Guests will meet at O'Loughlin Gaels GAA grounds in Kilkenny City five minutes before the tour is due to begin. Participants are given a hurl (stick) and sliotar (ball) to examine before the presentation begins. Grasping a hurl for the first time is something unique.
The setting for the presentation is a hurling team's dressing room in Kilkenny City, giving participants that up-close and personal experience. During the 15 minute presentation, guests will get to understand the rules, scoring and history of hurling. They will learn how it has evolved into the fastest field game in the world. Guests will then be taken to the field to try this sport for themselves.
On the hurling field visitors are coached in some basics of the game including the ground stroke, hand pass, solo run and shooting. Thirty five minutes are spent on the field and everyone will get an opportunity to take a strike at the goalpost. It is worth noting that the non athletic are encouraged and the athletic are challenged. There are no age restrictions for this tour, participants have ranged from children to people in their 90s.
Everyone is given an opportunity to take pictures or videos before the tour ends. It would be a shame to visit Kilkenny, renowned as the home of hurling, without trying the sport.
Choose the Freshford Experience and enjoy true Irish hospitality in a local country pub after your exertions on the field.
Check www.kilkennygaa.ie for local hurling games. Be sure to catch some live action in the home of hurling before you leave.
