05/26/2026
Do you play hurling, shinty or hocky?
Hurling is an ancient Irish field game that traces its roots to early Celtic warrior training. It is famously intertwined with the legend of Cú Chulainn (also spelled Cúchulainn), Ireland's most renowned mythological hero.
Hurling was a way to hone agility, hand-eye coordination, and combat skills. The original stick (camán) was thick and bludgeon-like, crafted from ash and serving both as a game tool and a weapon.
Cú Chulainn, whose boyhood name was Setanta, spent his youth playing hurling and was known to be so fast and strong that he could defeat entire troops of older boys.
Once, Setanta was invited to a feast at the fortress of Culainn, a local smith. Arriving late with only his hurling stick and ball, Setanta was attacked by Culainn's ferocious guard dog. In self-defense, he struck the ball with incredible force right down the beast's throat, killing it instantly. Culainn was devastated by the loss of his dog, but rather than slay Setanta he made a deal. The boy would be his guard until a replacement hound could be raised. Thus, Setanta earned the name Cú Chulainn ("Culainn’s Hound").
Hurling is deeply connected to the Irish communities that kept it alive down the centuries; sometimes illegally when it was banned by authorities. Nowadays it is big business, but it was always the people's game first.
Hurling was seized upon by the Irish nationalists of the 19th century as a unique part of Irish culture -- one that could be used to build social bonds, identity, and resolve to resist. Hence the creation of the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884 which still thrives today.
