The Hurley Maker is an impassioned tribute to Ireland's unsung GAA craftsmen by award winning Dublin poet, serving Dublin Fire Brigade firefighter and passionate hurling fan Ger Devine - Ger recites his poem above, and introduces The Hurley Maker below.
My passion for hurling, on the field for both Clontarf GAA/Dublin GAA and as a spectator, has always been immense. I wrote this poem in appreciation of the craftsmanship of the humble hurley maker. It is skilful ancient Irish craft that we need to celebrate and protect, as there are only 35 full-time hurley makers left in Ireland.
My Dublin Fire Brigade colleague, fellow hurling fan, champion uilleann piper and whistle player Brian Hughes composed this original and very special piece of music to accompany The Hurley Maker.
We were lucky to witness one of the greatest hurling games of all time in this year’s All Ireland Senior Hurling Final between Clare and Cork. Although many heroes were born on the Croke Park battlefield during this epic encounter, let’s not forget the skills and culture of the humble Irish hurley maker.
The Hurley Maker
Never pull a hurl from a bag
Or choose one off a shelf,
For a true appreciation
You must meet the man himself
For skill that is obtained
Through life long dedication,
Weathered hands pass knowledge down,
To younger generation
Ash perfume fills your lungs
As you push the workshop door,
The maker doesn’t hear you,
As you tread the sawdust floor
Hurling greats adorn the walls
Like spectators in the stand,
There’s dusty memorabilia,
And sure there’s hammers to beat the band
Raised imperfections,evicted by the plane
Chippings fall like wooden feathers
As blade follows the grain
Limber timber springs to life
As shavings start to curl,
Creation solos through the veins
Of hands that make the Hurl.
Old spokeshave rounds the edges,
The balance checked by hand,
Excellence gets rewarded,
The stamp of maker’s brand
For it’s more than just an ancient craft
It’s fond memories that you savour
So next time you seek perfection,
Go meet the hurley maker.
