shape of hurleys

learn

Why has shape of hurleys changed from those used in the 1960's ?

vctrburk

Hurleys are made from ash wood, the base of the tree near the root is the only part used and are usually bought from local craftsmen in Ireland (for about 20-50 euro), who still use traditional production methods. However, for some time in the 1970s, hurleys made from plastic were used, mainly produced by Wavin. These proved more likely to cause injury, however, and were phased out. Steel bands are used to reinforce the flattened end of the hurley though these are not permitted in camogie due to increased risk of injury. Bands have been put on hurleys since the beginning; the 8th century Brehon Laws permit only a king's son to have a bronze band, while all others must use a copper band.
No matter how well crafted the hurley is, a hurler may well expect to use several hurleys over the course of the hurling season. The hurleys often break if two collide in the course of a game, or occasionally they break off on the other players (arms, legs, etc.). Two hurleys colliding is colloquially known as "the clash of the ash." Some hurleys can be repaired by a method called "splicing". This method involves cutting a bas shaped piece from another broken hurley and fixing it to the broken bas by way of glue and nails, the two piece bas is then banded ("hooped") and sanded into shape. Throwing the hurley (e.g. to block a ball going high over one's head) is illegal, though camogie players may drop it to make a handpass.
There are names associated with different parts of the hurley. With respect to the picture above the "bas" is the rounded end of the hurl where the sliotar makes contact as it is being struck. At the same end the "heel" of the hurley is the area to the left of the band and at the hurley's edge (nearest the bottom of the picture above). It is used to give height to a ball struck on the ground. The rounded area to the right of the band is the "toe" of the hurley and is implicated in the roll lift or jab lift techniques which allow a player to gain legal possession of a ball into the hand from the ground. The handle is at the opposite end of the hurley to the boss, with the timber cut to form a small lip at the peak (to prevent the hurley from slipping from the player's hand). The handle is typically wrapped with a self-adhesive synthetic foam grip.Also players are starting to shape their own hurleys which makes it easier for them to get to know the hurley...:D;):p:):rolleyes::o:mad::(:eek::cool::P WIKI

learn

vctrburk wrote: »

Hurleys are made from ash wood, the base of the tree near the root is the only part used and are usually bought from local craftsmen in Ireland (for about 20-50 euro), who still use traditional production methods. However, for some time in the 1970s, hurleys made from plastic were used, mainly produced by Wavin. These proved more likely to cause injury, however, and were phased out. Steel bands are used to reinforce the flattened end of the hurley though these are not permitted in camogie due to increased risk of injury. Bands have been put on hurleys since the beginning; the 8th century Brehon Laws permit only a king's son to have a bronze band, while all others must use a copper band.
No matter how well crafted the hurley is, a hurler may well expect to use several hurleys over the course of the hurling season. The hurleys often break if two collide in the course of a game, or occasionally they break off on the other players (arms, legs, etc.). Two hurleys colliding is colloquially known as "the clash of the ash." Some hurleys can be repaired by a method called "splicing". This method involves cutting a bas shaped piece from another broken hurley and fixing it to the broken bas by way of glue and nails, the two piece bas is then banded ("hooped") and sanded into shape. Throwing the hurley (e.g. to block a ball going high over one's head) is illegal, though camogie players may drop it to make a handpass.
There are names associated with different parts of the hurley. With respect to the picture above the "bas" is the rounded end of the hurl where the sliotar makes contact as it is being struck. At the same end the "heel" of the hurley is the area to the left of the band and at the hurley's edge (nearest the bottom of the picture above). It is used to give height to a ball struck on the ground. The rounded area to the right of the band is the "toe" of the hurley and is implicated in the roll lift or jab lift techniques which allow a player to gain legal possession of a ball into the hand from the ground. The handle is at the opposite end of the hurley to the boss, with the timber cut to form a small lip at the peak (to prevent the hurley from slipping from the player's hand). The handle is typically wrapped with a self-adhesive synthetic foam grip.Also players are starting to shape their own hurleys which makes it easier for them to get to know the hurley...:D;):p:):rolleyes::o:mad::(:eek::cool::P WIKI

I was referring to the size of the bas, it's almost like a table tennis racket with an extended handle.

Clareman

It is a very personal thing as to the shape of the hurley, some people like it to be like a racket, other's like more tapered edges, a lot of the improvements are to do with improvements in manufacturing of hurleys, more hurleys are machine made and can be just duplicated

Smith614

The cork shape is terrible, more like an oar. It definitely hinders players.

morcheen k

is there no limit to size and shape ? just depends if your are strong enough to haul it about for the game i guess

Clareman

A hurley can be any shape just that it's maximum width can't be more than 13 cm

Edit: Link to rules here http://www.gaa.ie/coaching-and-games-development/rules-and-specifications/rules-of-specifications/equipment/

Professey Chin

Wexfords are usually like an axe :pac:

Lapin

Galway hurls are invisable and have been since 1988.

morcheen k

Lapin wrote: »

Galway hurls are invisable and have been since 1988.

they badly need the extra wide type

oidhreacht

The game has changed since the 1960's. Based on reading books about the Tipp era of dominance and watching some games on All-Ireland Gold, there was a lot more emphasis on ground-hurling and pulling on the ball in the air. Hurls from that era, from pictures, look to be longer with a bigger heel; which I guess would lend itself to ground hurling anyway.

Hurling today puts much more emphasis on getting the ball in the hand, which most deliveries coming from striking out of the hand. Hurls today are not as long, (I wouldn't say many intercounty lads hurl with a 36") preventing hooks, with wider bosses to give a larger sweet spot.

ttenneb

Nobody has answered the original question posed by LEARN. I've also wanted to know the answer as to "why" and "when" did the shape of the bas change. To me it's quite an ugly shape, the design of the hurley from my schooldays was more aesthetic. I presume it was more than adequate for the job. Until I came across this forum I thought it was all in my imagination that the shape had changed. Here's hoping both LEARN and myself will get the definitive answer from someone who knows.

ttenneb

No doubt it's likely I'll be told that aesthetics don't enter into the matter. Whether the hurley is ugly or not has no bearing on its efficiency. It's just a personal observation. Having said that, the older sticks seemed to have a better balance.

purplepanda

Friend of mine still has his Dad's old Hurl from Graigenamagh KK probably 1930's (his Dad was in the Royal Engineers WWII).

It actually looks more like a Shinty stick than a modern Hurl.