Jul 21

Hurling up a Desert Storm

Talking Balls Comments

A mirage? Or the pitch you paid €0.25million to have relaid?
A mirage? Or the pitch you paid €0.25million to have relaid?
As part of their All Ireland sponsorship package, Etihad Airlines are dangling one hell of a prize in front of hurling clubs the length and breadth of the country. Etihad Airways will fly one deserving club hurling team to a 4 day training camp with Hurling legends and former All Stars, DJ Carey and Nicky English, in Abu Dhabi.

It is believed the presence of Nicky English will rule out any involvement by teams from Clare given the long standing antipathy between English and the men from the Banner whilst the Airline is expected to be inundated by applications from Langer who naturally think anything from Cork is the best under the sun.

For those of you who don’t know, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf and enjoys sunshine and blue skies all year round. In this desert oasis, DJ and Nicky will put the team through their paces, giving them pointers and hints and tips that helped him to become part of one of Ireland’s most successful senior hurling teams.

But be careful lads, a few pints after the game could land you in bother in the form of a dozen belts on the bare backside with an oversize keeper’s stick. As for tackling any of the expats or Eastern European bits of stuff hangin’ round he hotel bars – exercise with extreme caution unless you want to end up like those two caught at it on Dubai beach. Hurlin’s the least of their worries. . .

Anyway, back to the competition. Etihad want to know just what is it that makes your club so special? Are you the longest established? The most successful? Have you done a lot for your community? Raised a lot of money for charity? Are you the most environmentally friendly? Whatever it is, Etihad want you to tell them.

If you need any help filling in your application, give Talking Balls a shout – we’d be happy to run off a lot of oul shite you can use in your application.