GAA: is this the birth of technology in decision makeing? Watch this space:

HAWK EYE has proven most successful in top-level tennis

The GAA are to put score-detection technology on trial at one of the forthcoming Dublin Spring Series games at Croke Park. 

GAA president Christy Cooney confirmed yesterday that, as part of a feasibility study under the direction of English-based company Hawk-Eye, the technology would be tested at one of the games over the next few weeks, most likely the Dublin/Mayo league match on March 20.

Hawk-Eye representatives have already been to Croke Park. to test their technology and will deploy the cameras on a trial basis at one of the Dublin games.

The game with Kerry on Saturday night has come too soon for the trial, but the match against Mayo, or alternatively the final Croke Park game against Down, will see a trio of Hawk-Eye cameras behind one of the goals to establish that it can work.

New technology will hopefully curb controversial incidents

"We will use this game for a proper trial and the referee will be linked up as well," said Cooney. "We want it with a crowd in Croke Park, so we can judge it better. We will give it a proper evaluation and then make a proper decision. Score-detection is the only thing we are talking about," said Cooney.

Earlier this year the GAA released a statement outlining that Hawk-Eye technology would not be deployed at any game in 2011.

If score-detection technology is to be introduced it will require significant rule changes, but referees, according to Cooney, will still have the right to make their own decision on scores.

U-turn:  GAA President Christey Cooney

It is understood that the service to officials may not involve a human interface, so it will not operate along the lines of the rugby's television match official. Judgment will be delivered to the officials automatically.

"At the end of the day the referee's decision won't change, because it will still be the decision of the referee," stressed Cooney. "This is an aid and an assist for refs."