Torpey has been shortlisted for a Smarter Sports Award in recognition of its Kláw Performance Glove, a product designed to improve player safety and performance in hurling while also offering potential for use across a wider range of bat-and-ball sports.
The Irish company is among the finalists in the Smarter Ball and Racquet Innovation category, with the shortlist spanning global technology leaders, elite teams and federations, specialist engineering firms, and venture-backed scale-ups and start-ups already influencing top-level competition.
Founded in 1981, Torpey is one of Ireland’s leading manufacturers of sports equipment. With deep roots in hurling, the company has expanded its offering in recent years through new product pipelines aimed at more global sports, supported by the use of innovative materials and a strong emphasis on research and development.
That background helps frame the significance of the Kláw glove, which has emerged from Torpey’s focus on athlete-centred innovation and its work with expert partners, including leading hand injury clinician Daniel Harte. The glove combines advanced materials with ergonomic design to protect players’ hands without compromising dexterity, a critical requirement in a sport as fast and skilful as hurling.
The nomination places Torpey alongside major international names such as Apple, AWS and Google, underlining the scale of the recognition. The shortlist was determined after more than 300 hours of judging by an international panel featuring elite athletes and coaches, technology leaders and brand experts.
Research has shown that more than half of all hurling injuries involve the hand, while up to two-thirds of players report suffering multiple hand injuries during their careers. By addressing one of the sport’s most common injury areas, the Kláw glove aims to reduce injury rates, make the game more accessible to new participants, and support the long-term wellbeing of players.
Torpey said the adaptable nature of the glove also creates scope for it to be applied in other bat-and-ball sports internationally, potentially setting a new standard in athlete protection beyond its original hurling focus.
The company’s wider commitment to innovation is also reflected in its partnerships with academic institutions and its continued investment in creating high-performance products tailored to athletes’ needs.
The winners of the Smarter Sports Awards will be announced at a ceremony streamed live from London on May 13, 2026, in front of a select studio audience.
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