The use of AI-generated art was highlighted by artist Barry Masterson, who said: “There are many Irish artists who can be commissioned and supported professionally with GAA illustrations.”
“Things are tough at the best of times, but if this is something we have to look forward to, we honestly may need to squeeze in at this pace,” Masterson said in a post on X.
The cover of the program for the Clare v Tipperary Munster hurling minor final shows two players arguing, with the metal bars of their face guards appearing to disappear into their mouths and heads.
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“I especially love the throw that disappears into someone's paw pads and looks painful as the mask is torn from their face,” Masterson posted. “I know hurlers are tough, but this might push the narrative.”
Kerry and Tyrone's Under-20 All-Ireland football final program features Kerry with an unusually gnarled thumb. AI-generated images are notorious for programs that struggle to generate realistic-looking hands.
Programs for the Leinster Senior Hurling Round 4 matches between Dublin vs. Kilkenny, Antrim vs. Galway, and Carlow vs. Wexford include AI-generated hurlers wearing green 'Leinster' tops. The stadium stands are out of line with a backdrop that seems architecturally impossible.
After Mr Masterson's I asked them to share.
Masterson has previously illustrated the FAI's senior women's and underage team match programs. He also illustrated Irish League teams and worked with the GAA.
Copies of the program, including the AI-generated images, are on sale on the website of DBA Publications, whose clients include the GAA and Bank of Ireland.
A GAA spokesperson said the use of AI 'art' was part of 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 magazine said.
Mr Masterson told the Irish Independent that the decision to use the AI image generation tool was likely to help publishers save time and meet deadlines at a time when there are a large number of GAA matches being played at various levels. He said he understood it was taken in time.
But he said the outcry the images had sparked online should show the GAA there was an opportunity to engage with artists and illustrators struggling to make a living from their match programs.
“This is not a good step,” Masterson said. “I think the GAA could take a different approach. They could involve artists from individual counties. I really feel like they're missing an opportunity by not involving people. If we continue to use AI like this, it's going to really alienate people.”
Masterson said the AI-generated images had an “obvious” consistent appearance and that there were “strange mistakes” in rendered hand and face masks known to be present in AI-generated images. He said he discovered it right away.
