
GAA on TV This Weekend – Full Schedule, Channels and Streams
The opening rounds of the 2026 Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues bring a packed weekend of Gaelic games to screens across Ireland and beyond. From Saturday January 24th through Sunday January 25th, viewers can access live coverage of marquee matchups through multiple broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Key fixtures include Dublin’s Croke Park encounter with Donegal, a Galway-Mayo football rivalry clash, and a standout hurling tie between Tipperary and Galway. With coverage split between RTÉ, TG4, GAA+, and their respective streaming services, fans have more options than ever to follow the action live.
This guide provides a complete overview of this weekend’s television schedule, broadcasting details, and practical information for viewers looking to catch every moment of Allianz League action. For additional sports coverage, explore our sports section for other Irish sporting events.
Weekend GAA Television Schedule Overview
Dublin v Donegal, Tipperary v Galway, Cork v Waterford, Galway v Mayo
RTÉ, TG4, TG4 Player, GAA+ broadcasting 3pm to 7pm windows
GAA+, RTÉ Player, and TG4 Player provide on-demand access worldwide
Eight matches across Football League Division 1 and 2, plus Hurling League 1A
Key Broadcast Information
- RTÉ provides live hurling coverage including the Tipperary v Galway Division 1A opener at FBD Semple Stadium
- TG4 carries the majority of football fixtures, including the Dublin v Donegal clash and Galway v Mayo rivalry game
- GAA+ streams select football matches including Tyrone v Kildare and Monaghan v Armagh to a global audience
- Sky Sports has no specific matches listed for this weekend, though general GAA coverage appears in broader schedules
- UK viewers should consult dedicated GAA listings for Premier Sports and BBC coverage options
Saturday 24th January Television Fixtures
| Match | Time | Channel | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meath v Derry | 3:00pm | TG4 Player | Allianz Football League Division 2 |
| Dublin v Donegal | 5:00pm | TG4 | Allianz Football League Division 1 |
| Tyrone v Kildare | 6:00pm | GAA+ | Allianz Football League Division 2 |
| Tipperary v Galway | 7:00pm | RTÉ | Allianz Hurling League Division 1A |
Saturday Football and Hurling Fixtures
Allianz Football League Division 1 Matches
The headline football match of Saturday sees Dublin host Donegal at Croke Park, with the throw-in scheduled for 5pm. TG4 holds exclusive live rights to this Division 1 opener. Official GAA social media channels will supplement broadcast coverage with in-match clips throughout the encounter.
Dublin enters the competition as strong contenders following their consistent performances in recent seasons, while Donegal will look to build momentum after a mixed campaign last year. The Croke Park setting guarantees significant attendance and heightened atmosphere.
Allianz Football League Division 2 Coverage
Earlier on Saturday, Meath and Derry lock horns at Croke Park with a 3pm throw-in, streamed live on TG4 Player. This provincial rivalry adds extra significance to the Division 2 fixture, with both counties aiming to establish early season credentials.
Tyrone hosts Kildare at O’Neills Healy Park at 6pm in another Division 2 clash. GAA+ provides streaming coverage for this match, offering fans worldwide access to the Tyrone home game. The quality of competition in this tier makes it an attractive option for viewers seeking alternative action to the headline Division 1 games.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A Opener
The hurling programme begins with a compelling Division 1A fixture as Tipperary welcome Galway to FBD Semple Stadium at 7pm. RTÉ broadcasts this match live, marking the first competitive meeting between the counties this season.
Tipperary reached last year’s Division 1 final and subsequently claimed the Liam MacCarthy Cup, making them favorites for this season’s opener. Their opponents, Galway, enter as Walsh Cup champions, having demonstrated strong pre-season form in their tune-up fixtures.
The contrast in styles between Tipperary’s attacking prowess and Galway’s tactical discipline should make for compelling viewing. RTÉ’s cameras will capture every moment from the Thurles venue, with pre-match build-up expected to include analysis from their senior Gaelic games commentary team.
Sunday GAA Television Coverage
Allianz Football League Division 1 Rivalry Games
Sunday’s football schedule centres on two standout rivalry encounters. The afternoon begins in Salthill where Galway hosts Mayo at 1:45pm, with TG4 broadcasting live. This Galway-Mayo fixture represents one of the most passionate rivalries in Gaelic football, drawing significant viewership whenever the counties meet.
Kerry, the reigning defending champions, face Roscommon at Killarney with a 2pm throw-in. TG4 Player and the TG4 App provide streaming coverage of this match, with Kerry expected to draw large audiences given their champion status following last season’s triumph.
Ulster Football Derby
Monaghan meets Armagh in an all-Ulster Division 1 fixture at Clones, also at 2pm. GAA+ streams this match live, giving global fans access to one of Ireland’s most intense provincial rivalries. Both counties compete annually at a high level, and this early season meeting provides crucial preparation for the championship months ahead.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A
The weekend’s hurling programme concludes at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh where Cork hosts Waterford at 3:45pm. TG4 holds live broadcasting rights for this Munster derby. Cork enters as defending Allianz League champions, adding stakes to what is already a significant provincial fixture.
The TG4 Player and TG4 App provide mobile access to all TG4-broadcast matches. GAA+ offers comprehensive coverage across football and hurling with on-demand replay functionality available to subscribers.
Broadcasting Platforms and Streaming Services
RTÉ Coverage Details
RTÉ continues its commitment to Gaelic games coverage with Saturday’s Tipperary v Galway hurling fixture. The national broadcaster offers live streams through RTÉ Player, allowing viewers to watch on connected devices. For championship-level action throughout the season, The Sunday Game Live series provides extensive highlights and analysis programming.
RTÉ’s established Gaelic games team delivers commentary across all hurling and football coverage, maintaining consistent presenter and analyst quality throughout the league season.
TG4 and Digital Platforms
TG4 remains the primary broadcaster for Gaelic football fixtures this weekend, carrying Dublin v Donegal, Galway v Mayo, and Cork v Waterford among its selections. The Irish language broadcaster has expanded its digital footprint through the TG4 Player and dedicated mobile application.
The TG4 App provides flexible viewing options for subscribers, with match replays available following live broadcast windows. This hybrid approach serves both traditional television viewers and those preferring mobile consumption.
GAA+ Streaming Service
The official GAA+ platform supplements traditional broadcasting with select football coverage. This weekend’s Tyrone v Kildare and Monaghan v Armagh fixtures stream exclusively through GAA+, offering global access to viewers outside traditional broadcast territories.
GAA+ operates as the governing body’s official streaming service, providing both live and on-demand content throughout the season. The platform covers matches not selected by mainstream broadcasters, giving comprehensive access to league action across all divisions.
Additional Viewing Options
Sky Sports maintains general GAA coverage within its sports schedules but has no specific matches listed for this particular weekend. UK-based viewers seeking comprehensive Gaelic games coverage should consult dedicated GAA listings platforms for Premier Sports and BBC offerings.
Updates and schedule adjustments appear regularly through official channels including GAA.ie fixtures calendar, SportsNewsIreland, Where’s The Match, and RTÉ Sport websites.
Complete Weekend Viewing Timeline
- Saturday 3:00pm – Meath v Derry (TG4 Player) – Allianz Football League Division 2
- Saturday 5:00pm – Dublin v Donegal (TG4) – Allianz Football League Division 1
- Saturday 6:00pm – Tyrone v Kildare (GAA+) – Allianz Football League Division 2
- Saturday 7:00pm – Tipperary v Galway (RTÉ) – Allianz Hurling League Division 1A
- Sunday 1:45pm – Galway v Mayo (TG4) – Allianz Football League Division 1
- Sunday 2:00pm – Kerry v Roscommon (TG4 Player/App) – Allianz Football League Division 1
- Sunday 2:00pm – Monaghan v Armagh (GAA+) – Allianz Football League Division 1
- Sunday 3:45pm – Cork v Waterford (TG4) – Allianz Hurling League Division 1A
Schedule Updates and Flexibility
All fixture times and broadcast assignments remain subject to final confirmation. Weather conditions, pitch assessments, or exceptional circumstances may result in postponements or time adjustments. Viewers should verify schedules through official GAA channels in the hours preceding throw-in.
| Category | Confirmed Information | Unconfirmed or Variable |
|---|---|---|
| Match Fixtures | Eight matches confirmed across football and hurling leagues | Reserve fixtures not yet publicly assigned |
| Broadcast Rights | TG4, RTÉ, and GAA+ assignments confirmed per match | Potential additions from Sky Sports remain unspecified |
| Streaming Access | GAA+ confirmed for global coverage; RTÉ and TG4 players active | Platform-specific regional restrictions may apply |
| Kickoff Times | Times confirmed across all eight fixtures | Minor adjustments possible pending circumstances |
Understanding Allianz League Broadcasting
Championship Stage Context
The Allianz Leagues represent the opening phase of the Gaelic games calendar, preceding summer championship competition. Division 1 leagues in both football and hurling feature the highest-ranked counties competing for league honours and early-season preparation.
Television coverage reflects the competitive balance across divisions, with broadcasters selecting matches featuring counties with strong viewer appeal. This strategic approach ensures ratings remain strong while also providing coverage breadth across lower divisions through supplementary streaming services.
Regional Access Considerations
Irish viewers access all matches through established national broadcasters without regional restrictions. International audiences rely primarily on GAA+ streaming, which provides global coverage independent of geographic location. UK viewers have additional options through dedicated GAA listings services that track Premier Sports and BBC coverage windows.
The proliferation of streaming platforms has significantly expanded access compared to previous seasons, when satellite exclusive deals limited viewer options. This evolution benefits diaspora communities and international supporters seeking regular contact with county teams.
Where to Find Official Information
The most reliable and up-to-date information comes directly from the GAA’s official fixtures calendar, which publishers update in real-time as schedule changes occur.
GAA.ie official communications
The GAA.ie fixtures calendar serves as the authoritative source for all competitive match information. Schedule changes, venue modifications, and broadcast assignments receive immediate publication through this platform. Secondary verification sources include SportsNewsIreland, Where’s The Match, and RTÉ Sport’s dedicated Gaelic games sections.
Social media channels from official county accounts and broadcaster GAA profiles provide real-time updates during match days, though viewers should cross-reference social information against official sources for confirmation.
Summary and Viewing Recommendations
This weekend’s opening rounds of the 2026 Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues offer viewers compelling matchups across both codes. The combination of traditional broadcasters TG4 and RTÉ alongside the official GAA+ streaming platform ensures comprehensive access regardless of viewing location.
Football enthusiasts can follow Dublin v Donegal and the Galway v Mayo rivalry clash, while hurling fans should not miss the Liam MacCarthy Cup holders Tipperary against Walsh Cup champions Galway. The digital accessibility through GAA+, TG4 Player, and RTÉ Player provides flexibility for viewers unable to watch traditional television broadcasts.
Fans seeking additional sports coverage may find relevant information about other Irish sporting events through dedicated resources on this platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GAA matches are on television this weekend?
This weekend features eight matches across Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues. Key fixtures include Dublin v Donegal on TG4, Tipperary v Galway on RTÉ, Cork v Waterford on TG4, and Galway v Mayo on TG4.
Can I watch GAA matches on RTÉ Player?
Yes, RTÉ Player provides live streaming of RTÉ-broadcast matches including Tipperary v Galway this Saturday. The platform requires no subscription and works across connected devices.
How do I access GAA+ streaming?
GAA+ operates as the official GAA streaming platform at gaaplus.ie. Users create free accounts to access live streams and on-demand replays of select football and hurling matches.
What time does Dublin v Donegal start?
Dublin v Donegal has a 5pm throw-in at Croke Park on Saturday January 24th, broadcast live on TG4 with supplementary clips through official GAA social media channels.
Are there any hurling matches on TV this weekend?
Two hurling matches air this weekend. Tipperary v Galway (Division 1A) starts at 7pm Saturday on RTÉ, and Cork v Waterford (Division 1A) begins at 3:45pm Sunday on TG4.
Is Sky Sports showing GAA this weekend?
Sky Sports has no specific GAA matches listed for this weekend according to current schedules. General GAA coverage may appear within broader sports programming.
Where can I find the full GAA TV schedule?
Comprehensive schedules appear on GAA.ie fixtures calendar, SportsNewsIreland, Where’s The Match, and RTÉ Sport websites. These sources update continuously as schedule changes occur.
Can UK viewers watch GAA matches live?
UK viewers can access most matches through GAA+ global streaming. TG4 broadcasts may have regional availability variations. Dedicated UK GAA listings provide information on Premier Sports and BBC coverage options.