TG4 presenter Micheál Ó Domhnaill has fired back at criticism of the channel's GAA coverage during Sunday's Allianz Football League games between Mayo and Donegal, and Tyrone and Monaghan.
Both games were played in wet and windy conditions with the broadcast of the former from Markievicz Park being particularly badly affected by the weather.
TG4's coverage received criticism from viewers on social media annoyed that pictures were being obscured by rain on the camera lens.
Very much appreciate the advice from all on here to wipe the camera lens…. We are also on the phone to the man above to turn off the rain. #GAABEO 💪
— GAA BEO TG4 (@GAA_BEO) January 30, 2022
Micheál Ó Domhnaill responds to TG4 GAA coverage criticism
"Just back from a 5 hour live broadcast with TG4 in Omagh," Ó Domhnaill wrote on LinkedIn.
"I just want to thank the great crew with Nemeton TV and TVM Outside Broadcast Facilities for their work in horrendous weather today. For both Mayo v Donegal and Tyrone v Monaghan matches the crew was put to the pin of their collars to broadcast pictures and sound. For the uninformed Twitter bashers I'd like to point out a few things.
"There is no camera system in the world that will self clean the lens when the rain is driving directly into it.
"The camera operator has to wait until another camera is cut to air before wiping the lens. If the rain continues, as it did almost without a break today, the lens will only be clear momentarily before the rain covers [the] lens again.
"The cameras are as protected from the rain as possible - thanks to those who put links to camera covers (as if these weren't in place already)! All of the camera, bar the lens, is protected, but some people seem to think that the lens should also be protected. I'd love to hear how.
"Omagh and Sligo are exposed pitches. There is no way of broadcasting from within the stands (pylons, restrictions on the public, health and safety, etc.). Therefore, unlike Semple Stadium, Croke Park and some other locations, there is no covered stand to protect the camera positions in either Markievicz Park or Healy Park. Even if a camera gantry with a cover had been built for today to cover the camera positions, this wouldn't have made a jot of difference as the rain blew directly into the camera positions.
"No other broadcaster would have been able to do [a] better job in the conditions. As part of the GAA Beo team we did everything we could to provide entertainment - as we do every Sunday.
"And even as we're drying off the equipment - not to mention ourselves - we're looking forward already to getting out next weekend for the next round of matches.
"Gach rath, go raibh maith agaibh as é seo a léamh."
Tús spleodrach (agus fluich 🌧) ag na #AllianzLeagues ar @GAA_BEO inniu
Buíochas lenár gceamaradóirí a rinne a dícheall in ainneoin na droch aimsire
🎥☔️#GAA #GAABeo @TG4TV #Whathefluich pic.twitter.com/RsE3Vnh3cX— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 30, 2022
See Also: Spillane And McConville Urge Association To Look At Rule 'Anomaly'
