Hawk-Eye technology set for Croke Park trial

The Hawk-Eye technology system, which has been adopted so successfully in professional tennis and cricket, will be tested at Croke Park next month.

The GAA have confirmed that they are planning to hold site tests with the technology on Saturday, April 2 for the Allianz League matches between Dublin and Down in football and Dublin and Kilkenny in hurling.

The tests will be used to 'determine the logistics of positioning and installation of equipment at Croke Park as part of the ongoing feasibility test surrounding the possible use of this technology.'

On the day, the Hawk-Eye system will not form part of the matchday or scorekeeping apparatus and will not be used by the match referee or his assistants.

GAA President Christy Cooney commented: "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.

"Having football and hurling here on the same day means using this date makes perfect sense.

"Despite the presence of the equipment, it will have no direct role in the game or bearing on how scores are recorded."

The Hawk-Eye goal-line technology has the ability to eliminate contentious points and goals in both codes. If the trial is deemed successful, Hawk-Eye could be adopted by the GAA for the 2012 season.