Team Talks: Conán’s hurling

Recruitment is a people business. So, we thought we’d introduce you to the people behind Bamboo in our new ‘Team Talks’ series.

In this post, Recruitment Consultant, Conán talks about his passion for hurling.

Let’s start with the basics. What is hurling? 

It’s a fast-paced team sport played with a wooden stick (hurley) and a small leather ball (sliotar). In terms of a comparison sport, it’s a mixture of rugby, cricket, and lacrosse. 

Along with Gaelic football and handball, it’s one of Ireland’s ‘big three’ native games. And it’s a big part of our culture and our history. 

How long have you been playing? 

I started playing at the age of three in my hometown of Midleton. And it’s been a big part of my life ever since. 

Is there a strong hurling community in London? 

Yes. The Irish have been emigrating to the UK for a long time, so it’s well established - more so in West and Northwest London because that's where a lot of Irish settled.  

There are big communities in Cricklewood, Kilburn, Ealing, and Ruislip, where the main pitch is.  It’s also big in South London, where I’m based.  

I play for Fulham Irish.  

Does it attract a crowd? 

On a championship day, there'll be two or three games at McGovern Park (Ruislip). You might get between 50 – 200 people watching. But it’s a different story in Ireland, especially in small villages, on a championship day, shops, pubs, and everything else will close for the day, as everyone will be at the game.  

In 2009, Ballinacurra (the village next to Midelton) won the county final, and the whole village shut down for two weeks. Everyone was drinking and partying, as they hadn't won a championship in 70 years. 

How often do you play? 

Pre-season, we train twice a week. Once the season gets going, we train twice a week and have a game on the weekend. If there's no game, we train three times. 

Is it tiring? 

Yep. It's the fastest field sport in the world and it's extremely physical. My hands and shins are battered from getting hit. 

Is it easy to pick up?  

From a skills perspective, it’s complicated.  

Because I've been playing since I was three, it all comes very naturally. However, we welcome & encourage people from all walks of life into our national sports.

What do you get out of it?  

I'm a really competitive person. I love to win (which is why I love recruitment), so I enjoy the thrill of the game.  

I've won county championships in Cork, which is known as one of the strongholds of hurling in Ireland. The thrill of winning something like that, for the village or town you're playing for, is indescribable. 

Aside from the thrill factor, it’s a great way to meet people. 

When I first moved to London and joined a team, they really looked after me. I built some strong friendships from it.  

I’d never have met them without hurling. 

How can people get involved?

Come get involved with my team Fulham Irish http://fulhamirish.org/