Sport and culture are closely connected as both share a country’s values, background, and history. But nowhere in the world is that more true than in Ireland, the birthplace of Gaelic sports.
Paul Rouse’s The Hurlers: The First All-Ireland Championship and the Making of Modern Hurling is the incredible story of a sporting rebirth, the rescue of hurling in the 1880s.
Hurling was almost out of existence in 1882 and there was a real fear that it would be extinct in a few years. Ireland would lose a piece of its soul, its history if hurling went away. Thankfully that was not the case as the sport was rejuvenated and thriving just five short years later. It’s the start of an All-Ireland Championship, a competition with a worldwide following nearly 140 years later.
Rouse provides readers with a brilliant story that is full of ups and downs, much like a roller coaster. There was plenty of struggle and doubt, but the fight was important. A piece of Irish culture and sport was on the line. Because of courageous men like Michael Cusack, hurling and the GAA have never been better. His work puts him right up there with the James Naismiths, Abner Doubledays, and Walter Camps of the world.
The Hurlers should be known as the definitive text on the early history of hurling. It is full of one-of-a-kind information, photographs, and illustrations. It’s an absolute treasure trove of hurling in its formative years.
It’s like ESPN, a history textbook, and a Hemingway novel were mixed together in one. It’s a lovely read from start to finish, an engaging storyline that will prove to be a must-have for hurling and GAA fans all over the world.
