Today, I’m joined by Conor Power — travel writer, historian, and the author of Hurling 1810, a remarkable deep dive into the origins and cultural significance of our national game.

Conor’s work uncovers stories, characters, and passions that shaped hurling decades before the foundation of the GAA and long before the modern rules we know today.

Conor’s book traces how the game evolved and its surprising early similarities to rugby and why its spirit has endured for generations.

In this fiction book set in 19th century Ireland, Conor brings to life the communities, traditions, conflicts, and passions that shaped the sport long before it took its modern form. He tells us about a time when the big Anglo Irish landlords ruled with an iron fist and owned professional hurling teams to help flex their power.

If you haven’t already, I'd ask you to give me a follow on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts and you will be the first to get a new episode.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 130 countries worldwide.

Hurling 1810 published and available from menmabooks.eu.

Please follow me on

Instagram @traveltaleswithfergal

Facebook @traveltaleswithfergal

Twitter @FergalTravel

YouTube @traveltaleswithfergal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.