The second-round Division 2A Hurling league game between Down and Kerry in Ballycran was filled with plenty of drama both on. However, for viewers at home, most of the second half was marred with technical issues on the BBC iPlayer in Northern Ireland and GAAGO in the Republic. This caused a lot of frustration among the fans, who were left unable to watch the game properly.
During the first half, Kerry had a strong lead of 1-15 to 0-11. However, when the second half began, viewers noticed that the camera angle was not in its usual position. The camera was right beside the Down goal, providing an unusual and unsatisfactory viewing point for a game of hurling. This left many spectators angry, especially when the Ulster side clawed back a seven-point deficit to eventually run out 2-23 to 1-19 winners.
Goal for @GaaDownt and camera is showing scoreboard, c’mon, haven’t even shown the goal 😳😳
— Liam Mac Cuirc (@lmaccuirc) February 10, 2024
I'm going mad Ted.
Down v Kerry cameraman: pic.twitter.com/YpCtirdHWo— Craic Of The Ash (@CraicOfTheAsh) February 10, 2024
READ MORE: Six Players Ready To Claim First Hurling All-Star In 2024
GAAGO issue statement over bizarre camera angle
The reason for the change of view was a technical issue with the BBC cameras, which GAAGO later confirmed on their Twitter account. This was a nightmare situation for any cameraman or streaming company.
The host broadcaster of the Down v Kerry game are experiencing technical difficulties at the moment with their cameras. They are currently working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We apologise any inconvenience caused by this to our viewers. — GAAGO (@GAAGO) February 10, 2024
Fortunately, fans who missed out on the action can still catch the highlights published on BBC Sport. The highlights show the optimal viewing point of the goals for the second half. It's unclear why this angle wasn't available during the game.
The result of the game may not be ideal for Kerry's boss, Stephen Molumphy. It makes it two losses out of two for the Waterford native, which makes their promotion chances completely gone. On the other hand, it was a great opening win for Down as they try to secure their status in the division for another season and with games with Meath and Kildare too come they should do that, there’s also a chance that they could potentially get a League final spot if they could beat Carlow.
