THE BBC has admitted it made “an error” after a radio presenter sparked uproar by referring to Derry GAA team as ‘Londonderry’ during a teatime sports bulletin.
According to the Belfast Telegraph during the 6 pm broadcast of Radio Ulster News on Sunday, the presenter stated: “Meanwhile, Ulster teams had a disappointing start in the opening games of the Allianz National League. Tyrone, Donegal, Monaghan and Londonderry all lost.
“But there were wins for Fermanagh, Armagh, Antrim and Down, and Slaughtneil’s camogie team qualified for this year’s All-Ireland final.”
The gaffe didn’t go unnoticed, with Ulster Schools GAA tweeting: “Still can’t believe that your 6pm Radio Ulster News bulletin claimed that ‘Londonderry’ suffered defeat in today’s GAA NFL. Is this ‘policy’?”
And on the website Sports Joe, Conan Doherty wrote: “Whether you see it as Derry or Londonderry, the team is called Derry.
“Cumann Luthchleas Gael Doire. They’re not called Londonderry GAA.”
Derry GAA also released a statement on the slip-up.
“We raised our concerns with senior management in the BBC on Monday morning.
“We have since received both an apology and assurances that it will not happen again.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “This was in error and was corrected as soon as possible and not repeated in any subsequent bulletin.
“We wouldn’t comment on the number or nature of complaints.”
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