Hurling Expert Advisory Group begin their work

Pictured at the inaugural meeting of the Hurling Expert Advisory Group in the Billiards Room of Hayes Hotel were, left to right, Richie Hogan, Dr. Michael McKay, William Maher, John Keenan, Terry Reilly, Jeff Lynskey, and John Meyler. 
The inaugural meeting of the newly established Hurling Expert Advisory Group (HEAG) took place in Hayes Hotel, Thurles, on Sunday.

It was held in the hotel’s Billiards Room where the GAA was founded in 1884 and chaired by former Cork, Wexford, Carlow, and Kerry hurling manager, John Meyler.

Among those in attendance were GAA Head of Hurling, William Maher, Chairperson of the Hurling Development Committee, Terry Reilly, Games Intelligence Unit representative, Dr. Michael McKay, referees’ representative, John Keenan, and HEAG members Richie Hogan, Jeff Lynskey, Ursula Jacob, and Rory Hannify.

The HEAG has been established to provide independent, informed and evidence-based advice to the Standing Committee on Playing Rules (SCPR) on the ongoing development and stewardship of the playing rules of hurling.

The Group operates in conjunction with the permanent Games Intelligence Unit which will collect, analyse and interpret data on game trends specific to hurling.

This evidence base, combined with the practical expertise of the HEAG’s members, will inform their recommendations and advice to the SCPR.

The objectives of the Hurling Expert Advisory Group are to:


Consider data and analysis provided by the Games Intelligence Unit relating to playing styles, puck-out strategies, scoring patterns, turnover rates, physical demands, injury trends, officiating patterns and overall game outcomes
Provide structured, evidence-led advice to the SCPR on potential rule changes, clarifications, interpretations or experimental trials specific to hurling
Ensure that proposals relating to playing rules are grounded in analysis and deep understanding of the game rather than reactive responses to isolated incidents, media commentary or short-term public debate
Assess the likely implications of any proposed changes on: Player welfare and safety; Skill expression, first touch and contest for possession; The balance between attack and defence; Refereeing consistency, clarity and enforceability; Spectator experience and the flow of the game; The relationship between inter-county, club and developmental competitions.
Support a consistent, transparent and long-term approach to the evolution of hurling while safeguarding its distinctive character


Further meetings of the HEAG are planned in the coming months as it seeks to support the continued development and long-term sustainability of Hurling.