Virgin Media Television Expands Coverage of SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division
Tolka Park will host Pats in the next Virgin Media televised game Credit: Muller Santos (ETPhotos)
Virgin Media Television is set to broadcast five additional SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division fixtures in 2023, following a successful initial broadcast in April. The expanded coverage begins with the highly anticipated Dublin Derby between Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic on Friday, 19 May.
The decision to increase coverage comes as the title race and fight for European spots intensify in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division. Fans will be able to enjoy more live action as the season progresses, with two of the five new fixtures confirmed and the remaining three to be announced later.
The two confirmed broadcasts on Virgin Media Two are as follows:
• Shelbourne v St Patrick's Athletic - Tolka Park, Friday, 19 May, 2023 at 19:45 • St Patrick's Athletic v Derry City - Richmond Park, Monday, 5 June, 2023 at 18:45
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill highlighted the importance of free-to-air exposure, stating, "Both sides agreed that the original one match experiment was a great success, a feeling echoed by our title sponsors SSE Airtricity." He also stressed the need for continued investment in on-field and broadcast facilities to attract more interest and generate income for the sport in Ireland.
FAI Commercial Director Sean Kavanagh shared his enthusiasm for the partnership with Virgin Media and SSE Airtricity, saying, "Working with Virgin Media and SSE Airtricity for the first live broadcast was a brilliant experience where together, we were able to bring the incredible action from Dalymount Park to the wider public."
Mick McCaffrey, Virgin Media Television Head of News and Sport, confirmed the positive reaction from viewers during the Bohemians versus Shamrock Rovers broadcast last month, adding, "It’s vital that as many games as possible are available for people to enjoy free to air."
Ashley Morrow, SSE Airtricity Interim Head of Brand, Advertising & Sponsorship, expressed his commitment to working closely with the FAI to find opportunities to grow the league, saying, "We're delighted to share the good news that Virgin Media will continue live coverage of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division for an additional five games, and we look forward to exploring future opportunities."
