Advertisement
Tipperary's Noel McGrath. INPHO/James Crombie
Hi Tech

Explainer: So why was Noel McGrath looking like this yesterday?

The Tipperary star sported alternative headgear in Croke Park.

HE’S USED TO donning the Cooper helmet when it comes to visits to Croke Park.

But yesterday at GAA headquarters, Tipperary hurler Noel McGrath was clad in different headgear.

The futuristic looking contraption was all part of ‘RePlay’ – a major European motion capture technology project – that was officially launched at the stadium yesterday.

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD was on hand along with McGrath and Tipperary hurling great Nicky English for the launch.

‘RePlay’ is a €2million project funded by the EU, which is designed to preserve, promote and develop traditional sports in Ireland and abroad.

The project will use state of the art motion capture and sensor technologies to capture the styles of play and skills unique to both Gaelic and Basque games.

3D interactive software will then be developed and that will be used to educate future generations about the sports.

So there you have it. But still there’s probably no need to expect McGrath getting rid of his hurling helmet come the championship matches for Tipperary this summer.

GAA fixtures for the week ahead

Cork hand Daniel Goulding first start of the season