Conor Power has almost finished a novel about hurling, set at a time when the local hero was paid for his wrist work. Power revisits the early 19th century, when landlords induced local stickmen to represent them in hurling matches where large crowds gathered and betting flourished. Power has hurling in his blood, being a son of the late Ned Power, Waterford's goalkeeper when the county last won the All-Ireland senior hurling title in 1959. Up to that point there was no rulebook or ruling organisation and you had different forms in different parts of the country." I suppose I am trying to open up a window into a past that few people thought existed."

Source: Irish Independent June 21, 2020 01:30 UTC