Hurleys should have protected status at EU level, MEP claims

An Irish MEP is calling for hurleys to be awarded special protective status by the EU.

Labour's Phil Prendergast said they should be treated as a special Irish cultural tool that deserves EU-wide protection.

Normally, the Protected Geographical Indication status is reserved for food products like certain cheeses, wines and champagne.

But Ms Prendergast said the EU needs to extend that protection to cultural icons like the hurley.

Hurling is indigenous to Ireland - it should seek the status because it qualifies," she said.

"Every child I ever knew had a hurley in their hand growing up when they were little fellas."

"I think they should have protected status."

She said the protective status would prevent others from making and marketing the hurley outside of Ireland.