Ever since hurling made its international bow on Sky Sports at the start of the summer we’ve had a curious new trend take root in parts of Ireland. A mass curiosity over “what British people think of hurling” has enraptured - and subsequently enraged - people across the country.
But are people outside Ireland tuning in because of the oddity, or on more typical sporting and entertainment merits?
While Leinster quarter finals at Wexford Park might not get the blood up, a thriller between Tipperary and Kilkenny at a sold out Croke Park is about as good as it gets with this game, so today could be seen as the real litmus test of the sport’s ability to put on a show and attract new followers.
So, starting with former Bolton striker, Kevin Davies, who seemed to really enjoy the game...
Can't say I've ever watched hurling before, interesting sport!!! @SkySports2HD no idea who is winning...
— Kevin Davies (@Kevin__Davies) September 7, 2014
are there any rules in this game!?! #hurling
— Kevin Davies (@Kevin__Davies) September 7, 2014
GOAL !! Loving it
— Kevin Davies (@Kevin__Davies) September 7, 2014
No Extra Time ?! Boo, that was brilliant!!
— Kevin Davies (@Kevin__Davies) September 7, 2014
Joey Barton's going to have to catch up later...
Trying to catch the hurling but might have to be Sky+... 😂
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 7, 2014
England and Leicester Tigers fly-half Freddie Burns was confused but enthralled
I don't get what's happening but Hurling is a hell of a spectacle!
— Freddie Burns (@FreddieBurns) September 7, 2014
Sky Sports presenter Alex Payne was getting behind the company message
2 minutes to go on sky sports 1 in this hurling final. All square. Addicted.
— Alex Payne (@SkySports_AlexP) September 7, 2014
Sky Sports 1 right now. Hurling is the greatest sport of all time. I have absolutely no idea what is happening but its great.
— Jack Duignan (@djuaicgknan) September 7, 2014
Watching this All Ireland Hurling Final on Sky Sports. How are people not killed playing this game?! Are there any rules? Wow
— Neil Maxfield (@NeilMaxOfficial) September 7, 2014
Just stumbled across Hurling on Sky Sports 1. What the f**k is this all about?! Quite fun to watch though. Are there any rules??
— RichSuper9 âš’ (@richsuper9) September 7, 2014
Whose idea was it to put HURLING on Sky? You are a genious, it's fantastic !!!!
— Cllr Bob Copland (@CllrBobCopland) September 7, 2014
Just flicked over to the #hurlingfinal what an absolutely mental sport #hurling is. Awesome
— Mike (@MikeH0llister) September 7, 2014
