One man launches own football tv network

When David Feeney realised he would have to rely on a pirated online stream to watch his homeland team of Ireland play Sweden in a crucial World Cup qualifier - a scenario he couldn't accept - he set out to buy the rights himself. 

Four months later and Feeney's newly launched Channel 33 owns the Oceania rights to that match on September 7, plus the Ukraine vs England match on the 11th and will broadcast the games live and exclusive in venues across Australia.

David Feeney in front of one of the venues showing Channel 33 coverage

It's a brave and daring adventure, one that has captured the imagination of the media worldwide. But it's not the first time the Sydneysider has found himself in the limelight.

Feeney had a three-month segment on the Hamish and Andy radio show where he gave the duo relationship advice under the guise of 'Irish Dave'. The stint culminated in him joining them on their 'Caravan of Courage' tour of Australia.

The initial motivation for Feeney puchasing the rights stemmed from his passion for football and wanting to share the game Ireland game with Irish ex-pats in Australia. But it has since turned into a business venture that he says is on track to break even.

"The market is people like me. People who are prepared to get up at four o'clock in the morning and go and watch a game; who want to see their team play and qualify for the World Cup.

And should the broadcast of these games be a success there might be more from Channel 33.

"I'd like to think there is a future for Channel 33. There is plenty of sports content out there that people are interested in that's not on. Maybe stuff that's not on at five o'clock in the morning that I can pick up and get into venues."

At the end of the day though Feeney's main goal is for people to have access to the game that they love.

"Look I'm not someone who's doing this for a massive profit. I'm just trying to get the game on so people can get a crew of mates together - get the jersey on get the scarf on and make it a social event."

Details of the Australian venues: