Hurlers and their hurls!
Some of Wicklow’s finest
WARREN KAVANAGH
What do you look for most in a hurl? Flexibility
Hurl size? 34”
Heavy or light?
Light enough, not too light. Big or small bas?
Big bas.
Any quirky or specific things you like? I don’t like a thick handle and I’d prefer a little weight in the bas of the hurl so usually I would have a band or maybe two on my hurls.
Thing you dislike most about a hurl (other than getting hit by one)? No flexibility. Nothing worse than a plank of a hurl.
Anything else you think is relevant? I have one favourite hurl that I don’t train with. I only play matches with it. I train with two or three different hurls, just depends what one I pick up going out the door at the time. That way if I break my favourite one in a game the next hurl I use I’m used to playing with it.
ENDA DONOHOE
What do you look for most in a hurl? A hurl with nice weight spread across the hurl, not just in the bas or the handle. With a nice shape to it. The first feel of the hurl you know if it’s the right fit.
Hurl size? 34”
Heavy or light?
Used to have heavier hurls, more of an average weight hurl now.
Big or small bas?
Bigger bas, always! Anything quirky or specific things you like? Underage I had a stage of using a 33.5” hurl. Made all the difference! Also, the grip on the hurl has to be fresh and clean, should be changed regularly!
CIARAN BREEN
What you look for most in a hurl? Look at the shape of the bas, Kilkenny style, usually a big enough bas for an outfield hurler. I look for the grain to be running parallel towards the toe of the hurl. As regards the weight of the hurl not too heavy but not too light. I like the hurl to have a bit of spring in it and a thick handle. Don’t mind if there’s bands on it or not.
Hurl size? 34”
Heavy or light?
In between, not too light because as a defender I feel I need a bit of timber but not too heavy as it slows down the striking.
Big or small bas?
Big bas.
Anything quirky or specific you like? A thick enough heel on the hurl for sidelines.
Thing you dislike most about a hurl? Nothing as heartbreaking as when your favourite hurl breaks and can’t be fixed!
Anything else you think is relevant? All my hurls look the same, blue and white grip with red tape at the bottom and black tape at the bás.
PETER KEANE
What do you look for most in a hurl? Not too heavy.
Hurl size? 34”
Heavy or light?
Light
Big or small bas?
Medium
Anything quirky or specific? Not really, just leave the same template with the lad who makes the hurls and he copies it.
Thing you dislike the most about a hurl (other than getting hit by one)? When you regrip it and it breaks the next match.
MARTIN O’BRIEN
What do you look for most in a hurl? Good grain. Nice shape. Good balance. Should feel natural in your hand as you use it. No band when new, only banded when mended. Narrow handle. Once you get your style - make sure you have a template.
Hurl size? 34”
Heavy or light?
Middling. I used to have a heavier weight, recently made it lighter which is working well at the moment.
Big or small bas?
Bigger if possible. Shouldn’t affect the overall balance of the hurl. Anything quirky or specific? Shorter hurling grip (some lads like the longer ones). Usually a yellow grip. Black tape towards the bas. I like them all to look the same.
Thing they dislike the most about a hurl (other than getting hit by one)? Breaking your favourite one. Nothing more heartbreaking.
LUKE EVANS
What do you look for most in a hurl?
The same as the last one. Hurl size? 33”
Heavy or light? Light
Big or small bas?
Big bas
Anything quirky or specific? Prefer hurls after they are fixed.
They feel stronger.
Thing you dislike most about a hurl (other than getting hit by one)? Uneven grain and a thick handle are the two things I hate the most.
ANDY O’BRIEN
Plastic all the way.
JACK DOYLE
What do you look for most in a hurl?
Just to feel comfortable with it. Hurl size? 33
Heavy or light? Light
Big or small bas? Average Anything quirky or specific? I like the Wexford or Kilkenny style.
Thing you dislike most about a hurl? When they break easy, always the hurls fault.
BOB FITZGERALD
What do you look for most in a hurl?
A hurl where the grain is close together.
Hurl size? 36
Heavy or light?
Usually heavy enough, because of the big bas.
Big or small bas? Big bas Anything quirky or specific? Always like a hurl more after it’s been broken and repaired. Th
Thing you dislike the most about a hurl? The price of a hurl these days doesn’t light up my world now to be honest.
BRYAN KEARNEY
For me, it would have to be 35” with a nice bit of weight (good for sledging) but not too heavy.
A wide enough Wexford-style bas, and preferably banded as it looks well.
Also, a good close grain is something to look for. Failing all that anything in the region of a 2x6 will do.
BILLY CUDDIHY
What do you look for most in a hurl? Balance, with the weight favouring the bas. Chunky handle too though.
Hurl size? 34”
Heavy or light? Middle of the road. About 560 grams.
Big or small bas? Big bas. Anything quirky or specific things you like? Grain to be well spaced. Generally get more timber that way for the same weight.
The thing they dislike the most about a hurl? A dead hurl, might look and feel great but one strike and you know it’s dirt.
Anything else relevant? A repaired stick is often as good if not better than a new one. Double band adds weight to the bas. Dave (Moran) does a serious repair job.