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Setanta Sports Ireland (simply called Setanta Sports in Ireland} is Ireland's first ever dedicated sports television network. It is carried on the NTL Ireland and Sky Digital platforms.  It is part of the standard NTL package and a premium station on Sky.

History

 * For history of the Setanta Sports company, please see Setanta Sports

Setanta Sports Ireland was launched in August 2004, initially to be broadcast only at the weekends. It was immediately available as part of NTL Ireland's basic cable package. Setanta's initial programming consisted of Scottish Premier League football and Celtic League rugby. In January 2005, Setanta Sports moved to broadcasting seven days a week. It had added Football League of Ireland, UEFA Cup and international football to its portfolio along with several magazine style shows. In April 2005, the Setanta Sports Cup was launched. it was the first time in decades an all Ireland football competition had been played and it brought Setanta considerable press coverage. When Setanta Sports UK won the rights to FA Premier League football from 2006-07 season, the rights were also won by the Irish channel. Setanta Ireland had already shared Saturday afternoon live games with RTE. In 2006, Setanta group owned North American Sports Network start broadcasting NASN Extra when Setanta Ireland closed down (typically at midnight).

Apprently Sky have links with Setanta and rumour has it Sky own parts of Setanta..

Significant rights held

 * Football
 * FA Premier League - live games on Saturdays
 * Scottish Premier League - live games on Sunday afternoon (Setanta UK programming)
 * Serie A - live games on Sunday evenings
 * UEFA Champions League - live games on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Secondary to RTE
 * UEFA Cup - live games on Thursdays.
 * Eircom League - 10 matches a season
 * Setanta Sports Cup - 13 matches
 * International


 * Rugby
 * Celtic League - Live matches on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights
 * Leinster Schools Senior Cup
 * 2007 Rugby World Cup
 * Top 14 French rugby


 * GAA
 * Nightly as live replays of All Ireland and League games, as well as lesser trophies


 * Golf
 * British Open
 * HSBC World Matchplay Championship
 * Several other British based European Tour events


 * Motorsports
 * Formula One - live coverage of races and qualifying
 * GP2 Series - live races


 * Athletics
 * Golden League meetings

Setanta Ireland - opther page...