Johnswell village in Kilkenny keeping tradition of road hurling alive
Publican Ann Brennan crucial to success of event
The tradition of road hurling, which was prevalent in rural Ireland in the last century, is making a come back.
The village of Johnswell has been rekindling interest in the pastime for the last decade and it continues to grow and flourish thanks to the people and the local GAA Club
On Saturday evening over 50 people took to the roads around the picturesque village, 10 miles from the city, to see how many belts of the hurley it would take them to get the sliotar around the one mile long course.
There were teams of three and competition, was, as you would expect among neighbours and friends, fierce.
The senior section was won by the three man team of: Daire Nolan, Hugh O'Brien and Chris Cummins while the juvenile section went to up and coming stars, Cathal Bennett, Adam Quigley and john Bennett.
Chief to the success of the event was local publican, Ann Brennan who organised a barbecue on the green and had music later that night in her intoxicating pub next to the local Catholic Church.
If ever there was a community person who should be rewarded it's Ann.
Road hurling was once extremely popular in the country and it is great that the community is keeping it going with former Wexford hurler and current member of the O'Loughlin Gaels GAA club, Colin Furlong the chief organiser.
Local Fianna Fail councillor, Pat Fitzpatrick was present and said that he will be seeking financial support from the Heritage Council and other bodies to ensure road hurling continues in Johnswell.