Astrophysics PhD Student Utilizes Big Data to Elevate GAA Club

An astrophysics PhD student has transformed his local Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club’s fortunes using cutting-edge data analytics. Eamon McGleenan, a member of O’Connells Tullysaran GAC in Armagh, successfully implemented individualized training programs and match strategies that led to the club’s promotion to senior level for the first time in its 135-year history.

Eamon is part of the Predictive Sports Analytics (PSA) team at Queen’s University Belfast, where he is pursuing his doctoral studies. The PSA group has previously collaborated with various sports teams, including those in soccer and rugby, but this project marked a new venture into GAA. The researchers aimed to leverage data analytics to improve player performance and team outcomes.

Over five months, Eamon and his team analyzed over 550 million individual measurements from the squad using STATSports GPS technology. This extensive analysis included metrics related to player speed, acceleration, directional changes, and heart rates.

“Our academic foundations are in astrophysics,” Eamon explained. “We applied mathematical models to the Big Data collected from the athletes, allowing us to track their development over time. This collaboration with the coaching staff enabled us to create tailored training routines and strategies that ultimately contributed to our success.”

In July, Tullysaran clinched the Armagh Intermediate Football League 2A title by just two points, marking a historic achievement for the club. They will enter the Senior Football League in March, a significant milestone for a rural club with fewer than 500 members.

Revolutionizing Sports through Data Analysis

The PSA team intends to build on this success by further exploring the intersection of physics, mathematics, and sports science. Professor David Jess, Eamon’s supervisor, emphasized the importance of knowledge transfer between these disciplines.

“Our work with Tullysaran showcases how innovative modelling approaches can enhance the success of sports clubs globally,” he stated. “The collaboration reflects Queen’s University’s commitment to supporting rural communities and volunteer organizations throughout Ireland.”

Tullysaran’s manager, Pauric McGlone, acknowledged the partnership with PSA as invaluable. He noted, “The statistical insights provided by the team have been immensely beneficial. It helps me balance training effectively, especially as we approach match days. The reports are user-friendly and add a competitive edge that ensures players are in optimal condition.”

While the use of performance data in GAA is not unprecedented, the dramatic results achieved by Tullysaran stand out. Previously criticized by commentator Pat Spillane as “paralysis by analysis,” the integration of GPS tracking and performance analytics has become standard among intercounty teams.

For instance, recent analyses have shown significant increases in player performance metrics. In 2021, STATSports data indicated that female Gaelic football midfielders averaged 6.9 kilometers per match, running 225 meters at high speed, executing nine sprints, and reaching maximum speeds of 25.45 km/h. By 2023, those figures had improved to an average of 7.3 kilometers, 260 meters at high speed, and 12 sprints, with a slight increase in maximum speed to 25.56 km/h.

The implications of this data-driven approach are profound, not only for Tullysaran but for the future of sports analytics as a whole. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for enhancing athletic performance through data will likely become even more impactful, ensuring that clubs like Tullysaran can compete at higher levels.