While hurling remains a sport that is pretty much unknown to most of those outside of Ireland, it has a habit of leaving a lasting impression on those who do come across the game.
The BBC’s broadcasting of the sport has led to access to a new audience in the UK, many of whom were enthralled by the action on display.
As well as that, we have seen numerous cases of high profile sporting figures from overseas come to Ireland to take in games. Jim Furyk was a prime example this summer, with the US Ryder Cup captain a guest of JP McManus at Limerick’s Munster Championship win over Tipperary.
As it turns out, another well-known sportsman from across the Atlantic also saw the Limerick hurlers in action in recent months.
NHL Legend A Big Hurling Fan After Attending Limerick vs Cork
Sidney Crosby is one of the most well-known players in the NHL, with the Canadian being selected first overall in the draft back in 2005 before embarking on a brilliant career with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The ten-time all-star spent some time in Europe during the recent off-season, something that included a trip to Ireland. He managed to squeeze in a hurling match while in the country, with Crosby having followed the sport from afar for quite some time.
Speaking to reporter Michelle Crechiolo, he summed up his experience while attending the game between Limerick and Cork. He also made an attempt to describe the sport to those who might not have seen it before.
I went to my first hurling match, so that was really cool. It was Limerick versus Cork. It was a big game. It met all of my expectations and more, I would say.
I’ve followed hurling for a little bit and been on a couple golf trips over there and seen it on TV, but never been to an actual game. So, that was cool to see that live…
That’s a very tough one. I would say it’s kind of like lacrosse, rugby and soccer all mixed together. Just a really fast pace to it, physical, a lot of hand-eye coordination. Really fun to watch.
Limerick vs Cork caught attention of NFL legend
A meeting between Limerick and Cork is certainly a fine fixture to attend for your first ever hurling game. It is not clear if it was the Munster round robin or provincial final involving the two teams, with John Kiely’s side winning both of those fixtures.
Sidney Crosby is currently in the midst of the NHL pre-season, with the Pittsburgh Penguins due to start their campaign on October 1st. The franchise have claimed three Stanley Cup victories during his tenure with the team, although they have not advanced beyond the first round of the play-offs since 2018.
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