The EY event 'Game Changers: AI and Data Analytics Revolutionising Sport', held in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork late last week, featured some of Ireland's premier coaches and athletes discussing how AI and data analytics can deepen our understanding of individual performance and enhance decision-making in sports.
Keynote speaker Vinny Hammond, Head of Analytics and Innovation at IRFU, was joined by a panel featuring Eileen Gleeson, Head Coach of the Irish National Women’s Football team, Sean O’Donnell, Performance Analyst for Limerick Senior Hurling, Amy O’Connor, Cork Senior Camogie captain, Rob Heffernan, Former World champion and Olympic medallist.
Vinny Hammond delved into how the IRFU leverages technology for performance insights, sharing notable advancements they made with AI over the past year and at the World Cup.
During the panel discussion, featuring celebrated sports figures, Eileen Gleeson offered managerial insights; Sean O’Donnell, noted how AI can streamline data for performance improvement; Amy O’Connor underscored the benefits of wearables for player analytics; and Rob Heffernan stressed the importance of human judgement amidst AI support in physical performance.
