While a design student and competitive rugby player in his hometown of Limerick, Ireland, Hartigan identified an unmet need in the practice equipment market.

In 2013, he launched Shadowman Sports and introduced Shadowman Pro, a safe game realistic tackling system. Shadowman Sports now has a range of tackling and blocking equipment, trusted by thousands of high schools, 100-plus NCAA programs, NFL teams, and is endorsed by USA Football and Football Canada as their preferred tackling partner.