Research News
Posted 14 June 2010
Taoiseach Launches AIT-Supported Cúltec Hurley
The Taoiseach Brian Cowen has launched the Cúltec hurley, the first synthetic hurley to ever be used at Croke Park.
The Cúltec hurley is the result of seven years research and development combining space-age materials and the latest manufacturing techniques to produce a hurley with all the positive characteristics of an ash hurley, but without any of its limitations.
Testing and performance analysis was carried out at AIT’s Materials Research Institute, supported by both the BMW Research Vouchers scheme and the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Vouchers initiative. Having carefully examined these results the GAA gave the Cúltec hurley its seal of approval.
According to the Taoiseach, “The Cúltec hurley would not have come to fruition were it not for the assistance of Mark Atterbury and his team at Athlone IT’s Materials Research Institute.”
Cúltec combines the best of the old with the new and shows how modern technology can enhance a much loved and ancient game. The hurley will feature in the GAA Museum, testifying to its importance for hurling and camogie in the 21st Century.
As with Offaly-based Cúltec, AIT is encouraging small companies across the Midlands to apply for a €5,000 Enterprise Ireland innovation voucher. The next call for applications for standard vouchers will be in October, while applications for 50-50 co-funded vouchers may be submitted anytime.
According to Michael Lonergan, Manager of the Midlands Innovation and Research Centre at AIT, “If you own or manage a small company and have a business opportunity or problem that you want to explore, why not apply for an innovation voucher worth €5,000? The innovation voucher will allow you to concentrate on running your business while AIT comes up with a solution that could take your business to the next level.”
For more information regarding innovation vouchers or accessing the research and development resources of AIT, contact Michael Lonergan, Manager Midlands Innovation and Research Centre, at 090 647 1882 or email mlonergan@ait.ie.
To learn more about the Cúltec hurley, visit www.cultec.ie
