WatchLOI

[Nesta99]

Im a bit divided over WatchLoI. It is the sort of service we have been shouting about needing for years. Now that it was there, albeit forced by circumstances, I think there was a reluctance by fans to sign up. It probably had to do with the uncertainty and with season ticket holders wanting clarity on what was happening with BCD games. I dont think any new product should be canned within months but I also get that RTE cant continue to subsidise a significant loss making project either considering their financial state. Maybe a mixing it up arrangement can be worked out where games are designated as being streamed in advance and those that are not on the schedule, clubs can do their own thing if they so wish. I didnt pay for a season pass but I certainly watched more games not involving my club that ever before (probably to about the €50 if not more). Instead of a season ticket for all games, maybe an additional option for games of a particular club might have worked better.

I do think as LoI fans we want a fair crack at things but then are very fussy when there is some initiative. Maybe its a Dundalk fan thing but you almost get the impression from some fans that the club should be paying them to go to/watch games - a ridiculous sense of entitlement. It holds us back with this 'whats in it for me' thinking; The answer being watching your team playing football, viewing a product. Sligo fans always impress me in that manner as they seem to see the bigger picture for their club rather than just what the individual gets and hence the generally successful fundraising.

Just maintaining a consistent presence would grow interest in the likes of WatchLoI imo. A lot of people were skeptical initially.

[Bucket]

Are there any other options on the table? Is RTE the only one that could provide the stream? Is GAAGO as bad as WatchLOI or do they use multiple cameras, commentators and analysts?

[bohsmug]

In the long run, when fans are back, I'd be happy paying for an automated service that covers the whole league. Don't need comms. Especially when the crowds are back, I like hearing the sounds in the ground. Basically the betting streams with a reasonable quality camera.

[sbgawa]

In the long run, when fans are back, I'd be happy paying for an automated service that covers the whole league. Don't need comms. Especially when the crowds are back, I like hearing the sounds in the ground. Basically the betting streams with a reasonable quality camera.
I agree with this id be happy to pay to see all Rovers away games as well as my season ticket for the home ones once we get back to normal
the other matches would be a bonus

[nigel-harps1954]

https://www.fai.ie/domestic/news/fai-announces-new-broadcast-deals

Details announced. Sounds quite promising.

[Nesta99]

I agree with this id be happy to pay to see all Rovers away games as well as my season ticket for the home ones once we get back to normal
the other matches would be a bonus

It'd be the perfect scenario for me as Id only get to the occasional away game and funnily enough they'd more often be games ye pick in advance and stay over eg Cork/Galway.

[Poor Student]

I wonder why there's going to be what sounds like a website separate to WatchLOI in LOITV for the First Division and Women. Seems a bit overly complicated?

[Longfordian]

Separate camera technology that's nothing to do with RTE apparently.

[sidewayspasser]

The camera system for LOITV seems to be the one that made headlines some months ago for following a linesman's bald head instead of the ball.

[Kiki Balboa]

A youtube channel that collected the highlights from WatchLOI could probably replace MNS/Soccer Republic. The various podcasts already do a better in-depth job of talking about the issues than the show. By the time it became Soccer Republic, it was already an outdated format for the league.

[WeAreRovers]

A youtube channel that collected the highlights from WatchLOI could probably replace MNS/Soccer Republic. The various podcasts already do a better in-depth job of talking about the issues than the show. By the time it became Soccer Republic, it was already an outdated format for the league.

Exactly, the figures for MNS/Soccer Republic were abysmal no matter what the time-slot or format. There was and is no justification for it from that perspective. Against the Head with 5 minutes of rugby highlights in an hour long show would routinely get three or four times the numbers.

The podcasts are a much better way of doing analysis than getting Dave Barry to drive for three hours to tell us precisely nothing on SR. Plus podcasts don't need to get as big numbers to be viable.

An online goals portal whether it be RTÉ or YouTube or FAI.ie is what's needed and now quite easily done. Similar to EFL and other leagues.

[nigel-harps1954]

Exactly, the figures for MNS/Soccer Republic were abysmal no matter what the time-slot or format. There was and is no justification for it from that perspective. Against the Head with 5 minutes of rugby highlights in an hour long show would routinely get three or four times the numbers.

The podcasts are a much better way of doing analysis than getting Dave Barry to drive for three hours to tell us precisely nothing on SR. Plus podcasts don't need to get as big numbers to be viable.

An online goals portal whether it be RTÉ or YouTube or FAI.ie is what's needed and now quite easily done. Similar to EFL and other leagues.

Have RTÉ any plans to do an online highlights reel?

Is there anything to stop someone putting one together? Perhaps those LOI TV lads that have hilariously spat out the dummy at the league for using the name for the new streaming platform without their consent?

[WeAreRovers]

Have RTÉ any plans to do an online highlights reel?

Is there anything to stop someone putting one together? Perhaps those LOI TV lads that have hilariously spat out the dummy at the league for using the name for the new streaming platform without their consent?

Nothing confirmed yet but should know soon.

#JusticeforLOITV ;)

[Brusher]

Couldn't agree more Nesta, the low take up really ****ed me off. We as LoI fans want respect from media companies, yet there was a lack of self respect shown by fans not buying into the very reasonable pricing structure.

[blueblood]

What sort of viewing figures would people expect considering there's probably only about 30 or 40 thousand loi fans and not a huge amount of interest outside of that.

[D24Saint]

What sort of viewing figures would people expect considering there's probably only about 30 or 40 thousand loi fans and not a huge amount of interest outside of that.

Exactly it was never going to appeal to a huge audience. When you have a small part of a small market the figures aren’t surprising. The majority of clubs get small attendances , how many of that crowd are in the same household then how many aren’t tech minded to watch online football, how many aren’t interested in watching their team on any screen at all be it RTÉ or online. If RTÉ or the FAI thought this would be a huge success then they were deluded , which wouldn’t surprise me either.

[ToberonaTornado]

I have a number of issues with this "let the clubs stream themselves" business.

1. The lack of a central hosting site. Streaming games on Facebook is all well and good until you realise you're effectively counting out the vast majority of your older support, plus all those people who have deactivated social media accounts over the past year or two.

2. Said central hosting site has a single fee that covers streaming all games from all grounds. Paying X amount to watch Longford games is all fine and dandy, until a Shamrock Rovers fan who has paid X amount to watch all Shamrock Rovers games suddenly finds himself having to pay again to a different club for the privilege. A once off ticket for WatchLOI covers all of that without any hassle.

3. The quality issue is a non-point. WatchLOI quality was fine last season and had just as little issues as some of the other clubs who hosted their own. Didn't Longford make a balls of their first few streams before they just decided to stream on Facebook? Commentary wasn't exactly glorious at times with WatchLOI, but that can be worked on. Nothing to suggest they couldn't come together with local commentary teams this season instead of bringing in RTE reporters. We don't know the finer details, but to be honest, if the commentary puts you off watching your team playing, then you have a bigger problem.

4. Clubs can't do similar. No matter how much you dress it up, clubs can only do their their own individual thing. UCD, Longford, Drogheda and others provided quality streams at times last year, and that's without argument really, but it's not WatchLOI, nor is it similar.


A properly marketed WatchLOI, actually paid for by supporters, rather than choosing illegal streams, and with a few slight improvements this season, will be invaluable for the league going forward.

I don't even care for the second or third cameras or that sort of craic. A second commentator would take the heat off the main one. That's a tough gig for 90 minutes by yourself.

The second thing I'd implement is a means of casting WatchLOI onto Google chromecast or onto a smart TV. The hosting site isn't without issues, and I'd hope that's sorted before the season starts.

We've long said that clubs should all be pulling in the one direction for the better of the LOI. The complaints from some clubs smack of both arrogance and selfishness, and no interest in grouping together to create a product for the league as a whole.

Excellent post Nigel.
WatchLOI was Chromecast compatible last season.Hopefully remains that way for its run this season.

[Nesta99]

I'd consider the average viewing figures of 2600 per game (boosted by the BCD situation and if ive gotten that figure correct) as reasonable but thats obviously very different from what would be considered a commercial success especially by RTE. It is a service too so gauging success shouldnt be just on money in the pot. That said it cant be a big loss making service either. The expected figures seemed a bit ambitious but Id presume that was based on the stats from RTE Player and games broadcast. I'm not sure if it is possible to measure, nor did I think to snoop and see if the games were being onward streamed by mobdro or the like and the sub being bypassed. As mentioned though there has to be some middle ground where RTE can reduce cost and games still being covered by clubs themselves possibly, and maintain coverage. Subscriptions levels cant be improved if there is no presence, consistency and over more time, chopping and changing etc. Taking the production effort by Dundalk today, as good if not better than WatchLoI, if that can be done at less cost than whatever production company RTE uses surely thats an angle to explore with maybe one front end access point like WatchLoI.ie - maybe its not so easy to do from a technical point of view? I could be over estimating potential but i've found that there is interest in LoI abroad, a curiosity that can bite. I know that associations with gambling companies is divisive but via such associations there is a market that isnt just us homebased LoI lot. If you want to grow a niche like LoI beyond traditional following these offer a possible platform - especially during that summer football window where other leagues are in off season. It was possibly in the minds of our American overlords at DFC with BetRegal as our new sponsors - supposedly the biggest sponsorship deal in LoI. Selling a piece of yer soul for some but if we want to improve the level of exposure of the product and by extension money in the league such choices need making. It already was being done with that poor quality webcam like stream, of which I cant remember the name of who was doing it.

[Burnsie]

Excellent post Nigel.
WatchLOI was Chromecast compatible last season.Hopefully remains that way for its run this season.

It wasn't castable from iPhone/iPad. Maybe different on android devices. I was able to get it going from a laptop a couple of times but even that wasn't very reliable.

[DCWA]

I found the best way to watch to be through the browser on the firestick... bookmark the home page and it was always handy and was spot on.

That being said I wonder if the dodgy TV streaming platforms (IPTV/Satplex) are going to have the games available. It would hit subscribers knowing that they were. I didn’t check last year as I had WatchLOI. I must enquire with my own provider the chances of the WatchLOI service being featured on there.

[D24Saint]

I couldn't get chromecast to work last season or the built in browser on my smart tv’s. I had to link the laptop to the tv with a hdmi cable. It did the job but bit of a pain in the neck.

[ToberonaTornado]

It wasn't castable from iPhone/iPad. Maybe different on android devices. I was able to get it going from a laptop a couple of times but even that wasn't very reliable.

Fair enough,wasn't taking iphone or ipad into consideration:( . Was mostly from laptop i was casting. Internet speed was also important.You'd need over 4mbps speed from your provider for decent picture and prob over 10mbps for HD picture.I was casting from Windows 10 laptop with a 50 mbps connection. Hopefully thats something the guys from WatchLOI can work on for people casting from devices other than my own.

[oriel]

Not Watch LOI but seems very good feedback today on the DFC stream of the Bohs game earlier today, I watched half of each half (if still with me), and it was absolutely quality.

The commentary by LMFM lead football guy, and Stephanie Roche worked out very well too.

[2 Year Contract]

Not Watch LOI but seems very good feedback today on the DFC stream of the Bohs game earlier today, I watched half of each half (if still with me), and it was absolutely quality.

The commentary by LMFM lead football guy, and Stephanie Roche worked out very well too.

It was brilliant, I turned it on just after kickoff but I believe there was pre match buildup. At half time they showed an interview Stephanie Roche did with Abibi the day before, followed by a chat with club sponsors. During the game there was 2 different camera angles, replays and a commentator and co-comm that actually know the game as well as the correct names of players. Streets ahead of WatchLOI, just as the Doppler Media productions were last season

[Nesta99]

Yeah I agree totally Oriel, there were no frills, just a good commentator and a pundit that knows the game and the league. Gantry and pitchside cameras. Couple of gremlins for in match replays but nothing major. Pre recorded interviews at half time and some local business adverts. It cant have cost a fortune though there probably was a good bit of volunteer involvement from the DFC media side of things so if it were to be done by them how much can you ask them to do before it becomes almost unfair. Even if people were involved were to be paid im sure it would be significant less than the GAAGO or whatever the production company for WatchLoI is.

[Sidefx]

It was brilliant, I turned it on just after kickoff but I believe there was pre match buildup. At half time they showed an interview Stephanie Roche did with Abibi the day before, followed by a chat with club sponsors. During the game there was 2 different camera angles, replays and a commentator and co-comm that actually know the game as well as the correct names of players. Streets ahead of WatchLOI, just as the Doppler Media productions were last season

Yep, absolutely agree with that - excellent work - it was everything that WatchLoi should be but isn't/wasn't. Commentators actually knew what they were talking about and as above knew the players names - what a novel approach!!

[Longfordian]

I threw it on for a minute or two as people on social media were raving about it, it was terrific. Stephanie Roche is carving out a nice media profile for herself, fair play to her. A regular in Longford over the past few years as her partner plays for LTFC. Well liked by everyone by all accounts and always willing to talk to kids etc.

[oriel]

I threw it on for a minute or two as people on social media were raving about it, it was terrific. Stephanie Roche is carving out a nice media profile for herself, fair play to her. A regular in Longford over the past few years as her partner plays for LTFC. Well liked by everyone by all accounts and always willing to talk to kids etc.

This is great to hear, as to be fair I think she can quite rightly be called 'a star'. Judging by her performance yesterday, she can easily progress with even further media work, lovely way of pausing before answering / commenting on a player, she knows the game. LMFM guy Adrian Taffe might get a little bit excited but he knows his stuff also.

[Nesta99]

This is great to hear, as to be fair I think she can quite rightly be called 'a star'. Judging by her performance yesterday, she can easily progress with even further media work, lovely way of pausing before answering / commenting on a player, she knows the game. LMFM guy Adrian Taffe might get a little bit excited but he knows his stuff also.

I know thats not a criticism but being from a radio background they do have to work harder to try and get the game across. Less need for excitability for TV/streaming but he is still very good and hopefully becomes a more regular commentator of streamed games - be that locally or further afield. Roche is going to be a fixture for football TV punditry sooner than later as she was a natural at it, probably has been doing media training, pitched things really well but there does need to be that edge in insight - similar to Kenny Cunningham I think.

Gavin McLoughlin could well be due a lot of credit as he probably organised things.

[Longfordian]

She's been doing Premier League games for Premier Sports quite a bit in recent months.

[Neish]

Couldn't agree more Nesta, the low take up really ****ed me off. We as LoI fans want respect from media companies, yet there was a lack of self respect shown by fans not buying into the very reasonable pricing structure.

100% Saw a lot of links posted around social media for free streams, supposed fans not willing to pay €5 a game or buy the extremely reasonable full season or half season packages which would of also funded their clubs infuriated me. Watch Loi was far from perfect but its was the first season and its a service fans were screaming for for a long time

[ger121]

Soccer Republic gone too. Was barely on life support as it was with just a highlights package last year. Online show is the way to go for me. BBC NI do a reasonable effort for IL. Tends be available a lot sooner than 3 days after games had been played.

[Martinho II]

Soccer Republic gone too. Was barely on life support as it was with just a highlights package last year. Online show is the way to go for me. BBC NI do a reasonable effort for IL. Tends be available a lot sooner than 3 days after games had been played.

Yeah I watch the NIFL highlights on Monday night its a great package they offer up there but its only recent that they are showing the highlight show up there. They used to show it when the saturday football focus was in its prime pre COVID!

[bohsmug]

BBC NI seem to be showing a lot more NIFL live games at the moment, I'm assuming it's because of Covid. I'm really enjoying watching the league, even watching some of the streamed games. I hope they continue to show the games next year.
I liked MNS back when it came out but honestly didn't watch any of soccer republic once it went to the short format with no features or conversation. It just really wasn't interesting at all and very lifeless. It's been put out of its misery. Pity because I did really like it in its longer format.

[Martinho II]

BBC NI seem to be showing a lot more NIFL live games at the moment, I'm assuming it's because of Covid. I'm really enjoying watching the league, even watching some of the streamed games. I hope they continue to show the games next year.
I liked MNS back when it came out but honestly didn't watch any of soccer republic once it went to the short format with no features or conversation. It just really wasn't interesting at all and very lifeless. It's been put out of its misery. Pity because I did really like it in its longer format.

So I would imagine thats the 17 seasons run of loi highlights on the telly between TV3 and RTE is gone for good. RIP. Suppose online highlights is the way to go. Any word on this does anyone know?

[Bucket]

I watched LOITV last night for the first time. What a load of shyte. It was on for 36 minutes before they even mentioned the League. It's just four young lads sitting in their bedroom. No wonder the FAI had never heard of them

[Martinho II]

I watched LOITV last night for the first time. What a load of shyte. It was on for 36 minutes before they even mentioned the League. It's just four young lads sitting in their bedroom. No wonder the FAI had never heard of them

Wont be watching it so!

[Kiki Balboa]

The highlights for me for MNS/Soccer Republic were the montages that they did. Some very good work went into them. These were the best:

2013 season
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VgeuaKSMR0&ab_channel=RT%C3%89Sport

2012 season
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqpgnPhzQd8&ab_channel=RT%C3%89-IRELAND%E2%80%99SNATIONALPUBLICSERVICEMEDIA

FAI Cup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqALREeeHDw&ab_channel=RT%C3%89Sport

[D24Saint]

Raiders of the lost archives was my favourite bit on MNS.

[Fester]

WATCHLOI half season passes set to be available for purchase on Tuesday 9th.

[Bunny Kelly]

If the First Division pixellet set up works, is there any chance they keep the online streaming going for both leagues? It feels like fans go to matches in Ireland for the experience of going to a match, not just to see their team so I'm not sure how much it would hurt attendances in truth

[ontheotherhand]

If the First Division pixellet set up works, is there any chance they keep the online streaming going for both leagues? It feels like fans go to matches in Ireland for the experience of going to a match, not just to see their team so I'm not sure how much it would hurt attendances in truth

That's the plan form what I heard although I'm not sure McBennett said exactly that when he was on the RTE podcast recently.

Hopefully it does get put in place but if not, hopefully clubs aren't stopped from streaming their own games for fans who can't be there, as they have been by the FAI in the past.

[Dalymountrower]

Watch LOI now open for half season , 60 game purchase at €59 euro.
Cost covered for Bohs members and season ticket holders, presumably other clubs will do the same.

[Burnsie]

when I clicked in to renew, it says my account has already been paid, and @The_IrishKieran on twitter says it seems to be auto-renewing. Nothing showing up on my bank statement just yet (not that I would expect it to immediately).

Anyone else have a similar experience?

update: by the looks of this twitter thread below , it looks like a common issue and I'd fear they've made a right balls of things....

https://twitter.com/seidodge/status/1369289114445570050?s=20

[Yossarian]

when I clicked in to renew, it says my account has already been paid, and @The_IrishKieran on twitter says it seems to be auto-renewing. Nothing showing up on my bank statement just yet (not that I would expect it to immediately).

Anyone else have a similar experience?

update: by the looks of this twitter thread below , it looks like a common issue and I'd fear they've made a right balls of things....

https://twitter.com/seidodge/status/1369289114445570050?s=20

Same for me. My subscription was covered last season by my season ticket and it’s due to be covered again this year as I have renewed my season ticket. I recall that you had to attach a bank card when setting up last year. I’ve checked my account and nothing has been debited as of yet.
No surprise if they’ve messed it up and end up charging people who’s clubs will be covering their subscription cost.

[Mr A]

They aren't going to charge people automatically, it's an error. Unfortunate.

[pateen]

Very strange and confusing to be doing this.

Auto renew isnt a good idea as its what customers hate so I hope thats not happening.
Mine also says I've paid so i'll wait n see

[nigel-harps1954]

I got an email from them today saying my account will be debited €55 in July 2021...

[passinginterest]

Only email so far was to tell me that the 2020 subscription has officially ended and inviting me to subscribe for 2021.

My account also says it's paid when I click on subscribe at the moment.

I had a look and the 2020 subscription is described as a "yearly subscription" under the purchase history tab.

[ForzaForth]

I'm the same as Passinginterest. When I go into Watchloi, it says that I've paid for the 2021 season.