New York Irish bar owner ready to battle Premium Sports

Rooney’s bar faces fresh lawsuit for theft of signal

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Eugene Rooney, owner of Rooney's bar, is in an ongoing battle with Premium Sports

Photo by New York Times

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The Irish bar owner from Co. Mayo won his case in March 2012 when the judge, without a jury, agreed that the game shown in February 2010 was not a simultaneous transmission but rather was a minutely delayed signal from a slingbox device in Dublin and he wasn’t breaking any laws.

"I was not sure what the outcome of that case was going to be, but I was very pleased with the result. During the trial, nothing phased me. People were constantly asking questions. I told them nothing. I have other things on my mind than Premium," he says, sporting a smile.

"O'Rourke (an owner of Premium Sports) brandished me a 'hero' in court. I'm not a hero. This isn't about heroism. Am I the bravest man in New York? No. That's not what this is about. It is about fairplay and standing up for myself and other bar owners across New York who are afraid to speak out.

Three weeks ago when Rooney was at home in Ireland he went to Leinster House and spoke with the Minister for Communications.

“I want Irish people to be able to watch the hurling and football in New York for free. It is a law in England, that the FA Cup must been shown to English people living anywhere in the world for free.

"This is not the case in Ireland. This isn’t because I can save twenty dollars because I can fly to Ireland first class anytime and sit in a soft seat in Croke Park. I want the games shown free for the likes of the elderly people living here or people who are just getting by on minimum wage. I don't want to be mugging them for twenty dollars this weekend, or next weekend."

The bottom line, Rooney says, is, “I think more people should stand up and speak out. I'm not going to tell people how to break the law, but if you break the law with me I will break the law with you.

"Premium have sucker punched me, I'm gonna sucker punch them back. I just want the 'sheriff' in San Francisco and the rest of his team to know that they have messed with the wrong guy. They made a dreadful blunder and I am ready for them. 'Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.' Trust me, I am prepared for whatever is coming."

Rooney faces his second law suit with Premium Sports in the coming weeks. He did not comment on it as he has not read the claims.

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