Crash of the ash will change essence of hurling forever

Bernie O’Connor says it is a “definite” that hurley makers will lose their livelihoods as a result of the ash-dieback disease and claims it will change the essence of the game of hurling.

A review published by the Journal of Ecology claims almost all ash trees in Europe will be wiped out because of the fungal disease as well as a beetle called the emerald ash borer.

The GAA have established The Ash Society in the hope of tackling a growing crisis although GAA director of games development Pat Daly has already acknowledged there may come a time when ash hurleys may no longer be used in the game.