The oldest sport in the world

I have been wanting to learn hurling, the oldest field sport in the world, to prove we 60-year olds are still young.

Hurling is an Irish sport dating back more than 3,000 years. Some say it is the sport that gave birth to every other sport — lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, baseball, football, tennis and golf. It has been named a UNESCO recognized global cultural asset.

I married into a family with a rich history in hurling. Mick Mackey led Limerick to five Munster titles and three All-Ireland championships during his reign. He is considered the greatest hurler of his generation. We even visited the famed Mick Mackey’s grave in Castleconnell.

We also watched a few rounds of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships from some pubs in Ireland, and I almost bought myself a hurley and sliotar while we were there. I even asked a little boy I saw practicing hurling in a Kenmare park if he would teach me how to play. When he ran away in horror, I thought I had missed my last chance.

Then, I discovered the Fox River Hurling Club right here in my hometown. Could Appleton be any cooler? I think not.

This past Saturday we joined them for a Poc Fada, which is a skills testing event. As I had no discernible skills, a few members generously agreed to teach me how to play.

I had a blast scooping up that sliotar and giving it a wack. With absolutely no one else on the field to block, hook or side pull me and me and/or my shots, I had the run of the place.

I practiced to my heart’s (and right wrist’s) content as my coach Chris called out some encouraging words. All in all it was a lovely afternoon.

Hurling is also known as the fastest field sport in the world and there is a reason each of the 15 players on each side wears a helmet. Watch a video of a high level hurling match, and you’ll wonder how anyone survives. With three points for each score into the net of the hurling pitch and one point for each score above the net of the pitch, the games tend to be very high scoring.

The other thing I should probably tell you about hurling, which may explain the whole “stranger danger” situation with the little Irish boy when I asked him to teach me to play, is that it is a men’s sport. A parallel sport called Camogie is for women.

I get it.

Still, I look forward to mixing it up with the lads once the hurling season heats up again in April.

Until then, that’s sport number three in my year-long quest to learn six new sports because, while 60 is just five years away from the official definition of elderly, it is not old.

For more information about the Fox Valley Hurling Club, including how you can join, you can check out their Facebook and Instagram accounts.