The Gaelic sport of hurling dates back over 3,000 years.
One of the original extreme sports, hurling, will once again make history as the Naperville Hurling Club will host its first ever tournament. The preliminary match will begin at 9AM at Benedictine University as Naperville takes on the Michael Cusack Hurling Club of Chicago. The Hurling Club of Madison (Wis.) will play both teams throughout the morning and early afternoon. A youth match as well as a women’s Camogie exhibition will also be played.
“We are honored and excited to host the first tournament for the Naperville Hurling Club,” said Kevin Pearson, President of the Naperville Hurling Club. “When people come out on Sunday, April 26, they will see some hard fought matches in a sport steeped in tradition. While some of the players were born and raised in Ireland, most of our players are from Naperville and the surrounding area. We are always welcoming more ‘rookies’ or first timers to the sport who have seen us play and just want to give it a try. Because most of our players have been playing a year or less, newcomers are not at a disadvantage and we commit to providing the training needed to get up to speed quickly.”
Hurling is a combination of lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, baseball and handball. Teams frequently score as many as 20 times per game. Three points are awarded for using your “hurley” (a wooden stick traditionally made of wood) to hit the cork-filled, baseball-sized “sliotar” (ball) into the goal similar to soccer. One point is awarded for a ball hit through the uprights extending above the goal similar to football and rugby. This is usually attempted from a greater distance.
The crowning event in hurling is the All-Ireland Final. CNN once referred to it as one of the top two “sporting events you have to see live.” The Naperville Hurling Club will be competing in the national championships, the US equivalent of the All-Ireland Final, this coming Labor Day weekend at Gaelic Park, in Oak Forest.
“We are viewed as underdogs, especially given this is our 2nd year and that we hail from one of the smallest cities in the league,” said Pearson. “But folks underestimate the level of talent and commitment here in Naperville.”
Interested players and spectators are welcome to attend the Naperville tournament to learn more and enjoy a great spring day out. Admission and parking are free. Concessions will be available including beer, soft drinks and food. The stadium is located on the campus of Benedictine University at 5700 College Rd., Lisle.
For more information about the Naperville Hurling Club or hurling in general, visit www.NaperHurling.com.
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