Graphite may end clash of the ash

HARD to believe, but the day may soon come when the clash of the ash, and the unmistakeable thud of wood whacking a sliotair, will no longer be heard in the playing fields of Ireland.

For as long as anyone can remember — maybe even since the time of fabled Setanta — hurleys have been crafted from ash. But, an Offaly company, Cultec, is now making a graphite camán from synthetic materials.

Cultec sees a market opening, as there is a serious shortage of ash for the 500,000 new hurleys that are needed every year. To meet demand, 60% of ash used in the manufacture of hurleys is imported, despite the fact that the ash is among our more widespread trees.