Maurice Brosnan: Eight observations and predictions for the 2026 hurling season

As the championship opens up, hurling’s flaws are becoming its greatest asset — but only on the pitch

Joe Booth of Waterford in action against Limerick in the Co-op Munster Senior Hurling League Final. Limerick neen an injection of pace in defence, says Maurice Brosnan. Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor

There is a curious comfort in imperfection. The search to eliminate it is what drives organisations and teams forward. Hurling currently contains a lot of imperfections. Hurling needs them.

The game itself has hurtled forward, a frenzy of shooting that has at times bordered on the gluttonous. That excess has spilled into every corner of the sport. Tackles, shots, turnovers, high-intensity runs, more. Relentless and rapid fire. An arms race without pause.