Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., at the launch of the Cúltec Hurley in Croke Park on Monday, 14 June, 2010 at 1.30pm
A dhaoine uaisle;
Tá áthas orm a bheith i bPáirc an Chrócaigh inniu chun camán nua-aimseartha de chuid Cúltec a sheoladh go hoifigiúil. Cuirim fáilte roimh. Níl amhras ar bith go gcuirfidh sé go mór lenár gcluichí náisiúnta. Déanaim comhghairdeachas le foireann Cúltec as an ndearadh nuálaíocht a chruthaigh siad.
Ladies and gentlemen.
It is always a pleasure to come to Croke Park. These grounds evoke a sense of pride in both our sporting heritage and the ecumenical spirit with which the GAA have embraced other sporting codes.
However, for most followers of Gaelic games, there is nothing to beat the sense of joy and pride felt at seeing one's own county colours in this hallowed place.
Today, we are looking at the bigger picture and county affiliations can be set to one side as we celebrate an exciting innovation that benefits hurlers and camogie players whatever jersey they don. This is, of course, the new Cúltec hurley which I am delighted to be launching today.
I would like to commend the Cúltec team, including Tom Wright, John and Gerry Grehan and Steven Lee for all the hard work they put into its design. Cúltec combines the best of the old with the new and shows how modern technology can enhance a much loved and ancient game. The hurley will feature in the GAA Museum, testifying to its importance for hurling and camogie in the 21st Century.
Cúltec spent six years perfecting this design. They have drawn on the financial support, skills, research and development capabilities of a wide base of organisations in the Midlands. It is good to hear that it will generate some local jobs in Ferbane, as well as increasing business at the local post office.
The Cúltec hurley would not have come to fruition were it not for the assistance of Mark Attenbury and his team at Athlone IT's Nanotechnology and Materials Research Centre. I would also like to thank the local Partnership in the region, Offaly Enterprise Board, Enterprise Ireland and the BMW who have given their support to the project.
The ash hurley has been part and parcel of hurling for decades. Cúltec strove to replicate all of its positive characteristics and combine them in a way that will give a consistent and accurate stroke to their new brand. Importantly, it also offers a high degree of player safety.
Technological advances are making considerable inroads into the world of sports these days. I welcome the application of space age technology to the equipment used in our native games.
Despite the huge variety of sporting codes open to people in Ireland, not only is the ancient game of hurling the second most popular sport, but a love of hurling and camogie has accompanied the Irish diaspara to their adopted homelands setting down roots across the globe. Today's launch which involves individuals from other countries, reflects the international dimension which hurling has gained.
Here at home, our games have captured the imagination of generations dating back over millennia. Hurling itself dates back to the dawn of Irish history itself.
Interestingly, the first account of it is given to us in the Book of Leinster when, in 1272 BC, the Fir Bolg were confronted by the invading Tuatha Dé Danann who demanded half the country. Few people realise that before their epic battle took place, the two warring factions decided on a hurling contest which fielded only the best players. What ensued wouldn't be allowed in the modern game but the contest was obviously proposed as a ploy to break down the will and stamina of the opponents so as to give the side the edge in the battle that followed! One wonders if such a strategy would have any useful application in the world of politics today!! Either way, camogie or hurling are a joy to watch at any time and as such are a very important part of our heritage.
This year's Championship season has got off to a flying start. We have already been treated to a number of shock results in football and some exciting clashes in hurling. As for the camogie, the question in many people's minds is will the Cork ladies make their three in a row!
Between all of the Gaelic games Championship matches, there will be plenty of adrenalin flowing and great excitment to look forward to in the coming months.
In the meantime, the response to Cúltec has been very positive. Well done to Tom, John, Gerry and Steven on finding this niche in the market. This is a wonderful example of entrepreneurship. May I wish you every success and a thriving business long into the future.
Thank you.
ENDS.