A design alteration to the traditional hurl has produced a stick that is faster and hits the ball further.
Garry Mannion from Ballygar in County Galway is a cabinet maker by trade but also a skilled hurley maker. His hurls follow a unique concept and,
Have been tested and approved by the mechanical engineering department in NUI Galway.
The Gary Mannion’s hurley has a series of holes drilled into the bas. This enables air to be filtered through the hurl, rather than around it. It works on the same kind of principle as a fly swatter,
So you get a faster swing and that allows a slightly further puck distance as well.
This new design removes the traditionally smooth grip for better contact on the sliotar.
It will also be more difficult to hook a player wielding one of these sticks.
Gary Mannion has patented his concept and hopes to develop it with a suitable company. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) are aware of the design but,
Formal approval for widespread use of the pro hurley hasn’t been sought yet.
The Gary Mannion designed hurley travels 10% faster than an unmodified one of the same weight and size and drives the sliotar 10% further.
In the fastest field game on earth millisecond can determine the difference between winning and losing.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 28 April 2004. The reporter is Ruairí Mac Con Iomaire.
