Hurling Review Public Survey

An important survey exploring the playing rules of hurling is being launched. The survey has been developed by the Hurling Advisory Committee, chaired by former Cork Senior Hurling Manager, John Meyler. Those involved in Gaelic games, and hurling in particular, as players, coaches, managers, or spectators, are encouraged and invited to participate. There is no requirement to provide a name, meaning that all responses will be anonymous and treated confidentially.

The survey content has been informed by extensive stakeholder consultation through online focus group discussions. National Director of Hurling William Maher explains: “We have reached out to stakeholders across nine different areas, club players, inter-county players, inter-county backroom teams, referees, pundits, media, strategic officers, underage coaches, as well as what might be described as ‘hurling people’. These conversations have directly informed the survey content. Those directly involved in the game of hurling have given their time and insights, and for that we are grateful”.

The research program is headed up by Dr. Michael McKay who was previously involved in the research associated with the Football Review Committee. Michael explained: we have conducted 22 online focus groups, yielding almost 200,000 transcribed words. These results have been thematically analysed, and the results have directly informed the survey questions. The focus group discussions were open, allowing participants to offer their thoughts and opinions without too much prompting”.

In due course the Committee will publish a report elaborating both the results of the focus group discussions, and the results of this survey. William Maher explains: “We are pretty certain that hurling is not in need of the breadth of rule changes that was seen a s a result of the work of the Football Review Committee. That said, formal and informal submissions to our committee suggest that stakeholders would like to see some modifications to ensure that hurling remains in rude health”.

The survey will remain open for two weeks, and it is hoped that as many as possible will have their say. Michael commented: “One of the standout features of the work of the Football Review Committee was their on-going engagement with the general public. We would hope that the public would participate in great numbers in this survey also. It is important that any changes or modifications have the broad support of the hurling family, and for that reason, we would encourage the full range of hurling stakeholders to participate."

Click here to access the survey.