Irish Times: Local Residents Targeted – Concerns Rise

August 22, 2025 David Thompson - Sports Editor Sports

The Fight Against Illegal Sports streaming in Ireland

The proliferation of illicit sports streaming, fueled by affordable “dodgy boxes” and fire sticks, is a growing concern for rights holders and legitimate streaming services in Ireland. While authorities are targeting the major criminal organizations behind the operation, the issue extends to individual consumers and smaller platforms like Clubber, GAA+, and LOITV, who are caught in the crossfire.

Ghaago Presenter Gráinne McElwain with Pundits Séamus Hickey and Eoin Cadogan before a Waterford-Clare Match in Thurles in 2023.
Ghaago Presenter Gráinne McElwain with Pundits Séamus Hickey and Eoin Cadogan before a Waterford-Clare Match in Thurles in 2023. Photograph: James Combie/inpho

According to Rob Doyle, tackling the issue requires a multi-pronged approach. “There are a lot of very elegant people in the background involved in this and so you’re kind of one step away all the time,” he says. “You need action on many different fronts to try to help curb something like this. There’s obviously an effort to tackle the big criminal masterminds who are behind it all, and then there are the smaller level criminals who are being tackled too. Which will be helpful.”

Doyle expresses hope for increased action, notably from internet service providers (ISPs). “ISPs can probably help in this regard, they can quite easily curb it. It’s like any major crime that happens out in the world, once there’s a realisation that it’s a genuine problem, that it matters, then you’ll see it improve.”

The question arises whether pursuing end-users – those accessing the illegal streams – could deter others. according to paul Quinn, this is a likely next step. “Suddenly it’s your neighbours, who teach your kids, serve you over the counter in the morning. They’re people you would not like anything to happen to, but ultimately they’re the people who are availing of dodgy boxes. And they go into it with eyes wide open,they know they shouldn’t be doing this. They’re looking over their shoulders now, and it’s right that they should. I can see that net closing in due course.”

The high cost of legal subscriptions, particularly for the English Premier League, is a significant driver of illegal streaming. Some argue that even if it marginally impacts the finances of clubs like Manchester City, the impact is minimal.

Waterford manager Peter queally being interviewed by Clubber before a match against Cork.
waterford manager Peter queally being interviewed by Clubber before a match against Cork. Photograph: James Lawlor/Inpho

However, platforms like Clubber, GAA+, and LOITV have also been inadvertently accessed through these illegal streams. Doyle believes a realization is growing that these services need to be supported to survive. “I do think there’s a perception among the consumers that it’s not the right thing to do. We’re starting to get a sense that people enjoy the service, value it and understand that a lot of people are putting in hard work, providing a professional service that needs to be paid for if it is indeed to keep running. If that doesn’t happen, it could ruin it for everybody.”

Quinn shares this optimism. “I’m glass half-full. I’m extremely proud of the gains the GAA has made in this streaming space in the last 10 years,the platform is performing beyond my own expectations. We’re very thankful for the members who are doing this legitimately and we’re relying on goodwill for people to do that. I’d be hopeful in due course that people will realize the benefit of going legit.”

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