Clash of the ash under threat as disease hits manufacturers’ supply

A hurley shortage looks set to strike the GAA in the new year with manufacturers running out of ash because of a fungal disease that has wiped out ash trees in Northern Europe.

Hurley makers are working through their stock of ash but will be unable to import wood because of regulations introduced in the aftermath of an outbreak of ash dieback disease.

The Department of Agriculture regulations say only ash known to be from areas free from chalara ash dieback disease, or kiln-dried ash with its outer surface including bark removed, will be allowed into the country.