Tag: gaa

NBI and GAA+ partner to reward broadband customers with streamed championship games

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) on behalf of the Government, has announced an exciting new partnership with GAA+, the GAA’s live and on-demand streaming platform.

GAA+ is offering a schedule of c.40 exclusive games for the Championship 2026 season and those new customers ordering a broadband service on the NBI network before 31st March can receive an annual subscription pass valued at €95.

By combining next‑generation broadband infrastructure with modern sports broadcasting, the reward highlights how digital connectivity can bring local sporting moments to audiences right across rural Ireland and the GAA heartland.

Jarlath Burns, GAA President, expressed his excitement at the launch of this partnership: “The GAA is rooted in every community in Ireland, regardless of its urban or rural setting. Making GAA+ as accessible and enjoyable as possible remains a consistent aim and this new partnership with National Broadband Ireland clearly speaks to that ambition.”

“Our platform will once again provide a comprehensive live and exclusive broadcast schedule to supporters across web, connected TVs and apps throughout the Championship from Saturday, April 11th. Working closely with National Broadband Ireland will ensure thousands of our members can avail of enhanced connectivity in their area and look forward to coverage from Provincial Championship and All-Ireland series stages on any connected device in the comfort of their own home.”

The partnership forms part of NBI’s wider efforts to enhance end user experience and highlight the everyday benefits that high‑speed broadband can bring to households and communities.

Speaking of the announcement T.J. Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland: “We are very proud to announce our partnership with GAA+ considering that both organisations have such a strong focus on community. NBI’s rollout of high‑speed broadband infrastructure into rural areas is creating new opportunities for families, clubs and supporters to stay connected – whether that is working, learning or watching their county team compete.”

“We see our partnership with GAA+ as a great way to support broadband take-up by giving new customers that order before the end of March, access to 40 exclusive streamed games.” Mr. Malone concluded: “We also believe watching the GAA+ games over the NBI network will enhance the streaming experience.”

More than 451,000 premises across Ireland can now order fibre broadband on the NBI network, with over 165,000 already having done so.

How technology is reshaping the sports industry in Ireland

The way Irish people experience sports has changed dramatically over the past decade. What used to be a simple affair of showing up at the stadium or turning on the telly has evolved into something far more complex and, frankly, more interesting. Technology has seeped into every corner of the sports world, and Ireland is no exception to this global shift that’s transforming how we play, watch, and engage with athletics.

From grassroots GAA clubs using performance tracking apps to Premier League fans streaming matches on their phones during lunch breaks, the digital transformation is everywhere you look. It’s not just about watching anymore. It’s about engaging, analysing, and participating in ways that weren’t possible even five years ago. The technology has fundamentally altered the relationship between fans and the sports they love.

Data analytics changing how teams compete

Professional sports teams in Ireland have embraced data analytics with open arms. The days of relying purely on a manager’s gut feeling are fading fast. Today, decisions about player selection, tactical approaches, and even transfer targets are increasingly driven by numbers and algorithms that process thousands of data points.

Rugby teams like Leinster Rugby have invested heavily in performance analysis departments. Every training session is recorded, every match dissected frame by frame by analysts looking for patterns and opportunities. Players wear GPS trackers that monitor their movements, heart rates, and fatigue levels throughout matches and training. Coaches receive detailed reports that help them tailor training programmes to individual needs and identify potential injury risks before they become serious problems.

This data-driven approach has filtered down to amateur levels too. Club managers now have access to affordable tools that would have seemed like science fiction a generation ago. The democratisation of sports technology means that a Sunday league team can analyse their performance with similar methods to professional outfits, albeit on a smaller scale and budget.

The streaming revolution

Traditional broadcasting is facing serious competition from digital alternatives. Irish sports fans increasingly prefer the flexibility of streaming services over conventional TV packages that lock them into fixed schedules. Being able to watch a match on your tablet while commuting or catching up on highlights during a coffee break has changed consumption patterns significantly across all demographics.

The GAA’s decision to stream more matches online opened up access for the diaspora scattered across the globe. An emigrant in Sydney can now watch their home county play championship football in real time, something that was impossible just a decade ago. That connectivity matters, both emotionally for fans abroad and commercially for the organisation. It keeps people engaged with Irish sports regardless of where life has taken them.

Fan engagement in the digital age

Sports consumption has become increasingly interactive in recent years. Fans don’t just watch passively; they comment on social media in real time, participate in fantasy leagues that require careful analysis, check live statistics on their phones, and follow sports betting markets in Ireland to see how odds shift during matches. The second screen experience, where viewers engage with their phones while watching on television, has become completely standard practice for most fans.

Clubs have adapted by building their digital presence substantially. Social media accounts, dedicated mobile apps, and regular online content keep fans connected between matchdays. The relationship between supporters and their teams now extends far beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch. It’s a continuous conversation that technology has made possible and that fans have come to expect.

Wearable technology and athlete performance

The gadgets athletes wear have become increasingly sophisticated over the years. Heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, and recovery apps give both professional and amateur athletes insights into their bodies that previously required expensive laboratory testing. Irish athletes competing at international levels rely heavily on this technology to optimise their preparation and recovery.

Even recreational runners training for the Dublin Marathon use GPS watches and training apps that provide personalised coaching advice. The technology adapts to your performance over time, suggests workout adjustments based on your progress, and tracks improvement over weeks and months. What was once available only to elite athletes is now accessible to anyone with a smartphone and the motivation to use it.

The integration of technology into Irish sports will only deepen in coming years. Virtual reality experiences that put fans pitchside from their living rooms, artificial intelligence that predicts match outcomes with increasing accuracy, and ever more sophisticated performance tracking are all on the near horizon. The challenge for sports organisations will be embracing these innovations while preserving what makes live sport special in the first place: the unpredictability, the atmosphere, and the shared human experience of supporting a team through good times and bad.

Walter Walsh Launches New Digital Platform SocialTies

Today, SocialTies, a new free digital platform co-founded by three-time All-Ireland winner Walter Walsh, has officially launched. Built for community groups, such as schools, and grassroots organisations, SocialTies brings everything – from fixtures and results to ticketing, training resources, messaging, and exclusive content – into one unified, branded space. Designed around the real needs of today’s communities, the platform puts connection, identity, and community impact at its core.

Walter and his team have addressed a common frustration faced by organisations, relying on multiple disconnected tools to manage day-to-day communication and operations. Instead of navigating between group chats, outdated websites and scattered emails, SocialTies brings everything into one streamlined, purpose-built environment, finally offering a digital solution tailored to how real communities work.

“We built SocialTies because communities deserve better,” said Walter Walsh, CEO and Co-Founder of SocialTies, “For too long, they’ve been expected to make do with outdated websites, scattered group chats, and platforms that were never built for them. This isn’t about adding more noise, it’s about giving community groups, schools and grassroots organisations the digital infrastructure to connect, grow, and take ownership of their space online.”

Walter Walsh Launches New Digital Platform SocialTies – techbuzzireland

SocialTies is built on a new advertising model that delivers value to both communities and businesses. The platform is completely free to use both for individual users and the organisations themselves, with revenue generated through its Community Shared Advertising Model. Businesses gain targeted access to engaged, local audiences in a trusted environment, while 50% of all ad revenue is returned directly to the organisations and communities using the platform.

Brendan Kavanagh, Co-Founder of SocialTies, said: “Too many community platforms fail because they rely on goodwill, not good models. With SocialTies, we set out to create something that’s commercially robust and genuinely useful – it is a platform where local advertisers can reach engaged audiences in a meaningful way, while directly funding the communities they care about. It’s digital advertising that delivers real ROI.”

The first live platform built on SocialTies is Kilkenny Cats Social, created in partnership with Kilkenny GAA. As the pilot rollout, it demonstrates how the platform can be adapted to reflect the identity and structure of any organisation, in this case, one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting communities. Beyond content and communication, the partnership highlights SocialTie’s mission of community engagement at all levels – 50% of all advertising revenue generated on the app goes directly back to Kilkenny GAA, supporting grassroots development and major projects like the new Centre of Excellence.

Walsh, a former Kilkenny Senior hurler added “Kilkenny has given me so much, on and off the pitch, so launching our flagship product here means a huge amount to me. We built Kilkenny Cats Social to reflect everything this county stands for: pride, purpose, and community. I’m proud that we’re starting in Kilkenny, and even prouder that every tap, every ad, and every message on the platform gives something back to the place that shaped me.”

Toyota Announced as Official Car Partner to The Camogie Association and GAA/GPA

Toyota Ireland has announced a new three-year partnership with The Camogie Association and GAA/GPA which sees Toyota become the Official Car Partner to these sporting organisations. The partnership is the latest in a long history of Toyota investing in and supporting Irish sport and athletes spanning Gaelic games, athletics, para-sport, rugby and cricket and at every level including men’s, women’s, grassroots, elite, able bodied and disability.

As part of the partnership, Dublin Camogie captain Aisling Maher and Galway footballer John Maher have been named as official Toyota ambassadors and will drive the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which combines innovative design, style, Toyota’s cutting-edge hybrid technology and with reduced carbon emissions, it offers a smooth, low-emission driving experience – the perfect companion for winding down after training or a hard-fought match.

Commenting on the announcement, Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland, said:

“Toyota has a proud history of supporting sport and athletes at both local and international levels. This new partnership is an investment in our national games and the inter-county players who are the heartbeat of the sport and role models for young children across the country. By supporting The Camogie Association, the GAA / GPA and our new ambassadors Aisling and John, we aim to deepen our connection with communities nationwide. Many of our Toyota dealerships already support their local GAA clubs, and this partnership builds on that grassroots commitment. It also reflects our belief in ‘Built for a Better World’ and by promoting inclusivity, community engagement, and supporting future generations through sport, we’re continuing our mission to improve lives and lead with purpose.”

 Brian Molloy, President of The Camogie Association, added:

“Having Toyota on board as a partner is a strong endorsement of the growing profile and significance of Camogie. We welcome Toyota’s support as we continue to develop and promote the game at every level.”

 Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Toyota as Official Car Partner. Toyota has supported the GAA for generations, and their continued commitment to Gaelic games is a testament to the strong bond they share with our communities. Their focus on sustainability and community mirrors our own values, and we look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring to Gaelic games across the country.”

 Commenting on the announcement, Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA:

“This partnership with Toyota represents a meaningful investment into the GPA and will strengthen our ability to support inter-county players the length and breadth of the country. It’s great to have a brand like Toyota who recognise the unique role GPA members, both male and female, play in Irish society, on board.”

Other Motoring news 

World premiere of GAA game ‘Gaelic Football 2025’ at Gamerfest

Ahead of its massively anticipated launch, the world premiere of Gaelic Football 2025 is happening at GamerFest, Ireland’s biggest gaming and esports festival, where gamers can have an exclusive first play! The epic weekend celebration of gaming entertainment will include the latest games, VR gaming, esports and gaming challenges, a host of special guests including top Twitch and YouTube creators, and a packed schedule of live stage content.

The first Gaelic Football video game in 18 years is bigger, better, and built for next-generation game consoles – and GamerFest is the place to play it before anybody else! Whether you’re chasing glory in county championships or building your legacy from grassroots to greatness, Gaelic Football 2025 delivers the passion, pride, and power of Gaelic football like never before.

In addition to this world premiere, the developers of Gaelic Football 2025, Buck Eejit Games, will also be onsite at GamerFest to chat with the audience and gather that all important gamer feedback ahead of the games official launch in summer 2025 across Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC.

Red Bull’s mobile gaming event is returning to Ireland exclusively at GamerFest, featuring action-packed tournaments for both Player Unknown’s Battle Grounds on the Saturday and Clash Royale on the Sunday.

Tournament registration will take place on both days from 10am at the Red Bull Mobile Esports Open area at GamerFest. Attendees will commence the tournament in the Red Bull area from 1pm on both days, with the exciting Grand Finals taking place on the GamerFest Main Stage later in the day. The ultimate winner on both days will earn themselves their choice of a flagship smartphone or €1,000 in cash, plus the tournament winner’s trophy.

Also appearing at GamerFest will be Ireland’s top gaming content creators, including The Gara Show, who has amassed over 750,000 followers across his channels. Others such as Dylan Garbutt, Jordan Brown and Shields will be making live stage appearances and partaking in Q&As with gaming fans.

GamerFest has something for gamers of all levels, including families, casual and seasoned players alike. From retro games, cosplay and tournaments, to the Industry Zone where those interested in gaming professions can chat to the developers themselves and learn about the opportunities in the sector.

Stuart Dempsey, CEO of GamerFest, says: “This is a very exciting year for GamerFest, with audiences getting an exclusive first play of the hotly anticipated new GAA game. Our passion is to give Ireland’s gamers the biggest opportunities in the industry, whether that’s first plays of upcoming games or a chance to talk to developers about a future career in the games industry. We look forward to welcoming over 5,000 visitors to enjoy the weekend’s entertainment.”

GamerFest takes place in Dublin’s RDS on May 24th and 25th

The GAA rolls out an anti-Bullying and Internet Safety Programme to 100 GAA clubs in 2022 in partnership with Google

The GAA, in partnership with Google, has launched its anti-bullying and internet safety programme to over 100 participating clubs from the GAA, Ladies Football and Camogie Associations in Ireland and Britain, targeted at the 9 – 12 years age group.

As part of the Gaelic Games, Give Respect – Get Respect initiative, this programme incorporates Google’s Be Internet Legends initiative, an existing free, online safety education programme for primary-age children helping them to become safe and confident explorers of the online world. The programme helps children bring the respect and values they learn on the field into their online interactions encompassing learnings and activities in the areas of anti-bullying, developing positive behaviour and staying safe online.

This programme mirrors the Give Respect – Get Respect initiative which promotes respecting fellow players, coaches, referees, opponents and officials; playing fair; treating others equally; setting an example; and creating an environment where children feel confident and comfortable to talk to a coach or adult if they have a concern.

Speaking at the launch the GAA President Larry McCarthy welcomed the involvement of the Gaelic Games Give Respect – Get Respect initiative in this programme. He said:

“This is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness around the need for young players to show respect for referees, fellow players, coaches and opponents, both on and off the field of play.

“It is the Association’s intention to further develop the ‘Respect Initiative’ over the period of our recently launched Strategic Plan and this Anti-Bullying and Internet Safety Programme will be supported and closely monitored.”

Speaking in Croke Park at the launch, Shane Nolan, Director, New Business Sales, EMEA, Google Ireland, said:

“At Google Ireland, we recognise the responsibility that we have as a company to protect and support the users of our products. We need to play our part in ensuring that the internet is an accessible resource to all and that it’s used in a positive way.  We are delighted to build upon our already successful partnership with the GAA to deliver the Be Internet Legends programme to even more clubs and children across the country. Google Ireland is committed to helping empower young people to act wisely, responsibly and safely all the while remaining confident explorers of the online world.”

Minister of State Jack Chambers TD speaking at the launch said:

“I am delighted to support and help launch this important initiative. Abuse of our players, coaches, referees and volunteers is unacceptable and must be called out – whether it occurs on the pitch, in the training grounds, up in the stands or online. This initiative underlines the commitment of the Gaelic Games family to tackling the scourge of bullying and to protect and safeguard all those who participate. The initiative equips young people to identify and learn how to respond to online abuse and bullying, with the learnings then applied to a sports setting. I congratulate the GAA and partners Google on this welcome and important initiative and look forward to it being rolled out to children in clubs across the country.”