Virgin Media Television confirms broadcast of five free to air SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixtures

Virgin Media Television has announced that it will air five free to air SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixtures in 2023, following a successful broadcast of Shamrock Rovers’ win over Bohemians at Dalymount Park in April.

Kicking off with the upcoming Dublin Derby between Shelbourne and St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday 19th May on Virgin Media Two at 7.45pm and St Patrick’s Athletic v Derry City on Monday 5th June at 6.45pm in Richmond Park, with three more fixtures to be announced at a later stage.

Virgin Media Television, Head of News and Sport, Mick McCaffrey, said: “The reaction from our viewers when we broadcast Bohemians versus Shamrock Rovers last month was extremely positive so we are delighted to expand our coverage to include another five fixtures this season.

“It’s vital that as many games as possible are available for people to enjoy free to air”

Football Association of Ireland CEO, Jonathan Hill, said: “We’re really pleased to announce the confirmation of a further five games to be broadcast on Virgin Media Television for the 2023 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division campaign which is a reflection of growing interest in the League of Ireland overall and an important dynamic as we look to the structure of future broadcast deals, especially in relation to a strong base of free-to-air exposure.

“Both sides agreed that the original one match experiment was a great success, a feeling echoed by our title sponsors SSE Airtricity whose wider support remains key as well.

“We will be looking at all broadcast models moving forward but one thing is clear in that to attract more interest into our broadcast product we will continue to need to invest both into the on-field look and feel (quality of pitch, floodlights etc) but also the modern broadcast facilities we will need to have in place moving forward to maximise broadcast interest which will in turn generate the income to drive our ambition for League football in Ireland to become an industry in its own right and for our stadia to be modern, welcoming homes for our existing and many new fans”.

FAI Commercial Director, Sean Kavanagh said: “We’re delighted to have agreed a further five live SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division broadcasts on Virgin Media Television.

“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 and much excitement was built up in the lead up to the fixture.

“We’re looking forward to the next chapter in this partnership and are excited for the next live games on Virgin Media TV.”

SSE Airtricity Interim Head of Brand, Advertising & Sponsorship, Ashley Morrow, said: “As long-standing sponsors of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier, Men’s First and Women’s Premier Division, we are committed to working closely with our partners at the FAI to find opportunities to grow the league and bring it to new and existing audiences for all to enjoy.

“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.”