Running the rule over hurling’s seven most beguiling qualities

Too early for some, too late for most, hurling season returns in earnest today with the game’s beguiling qualities never being so apparent. But is it what now subverts the rules of the game that helps make it appealing?

The steps

As plain as day, rule 1.7 states that “when a player is in possession of the ball it may be carried in the hand for a maximum of four consecutive steps”. Then again, the rule goes on to state the ball can “be held in the hand no longer than the time needed to take four steps”. Whatever that means.