RTÉ boycott ‘will go on’

TYRONE’S footballers will continue to boycott RTÉ ahead of their All-Ireland football final clash with Dublin next month.

Tyrone GAA declined an invitation from the broadcaster to take part in the station’s coverage of the run-up to the match on September 2, RTÉ said in a statement yesterday.

RTÉ and Tyrone manager Mickey Harte have been at loggerheads since 2011 following a spat over the station’s choice of commentator, and a radio sketch that RTÉ later conceded was ‘insensitive’. Yesterday, RTÉ said it respected Tyrone GAA’s decision. Tyrone GAA was contacted in response to RTÉ’s statement, but declined to comment.

SINCE 2011, Tyrone GAA has been refusing to co-operate with RTÉ. For the first time since then, though, the county’s football team is in the All-Ireland final.

Accordingly, this would seem like an opportune moment to call off the boycott. It is apparent to even a casual observer that the management at Tyrone have made their point in the most forceful and effective terms.

It is worth noting that the ongoing policy puts squad members at a disadvantage in terms of attracting sponsors. But it is also unfair on supporters who don’t get to hear players’ views and opinions. This row has gone on for far too long. Now is the time to let bygones be bygones.