While competition for sport rights is intensifying, there are several Irish and international sports events, often described as the "crown jewels", which must be shown free-to-air.

Free-to-air refers to broadcasts which are available without subscription and without being scrambled. The Government is empowered under the Broadcasting Act 1999 to designate certain sporting events. On the current list are:

• The Olympic games

• The GAA All-Ireland hurling and football finals.

• Ireland's home and away qualifying games in the European championship and the World Cup qualifiers.

• Any games Ireland play in the finals of the European Championships and World Cup tournaments.

• Ireland's games in the Rugby World Cup tournament

• The Irish Grand National and the Irish Derby

•The Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show