A
hurley, also known as a camán (the Irish word),
and lesser known as hurl, a hurley stick, shtick (jocular eye
dialect), or in parts of Ulster as a scullion, is a wooden stick
measuring between 70 and 100 cm (26 to 40 inches) long with a
flattened, curved end (called the bas), used to hit a sliotar
(leather ball) in the Irish sport of hurling. It is also used in
camogie, the female equivalent, and there often called a camogie
stick.
Hurleys are made from ash wood, and are usually
bought from local craftsmen in Ireland, who still use traditional
production methods. However, for some time in the 1970s, hurleys
made from plastic were used, mainly produced by Wavin. These proved
more likely to cause injury however, and were phased out. Steel
bands are used to re-inforce the flattened end of the hurley though
these are not permitted in camogie due to increased risk of injury.
Bands have been put on hurleys since the beginning; the 8th century
Brehon Laws permit only a king's son to have a bronze band, while
all others must use a copper band.
No matter how well crafted the hurley is, a hurler
may well expect to use several hurleys over the course of the
hurling season. The hurleys often break if two collide in the course
of a game, or occasionally they break off on the other players
(arms, legs, etc.). Two hurleys colliding is colloquially known as
"the clash of the ash." Throwing the hurley (e.g. to block a ball
going high over one's head) is illegal, though camogie players may
drop it to make a handpass.
