Thurles AND the green fields of France… it promises to be a busy summer for Hawk-Eye.
The score detection system, already in use in the Premier League, Serie A and the Bundesliga, as well as Croke Park, has been selected by UEFA to be the goal-line technology (GLT) provider for Euro 2016.
It will be the first time goal-line technology will be used at the European Championships and the UK company beat off competition from the German firm Goal Control, who provided a similar service at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Installed in Croke Park three years ago, Hawk-Eye has been trialled in Semple Stadium since the beginning of the year and is set to go “live” in time for the May 22nd Munster SHC quarter-final between Tipperary and Cork.
The system has been largely a success in Gaelic games, apart from one controversial incident in 2013, when Limerick minor hurler Barry Nash was denied a valid point in an All-Ireland semi-final after the operator failed to correctly adjust the system for hurling.
Hawk-Eye thought Nash’s sliotar was a football and incorrectly deemed his shot to be wide. Galway went on to win the match in extra-time.
At least that is not a concern at the Euros!
