Left Handed Sticks Blamed for Decline of Hurling
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It is believed the error dates back to a secret directive issued by Croke Park in the early eighties that pointed out there were an increasing number of head injuries due to overhead pulling. The Croker thinktank believed that the introduction of helmets would in part alleviate the problem but in addition they wished to regulate the size of the bas on the hurl.
After much research in Croke Park, a sample of the ideal hurley was sent to every hurley maker in Ireland with clear instructions on their future behaviour. In those days, unlike today when you can’t go round a corner without someone carving away on their caman, there were much fewer men (and women) crafting the ash and therefore regulation was much easier.
Unfortunately, the sticks chosen as the original of the species, and from which the vast majority of hurls in Ireland have since descended, were a batch made specially for the famous ciotog hurler Jimmy Doyle of Thurles Sarsfields and Tipp. He specified to his hurley maker, Pat Óg Leahy that the heel of the hurl should have a slightly elevated angle on one side, all the better to cut the ball (in the manner of Joe Canning nowadays) and also a small indent was planed into the bas to enable easier carrying of the ball. In addition the protruding bit on the handle was carved longer than normal as yer man occasionally was bothered by an itching of the nether regions and he found a good scratch with the butt of his stick eased the discomfort. Even nowadays an observant viewer can watch the way hurlers and Camogs alike rest crotchwise on the handle of the stick during breaks in coaching, teamtalks, the national anthem and the like.
Sources in Croke Park have revealed they will be issuing new guidelines on hurleys to ensure that in future more right-handed sticks are produced. It is believed this innovation will help the promotion of hurling countrywide and may increase further the volume of scores from sideline balls. Readers are encouraged to check at home, in the garage, in the shed and in the fertilizer bag and remove all left-handed hurls immediately.
Your attention is drawn to the attached illustration of a correct, right handed stick, sourced exclusively by Squareball.
