GAA insists on use of standardised sliotars in championship games

ONLY standardised sliotars from approved manufacturers will be used in this year’s All-Ireland hurling championship, starting from today, the GAA’s Central Council decided on Saturday.

The Hurling Development Committee’s Pat Dunny said his committee had approved sliotars from four manufacturers following testing from 18 manufacturers and suppliers at DCU over the winter.

GAA president Sean Kelly said all counties would be notified of the approved manufacturers this week in order to acquire the correct sliotars for use in training and club competitions. Inconsistency in the weight and size of the sliotars used for championship games last season proved controversial, particularly the lightweight ball used for games in Croke Park.