering all the action in Cork.” Ryan concluded.