The GAA has issued a statement defending the use of artificial intelligence to create the cover artwork for several of last weekend's match programs, including Sunday's All-Ireland U20 final between Tyrone and Kerry.
During one of the busiest weekends of championship activity so far this summer, art for three programs was generated using AI applications.
In particular, the cover of the Munster Minor Hurling final between Clare and Tipperary attracted a lot of comment on social media after Irish artist Barry Masterson pointed out some flaws.
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He posted on X/Twitter: “It's tough at the best of times, but if this is something we're looking forward to, we honestly might have to squeeze in at this pace.”
Highlighting footage from the Clare v Tipperary show, he added: “I especially love the way a pitch disappears into someone's paws and a mask breaking through their face looks painful. I know hurlers are tough, but this might push the story forward. ”
The program for Sunday's All-Ireland U20 football final between Tyrone and Kerry at Portlaoise featured two AI-generated players, but Kerry's left hand in the footage was deformed. ing.
A generic hurler wearing a green Leinster jersey was used in the program for last weekend's Leinster SHC fourth round matches, including the home match between Antrim and Galway at Corrigan Park.
The program is produced by DBA Publications on behalf of the GAA, and a GAA spokesperson said the use of AI was an experiment by one of its partners.
“We are always trying out new ideas for match program covers and this was a case of experimentation with our publishing partner's graphic designers,” the statement said.
Over the weekend, there were a number of comments on social media criticizing the GAA's use of AI and the images used in match programmes.
Regarding the Tyrone vs. Kelly show, one user wrote to X: Kelly's hands are behind Tyrone's shoulders even though they are clearly in front of him. Is this event going to be his two real U20 players?”
Another said: “As an avid collector of cheesy and crappy match shows,” while one commenter said: “Looks like Roy from the old Rovers magazine.”
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