Fun Facts about Hurling

Fact 1# Hurling around the world

Hurling is growing in Ireland but also rapidly around the world with more and more people joining each year which is great to see as it is a sport for everyone no matter what background you come from. A big factor in hurling growing is it being televised especially on Sky sports as it reaches out to millions throughout the world. In terms of Britain, the Irish immigrants brought the game over in the 19th century and London are the only non Irish team to win the All Ireland in 1901 beating Cork and they still compete in the lower championship called the Christy Ring. 

London GAA (sportsmanager.ie)

Fact 2# Fastest field sport in the world

Hurling is both the fastest and oldest field sport in the world. The fastest shot recorded in hurling to date was by TJ Reid who hit the sliotar 181.1kmps against Limerick in the All Ireland semi final in 2014. With the game progressing year on year in terms of statistics etc it wont be long before someone breaks the record again.

Is hurling the fastest field sport in the world? - Independent.ie

Fact 3# Hurl or Hurley debate

It has always sparked a debate in the hurling community as to whether it is called a hurl or a hurley. Over the covid lockdown GAA stars such as Lee Chin and Seamus Callanan were joining in with the debate and it got over 25,000 votes. The final votes ended up with 52% of the votes in favour of hurley with 48% voting hurl. This was a fun debate which got people interested during the pandemic. 

Hurl or hurley? 22 of 32 counties say hurl (irishtimes.com)

Fact 4# GAA sponsorship rules 

The GAA has strict rules around sponsorship deals on equipment. Any betting company are prohibited and any team or company that breach the rules will be punished. Only this year did the GAA allow sponsorship on the sleeves of jerseys. 

Fact5# It's all about the BAS

GAA rules state that the bas of a hurley at it's widest point should be no more than 13cm but this measurement is widely ignored  by many suppliers of hurls..

Fact 6# Clash of the ash v plastic alternative

Through the years, hurls have been made from ash but with concerns about future supplies of  ash wood, back in 2008 innovators came up with an alternative, virtually unbreakable hurl made of plastic- The 'Cultec'.

Fact7# Hurloween @ Milwaukee Hurling Club

Milwaukee has the largest hurling club outside Ireland and every October they host  'Hurloween' with all the players dressing up in costumes to play hurling.

Fact8# Hurling was repeatedly banned in Ireland by the British

The first ban in the 13th Century was introduced because they deemed that the game was excessively violent. However many believe it was to curb a concern that English settlers were becoming 'more Irish than the Irish themselves'. A further ban was introduced 2 centuries later.

Fact9# There was once 2 varieties of Hurling

Land owners used to organise hurling competitions for their tenants. The summer game being pretty much as it is played today but the winter game was played similar to hockey.

Fact10# Hurling taught in European schools

Hurling is now part of the PE curriculum in some schools in Spain and France.

Fact11# What was played first - Hurling or Gaelic

Hurling is known as the oldest sport in the world, it was first played in Ireland over 3,000 years ago.

Fact12# The first Hurling Helmet

Michael Murphy wore the first hurling helmet back in the 1960's, fast forward 70 years and now every player must wear protective headgear. The Cooper SK100 helmet is the favourite for hurlers across Ireland.

Fact13# The first Senior Hurling All Ireland Senior Final at Croke Park

The first hurling final at Croke was in 1896 between Tipperary and Kilkenny. Tipperary were the winners and have gone on to win 28 All Ireland final titles to date.

Fact 14# Counties that have won a Senior All Ireland 

To date there have been 13 counties that have won the Senior All Ireland championship. Kilkenny, Cork and Tipperary are known as 'the big 3' winning 94 finals between them.

Fact 15# How many hurls are made each year

Every year Ireland churns out over 450,000 hurls each year creating many jobs. Hurls are a popular gift for visitors to Ireland. Among the well known state visitors to have been presented with a hurl are former US President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth.