Urban poc fada in world debut

The world’s first “urban poc fada” takes place in Carrick -on-Suir this afternoon as part of the Clancy Brothers Festival.

The All-Ireland poc fada has become a famous fixture in the Cooley Mountains every August, but now the sport moves to the streets as a town which lies on the borders of three hurling strongholds hosts the new event.

Starting at the 13th century Ormond Castle, the event will make its way through the 11th century town before ending up at the river park alongside the River Suir, near the Maurice Davin Memorial Grounds.

Organisers say the poc fada will be similar to the Cooley Mountains event but in an urban setting and over a shorter but more “intrinsic” one-mile course.

“The aim is not all about how far one can puck a ball but how to navigate your way around an urban environment,” said a spokesman.

“It mixes the skills of hurling with technique and a deft touch — the essential components of the art.”

Today’s event is set to attract participants from inter -county hurling teams and local teams and is free to the public.

“The narrow streets mean the public can be a part of the action,” the spokesman added.

Carrick’s importance to the GAA is evidenced in the home and headquarters of the association in Croke Park, where two of the three stands are named after men from the town and adjoining villages.

The first president of the GAA, Maurice Davin, is commemorated in the new Canal End stand, while the most famous stand, the Hogan, is named after Michael Hogan from Grangemockler, the Tipperary football captain who was shot in Croke Park on Bloody Sunday.