RTE have released a statement confirming that Tyrone will refuse to participate in any of the national broadcaster’s coverage of this years All-Ireland football final.
Tyrone manager, Mickey Harte has been at loggerheads with the media outlet since 2011, when they mimicked him during a comedy sketch on The John Murray Show.
The song ‘Pretty Little Girl from Omagh’ was played during the segment, which the Tyrone boss took exception with.
The sketch was ill-advised considering Harte’s daughter Michaela had only died six months prior.
He has refused to speak to RTE since the incident, despite RTE’s claims that Harte had received an apology over the phone after the incident occurred.
There have been ongoing negotiations, but the impasse looks set to continue heading into the All-Ireland final.
Tyrone players and staff have refused to speak to the broadcaster since the event.
RTE have released a statement via their website this morning;
“Last week RTÉ Sport extended the same invitation to Tyrone GAA that it has to Dublin GAA, and all previous All Ireland finalists with regard to participation in RTÉ coverage across television, radio and digital platforms.
This included pre-match, day of match at Croke Park, and post match interviews.
Tyrone GAA have informed RTÉ Sport that the Tyrone management and players do not wish to participate in any such media activity with RTÉ and we respect that decision.
RTÉ Sport will now continue with its planning and preparation and we wish both Tyrone GAA and Dublin GAA the very best of luck in the final.”
The on-going impasse throws up a lot of complications for RTE.
Prior to the All-Ireland final, ‘Up for the Match’ is normally televised and hosts an array of characters from the two participating counties, including former stars and parents of current players. This is out of the confines of the Tyrone management team so it is not yet known if those from Tyrone will follow suit and boycott the station.
It also complicates things if Tyrone are to beat Dublin, in that case, RTE will have to scrap plans to broadcast live from the winners hotel on the evening of the final.
Tyrone GAA have declined to comment at this time, but a spokesperson for the county has informed SportsJOE that they expect to address the matter later in the week.
