The EY event ‘Game Changers: AI and Data Analytics Revolutionizing Sport’, held at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork late last week, brought together some of Ireland’s best coaches and athletes discussing how the AI and data analytics can deepen our understanding of individual performance and improve decision-making. -do sports.
Speaker Vinny Hammond, Head of Analytics and Innovation at the IRFU, was joined by a panel including Eileen Gleeson, Head Coach of the Irish Women’s National Football Team, Sean O’Donnell, performance analyst for Limerick Senior Hurling, Amy O’Connor, Cork. Camogie senior captain, Rob Heffernan, former world champion and Olympic medalist.
Vinny Hammond explained how the IRFU is leveraging technology for performance insights, sharing the notable advances made with AI over the past year and at the World Cup.
During the panel discussion, featuring famous sports figures, Eileen Gleeson offered management perspectives; Sean O’Donnell, highlighted how AI can streamline data to improve performance; Amy O’Connor highlighted the benefits of wearable devices for player analysis; and Rob Heffernan highlighted the importance of human judgment in supporting AI in physical performance.
