CALLS HAVE GROWN for the Hawkeye score detection system to be brought in outside of Croke Park in the wake of Sunday’s dramatic finale to the All-Ireland hurling final.
The technology was called upon to adjudicate after John O’Dwyer struck a long-distance free in injury-time for Tipperary.
Hawkeye confirmed that O’Dwyer’s shot had drifted wide and while Tipperary selector Michael Ryan believes that hurling is ‘better for Hawkeye’, he also reckons it is time for the system to be brought in outside of Croke Park.
The GAA had identified Semple Stadium as a ground where they would look to bring in Hawkeye but costs are likely to be a barrier to rolling out the system.
“I don’t know what the cost is of setting it up but I think it’s required outside of HQ as well,” says Ryan.
“Certainly the likes of Thurles and Cork, and whatever the next two or three stadia are. They should have it. You ask any player or any management team, we just need to be able to apply our rules consistently. It’s the application of them, that part which irks any of us.
“The game is better for Hawkeye, it settles these debates. I’d hate to have the Liam MacCarthy here and a whole debate about it. It was the last strike of the game, it would be a huge talking point.”
Ryan described the emotions he experienced during those whirlwind closing moments.
“You don’t have a perfect view on the sideline. It wasn’t conclusive. It didn’t go over the centre of the bar where you’d be happy and of course it was so high as well.
“I just happened to be crossing the field when the free was given. It was all square and I suppose I had a feeling of relief plus opportunity. Relief this doesn’t decide whether we come back here the next day. On the negative, it was all about opportunity. We had a chance, it was a wild chance.”
