Research Collaboration with DCU on Hurley & Sliotar Interaction System entering final phases 

A collaborative research project between the GAA and DCU, with the aim of developing a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical properties of hurleys and the interaction of the sliotar/hurley impact, is entering its final phases.

The project has been conducted across four work packages. The first focused on recommissioning a ‘sliotar projectile rig’ that had been manufactured in DCU during a previous project in 2009. This rig will be used to analyse the performance of sliotars at high speed.

The second work package focused on the development of a robotic system for imparting a hurley to sliotar impact, like the human body could produce, and will help to determine the performance of hurleys of different materials.

The third work package revolved around the setup of relevant sensors and system testing, while the fourth focused on the mechanical testing of ash and hurleys of other materials, helping to provide data relevant from a safety perspective.

The overall objective of the project is to develop a method of testing hurleys such that manufactured hurleys of any material can be assessed for performance and safety. A Hurley Licensing System will be introduced as part of the next phase of this project.

Background – Hurling Equipment Research & Regulation

This is not the first foray into the realm of research and hurling equipment. In 1996, a programme of Research & Development was initiated with University College Galway in relation to score detection and the properties of hurleys and sliotars. Due to the limitations around camera technology at the time, the work on score detection was concluded – though this was pursued later through the introduction of the Hawk-Eye system.

In respect of the work on Hurleys and Sliotars, an article entitled “A Mechanical Analysis of Equipment for the Game of Hurling” by Gary Fahey - was featured in the Journal of Sports Engineering in January 2002.

At that time, production processes around the sliotar were changing – with a move toward the use of polyurethane cores compared with “cork and yarn” that had been in use up to then. Sliotar production had been a cottage industry in Ireland up to this point, but was replaced by a production system, largely based overseas.

The introduction of GAA Go Games in 2004 meant there was also a significant increase in demand for sliotars. At that time, there were no criteria relating to the sliotar other than specifications for the diameter and weight of the size five adult sliotar.

In this context, with the need for more effective regulation, as mentioned, a programme of Research & Development was initiated with Dublin City University in 2009. Dr Fiachra Collins undertook a study on the sliotar specification. This included the development of a ‘Sliotar Test Rig’ with a view to the finalisation of sliotar performance criteria.

Sliotar Regulation

Based on concerns with Sliotar performance – i.e., the distance the Sliotar was travelling, the ‘Sliotar Work Group’ was appointed in 2021 with the aim of putting an effective regulatory framework in place.

Because of issues with Sliotar counterfeiting, the Association commenced work in 2015 on the use of a ‘Smart Sliotar’ - that is where a digital chip is inserted into the Sliotar and detected via the Foireann App. The use of Smart Sliotars was piloted in the U20 All-Ireland Hurling Championships in 2022 and introduced at Senior Inter-County Level – Allianz Leagues and Championship – in 2023.

Sliotar Licensees are now approved for use on the basis of compliance with specific criteria (specifications within Rule) and sign up – for ethical production purposes – to the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI).

Official GAA Sliotar Licensees are subject to randomised laboratory testing at regular intervals.

A recently published research paper from lead researcher on this project, Ian Kiernan (et al), has found that the current methodologies for testing sliotars remain appropriate for assessing performance in line with regulatory requirements.

Further information on the GAA Sliotar, including specifications, can be accessed here - https://www.gaa.ie/my-gaa/getting-involved/sliotar.

Hurley Regulation

Responsibility for regulation of matters pertaining to the hurley came under the Work Group in October 2022.

In 2010, state agencies such as Coillte, the Department of Agriculture and Teagasc were advising that Ireland would be self-sufficient in the supply of ash by 2022.

Things changed in 2013/2014 with the detection and subsequent onset of Ash Dieback Disease.

The Work Group initiated a programme around finalising hurley specifications that would maintain the integrity of the game and minimise the risk of injuries from hurleys not made from ash.

This PhD study was initiated with Dublin City University in 2024 based on the development of equipment that would be used to evaluate Hurley/Sliotar interactions. A Hurley Licensing system will be introduced as part of the next phase based on compliance with hurley specifications which are currently being finalised through this project.

Work is progressing well across the four work packages that make up this project as referenced above. The sliotar projectile rig allows for instant analysis of high-speed footage and gathers data around key criteria. The robotic system is operational and collects data, through high-speed cameras across areas such as; the speed of the swing before and after impact, the speed the sliotar travels and the length of time the sliotar is in contact with the hurley. Testing across different materials is underway, with the aim of verifying the properties of ash and using this data as a basis for the specification and categorisation of other materials.

The GAA Sliotar, Hurley and Helmet Work Group has worked closely with and is grateful for the support of the Irish Guild of Hurley Makers' throughout this process, and a key aim is to preserve the ancient art and craft of hurley making into the future, in spite of the challenges presented by ash dieback. The Guild is a collective of some 32 individual hurley makers from across Ireland, brought together by a shared respect for the craft and the game. Further information on the guild can be found here - https://www.ighm.ie/.

Potential next steps in this space include further studies to allow for the continued automated testing of Hurleys and Sliotars, to ensure robust scientific backing underpinning the regulatory frameworks, conducted in an effective and efficient manner.

This research has been conducted through collaboration of the GAA's Sliotar, Hurley and Helmet Work Group, under the chairmanship of Ned Quinn, and DCU researcher Ian Kiernan, with supervisors Professors Dermot Brabazon (DCU), Kieran Moran (Maynooth University) and Dr Nigel Kent (DCU).