The GAA has confirmed that it plans to hold site tests with a new score detection technology called Hawk-Eye beginning with the Saturday 2 April Alliance League football match between Dublin and Down and hurling match between Dublin and Kilkenny.
“Having football and hurling here on the same day means using this date makes perfect sense but despite the presence of the equipment it will have no direct role in the game or bearing on how scores are recorded,” GAA president Criostóir O Cuana explained.
Hawk-Eye is a camera-based goal line monitoring system that is used in cricket, tennis and other sports. It was invented by Dr Paul Hawkins and David Sherry and operates on the principles of triangulation, using the visual images and timing data via four cameras at different angles around the pitch. The system processes the video feeds using a high-speed video processor and ball tracker.
Suitability tests for goal-line technology
The suitability tests are planned to determine the logistics of positioning and installation of equipment in Croke Park as part of the ongoing feasibility test surrounding the possible use of this technology.
They will not form part of the match day or scorekeeping apparatus and will not be used by the match referee or his assistants, the GAA affirmed.
“This is the next step in the feasibility study which will be presented to Ard Chomhairle which will ultimately determine whether or not the technology is deemed suitable for use with Gaelic Games,” O Cuana said.
Below – Hawkeye technology in action at Wimbledon
