Full Description
Hurling is an ancient game, one that was used to practise and refine the art of war. Today, the tradition continues, the tribal passions remain and hurling is Ireland's greatest spectator sport. It requires skill, dedication, tenacity and that indefinable 'something special' that marks the great players apart from the mediocre ones. But are great hurlers born naturals? All agree Ring and Mackey had it. Many agree D. J. Carey had it. But what is 'it'? What are the key elements of hurling greatness? In these pages hurling is defined by its modern heroes, current and former players, managers and coaches. Donal A"g Cusack, Pat Hartigan, Sean McMahon, Martin Storey, Ray Cummins, Nicky English, Liam Griffin, Henry Shefflin and many more: we can all agree that these men are warriors for their counties. Each season, they commit themselves to giving their all in the name of sport. Here, they and many others discuss the finer points and skills that make the perfect player. They recall epic performances, heroic protagonists, tricks, tactics and anecdotes, and offer advice on the art and craft of this ancient game. This is the first time hurling has been examined in such detail and the result is a must-read for every hurling fan, a handbook for coaches, and an insight for those who want to understand this warrior game renowned for its sportsmanship and the kinship of those who play it.
Contents
Acknowledgements A Brief Introduction to Hurling 1 Goalkeeper - The Gamekeeper - Noel Skehan (Kilkenny); Seamus Durack (Clare); Donal Og Cusack (Cork); Christy O'Connor (Clare); 2 Right-Corner-Back - The Terrier - Phil 'Fan' Larkin (Kilkenny); Brian Murphy (Cork); Michael Kavanagh (Kilkenny); 3 Full-Back - The Gatekeeper - Pat Hartigan (Limerick); Brian Lohan (Clare); Diarmuid O'Sullivan (Cork); Stephen Lucey (Limerick); 4 Left-Corner-Back - The Lurcher - John Horgan (Cork); Martin Hanamy (Offaly); Ollie Canning (Galway); 5 Right-Half-Back - The Sweeper - Pete Finnerty (Galway); Brian Whelahan (Offaly); Liam Doyle (Clare); 6 Centre-Back - The Pivot - Pat Henderson (Kilkenny); Pat McGrath (Waterford); Liam Dunne (Wexford); Seanie McMahon (Clare); 7 Left-Half-Back - The Artiste - Len Gaynor (Tipperary); Denis Coughlan (Cork); Anthony Daly (Clare) 8 & 9 Midfield - The Athletes - Ned Wheeler (Wexford); Richie Bennis (Limerick); Gerald McCarthy (Cork); Patjoe Whelahan (Offaly); Pat Critchley (Laois); John Fenton (Cork); Johnny Pilkington (Offaly) 10 Right-Half-Forward - The Sniper - Jimmy Doyle (Tipperary); Liam Griffin (Wexford and Clare); Johnny Dooley (Offaly); Tommy Dunne (Tipperary); Dan Shanahan (Waterford) 11 Centre-Forward - The Gamebreaker - Joe Cooney (Galway); John Power (Kilkenny); Gary Kirby (Limerick); Martin Storey (Wexford); Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny) 12 Left-Half-Forward - The Wing-man - Frankie Walsh (Waterford); Mick Ryan (Dublin and Cork); Eddie Keher (Kilkenny); Gerard McGrattan (Down); 13 Right-Corner-Forward - The Cornerboys - Mick Bermingham (Dublin); Charlie McCarthy (Cork); Eoin Kelly (Tipperary) 14 Full-Forward - The Rock-Breaker - Ray Cummins (Cork); Joe McKenna (Offaly and Limerick); Liam Fennelly (Kilkenny); Olcan McFetridge (Antrim); D. J. Carey (Kilkenny) 15 Left-Corner-Forward - The Fall-Guy - Eamonn Cregan (Limerick); Nicky English (Tipperary); Ben O'Connor (Cork) Free-Taking; The Hurley; Picking a Team; Qualities Needed - Web Survey; Index
