Get fit with Irish Hurling

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Wood
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  2010 has arrived, and with it comes New Year's resolutions of becoming more fit. The year also brings new fitness standards and members of the 48th Medical Surgical Operations Squadron believe hurling can help make some of those resolutions come true and get people ready for the new standards.

Hurling, a traditional Irish game more than three 3,000 years old, is considered to be the fastest field sport in Europe, blending skills from several sports including soccer, lacrosse and hockey.

"It's a great sport and can be played by just about anyone willing to give it a try," said Maj. Tim Neylon, 48th Medical Group podiatrist and three-year veteran of the sport, who played in the North American Finals twice while assigned to the Air Force Academy.

RAF Lakenheath's team began with four members from the 48th MSGS, but in just three weeks it has grown to more than 16 players from multiple squadrons.

The objective of the game is for players to use a wooden stick resembling a shortened hockey stick with an oval-shaped head, called a hurley, to hit a small ball, called a sliotar, between the opponents' goalposts guarded by a goalkeeper.

According to Tech. Sgt. Jay Korpi, 48th MSGS Operating Room NCO in charge of Education and Training and hurling assistant to Major Neylon, "Our initial goal is to use the indoor sessions to get people exposed to the game with the long-term goal of fielding a team or two to compete in the English league."

Major Neylon believes this is the first sole-military club in Europe; therefore, plans are in the works to play host-nation hurling clubs in London, Cambridge and other cities throughout England. He is also working contacts to arrange matches with several Irish clubs.

Players will need to provide their own helmets for safety reasons, and a hockey or lacrosse helmet is acceptable. The team is self-funded at present, but once recognized as a base approved club, any available funds will be used to defray equipment, registration and uniforms fees.

Many New Year's resolutions are not kept, but through hurling Liberty Warriors might find a resolution that's easy to keep.

"For anyone looking to stay in shape through the winter months, indoor hurling is a great avenue," said Major Neylon. "With hurling being a new sport, everyone is a beginner, so don't worry about not being good enough or if you haven't played before. It's a great opportunity to reach out and meet people from various units."