Sunday’s All Ireland Camogie Final will use hawked technology not only to confirm points scored but also to record the fastest strike of the slitter in each of the three finals being played.
This is the first time that a women’s game at Croke Park will use the technology, a little over two years after it was first introduced to the men’s games.
In last year’s All Ireland Hurling final TJ Reid of Galway recorded the highest speed with the ball travelling at a speed of 181.1 kilometres per hour.
Screens
This years figures will be displayed on the big screens at the Stadium at half time and full time in each of the three finals as well as through social media channels of the tournament sponsors Liberty Insurance.
“We are excited by this new development in use on Sunday,” said Liberty Sponsorship and PR Manager John Coffey. “It inserts our sponsorship of the season into a new medium, using data that will appeal to fans in real time on Sunday.”
“The data we gather will also show where the ball is being hit from and produce a heat map of the action areas in which the games are being decided,” added Camogie President Catherine Neary.
Coaching
“This will be useful from a coaching perspective as well as a fan experience and adds a new dimension to how our games can be viewed and perceived.”
The Camogie Association has been actively promoting the Finals to clubs around the country with ticket vouchers, and are hoping for a big crowd to see the three finals. Laois and Roscommon contest the first Junior final at 12 noon, followed by Kildare and Waterford at 2pm in the Intermediate and Cork against Galway in the main event throwing in at 4pm.
Schools and clubs are being encouraged to bring banners with a chance of winning prizes to the value of €1,000 and there is also a tie up with the Great Dublin Bike Ride taking place as part of European Sports Week.
Attendance
The Senior Final will be televised live on RTE television but the sport and sponsor are both hoping for a good attendance at the ground.
“We would also encourage everyone to pledge their support to bring their daughters, granddaughters, nieces, or sisters to the Finals on September 13th using the hashtag #supporthersport,” added Coffey.
There is an U14 All Ireland blitz featuring teams from across the country taking place on Saturday with all the participating players taking part in a parade around the pitch during the Sunday afternoon.
Liberty Insurance are proud supporters of Sport for Business’ coverage of and advocacy for Women’s Sport. See this year’s 50 Most Influential Women in Irish Sport.
Image credit: Cathal Noonan, Inpho.ie
