First-time hurling fans have described the sport as “a totally bonkers game” after the All-Ireland Final was shown on the BBC’s network for the first time.
The ancient Irish sport could have won some new fans and spectators after Sunday’s All-Ireland final between Cork and Clare was shown outside Ireland.
One first-time viewer said X: “I’m hooked. Those lads were fantastic! Blood, sweat and tears. Never has a sport kept me on the edge of my seat like this.”
First time watching the #hurling and I'm hooked. Those lads were fantastic! Blood, sweat and tears. Never has a sport kept me on the edge of my seat like this. Congratulations Clare and commiserations Cork. #gaa
— Saracen (@iam1of7billion) July 21, 2024
Clare came out on top by one point, scoring 3-29 to Cork’s 1-34, in what has already been hailed as one of the best finals the game has seen.
New Zealand actor Russell Crowe even caught some of the action, saying on social media, “I saw one spectacular goal. Solo effort. Your man was possessed!”
I saw one spectacular goal. Solo effort. Your man was possessed !
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) July 22, 2024
Robert Downey of Cork and Clare’s Tony Kelly scored the pick of the goals in the game that saw the Banner County lift its fifth All-Ireland title.
Other viewers in the UK shared their disbelief at the sport of hurling, with one calling it “the most exciting sports event I ever saw.”
Watching the all Ireland hurling final for the first time ever and its the most exciting sports event I ever saw. Super exciting and full of bits of minor violence and not one person rolling on the floor with a fake injury. Even the referee got blood drawn!
— John Speakman (@JohnSpeakman4) July 21, 2024
A viewer in the UK said: “Turned on BBC this afternoon and have seen this mad sport called Hurling.
“You Irish guys are crazy! This All-Ireland Hurling Final is going to extra-time now - get it on!”
Another reacting on social media said: “Hurling appears to be a mix of UFC, rugby, hockey, football, baseball, the egg and spoon race all whilst hitting a snooker ball as hard as you can as high into the sky as possible towards goal with what looks like the bones of a tomahawk steak.
“10/10. Would recommend.”
What an absolute epic! First time watching Hurling. Love it 😍
— Graeme R (@GraemeRussell1) July 21, 2024
Come on @BBCSport make this and other games a regular fixture #AllIrelandHurlingFinal #CorkvClare
Comedian Dara Ó Briain, who has been a permanent fixture on the hurling coverage this year for the BBC and last year’s football final coverage, was sharing the build-up to the game and helping to bridge the gap between new viewers and experienced fans.
Next Sunday the All-Ireland hurling final will be on the BBC for the first time. It’s Cork vs Clare, a cracker of match in front of 82,400 screaming fans at Croke Park, for the highlight of the Irish sporting year. If you’ve never seen Hurling, here is a quick explainer… pic.twitter.com/2xpDcgD3gH
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) July 19, 2024
Following yesterday’s final, he posted on X, saying: “So delighted that so many people enjoyed it. It’s a brilliant spectacle anyway, but that match was a stone-cold classic.
“Thanks to Clare and Cork for that feast.”
Next week, the All-Ireland Senior football championship final between Armagh and Galway will be shown on BBC NI and on the iPlayer due to the Olympics coverage taking priority on the BBC.
