THE GAA HAS moved quickly to correct suggestions that they are preparing to experiment with goal-line technology during the latter stages of the Dublin footballers’ league campaign.
Peter Sweeney, GAA correspondent with the Irish Daily Star, indicated earlier that the organisation was making plans to this effect, tweeting that “Hawkeye score detection technology to be used in Croke Park for one of Dublin’s NFL games this year – a major first in the GAA.”
Responding to further queries as to when such an experiment was likely to take place, he commented that “I’d imagine it will be one of the later ones – Mayo or Down.”
However, speaking to TheScore.ie minutes ago, Alan Milton, the communications manager of the GAA, stated that any such plans were “absolutely news to me”.
We’ve been down this road a number of times in recent weeks. A story appeared in the Irish Examiner a few weeks back which prompted us to issue a statement on the matter. Our position hasn’t changed one iota since then.
The feasibility study is currently ongoing and we won’t be making any public comment on the matter until such a time as that is completed.
Once the study is completed, a presentation will then be made to Coiste Bainistí and Ard Chomhairle and it will be decided if the technology is suitable for use in our games.
Statement
The introduction of Hawk-Eye for gaelic games was first mooted in early January when the Irish Examiner’s John Fogerty reported that the technology would be trialled on on St. Patrick’s Day for the All-Ireland senior club hurling and football finals.
The Examiner also reported that Paul Hawkins, the inventor of the technology, had visited the Jones’ Road venue to carry out an advance study on the stadium’s suitability.
These reports prompted the GAA to issue a statement clarifiying its position. Carr’s most recent comments to TheScore.ie indicate that this remains the organisation’s official position on the matter.
The GAA can confirm that at the December 11 meeting of Coiste Bainistí a full feasibility study on the possible use of score detection technology was sanctioned and this is expected to be completed before May.
It was not envisaged at any stage that any such system would be used for the AIB GAA All-Ireland Club finals in March or for games in the 2011 season and reports to the contrary are inaccurate.
The roll out of the feasibility study will continue in the months ahead and no final decision will be taken on its possible use before further discussion at Coiste Bainistí and Ard Chomhairle.
Out! GAA say Hawk-Eye won’t be ready for Patrick’s Day at Croker > | How Hawk-Eye can help the GAA >
