The GAA has been auctioning off five packages of games in a battle for rights to the national football and hurling championships. Sources close to the GAA said that an announcement could be made this week.
TV3 caused considerable upset in December when it won one package of games, suggesting that RTE could lose its grip on the key sports events. It is understood, however, that RTE will retain all the other main hurling and football matches, including the number one package which comprises the All-Ireland finals, semi-final and quarter-finals.
RTE previously paid about €16 million for all broadcasting rights in a three-year deal with the GAA. It is believed that TV3 paid more than €6million for the third package alone.
