AS A full-time carer for his mum, west Belfast man Peter Sullivan had little time or energy to devote to his own well-being. Having struggled with previous mental health issues and agoraphobia, the home had become something of a safe haven for the 40-year-old.
But when he took up walking in an attempt to improve both his fitness and mood, a friend asked him if he'd ever heard of social hurling and suggested he give it a go.
Peter, who comes from the Beechmount area, had been a tentative player at school but hadn't picked up a hurley in many years. His friend explained that this didn't really matter – the west Belfast-based group, the Half Paced Hurlers, was open to all.
“My mum has Alzheimer's and I'm her carer,” Peter says. “I had a lot going on in my life and I'd become quite isolated. I felt like I needed a release.
“When I heard about the Half Paced Hurlers, I set up a Twitter account and contacted them. I hadn't played hurling for maybe 25 years and I don't come from a GAA background so wasn't sure what to expect.
“But I heard back from Brendan Murray and he said I was more than welcome to come along. That was the start of it for me. Now I wouldn't miss it for the world. It's escapism and I love it.”
Social hurling as a sporting initiative began life in Cork a couple of years ago, aimed at providing retired players with regular recreational hurling. With no referee, teams, clubs or league, it's played in a non-competitive environment and is as much about camaraderie, social interaction and fun as it is about a passion for the sport.
As social hurling took off in various places around Ireland, Glenavy man Brendan Murray (52) decided it was just the ticket to help get him back on the pitch. A former hurler for the O'Donovan Rossa club and at underage for Antrim, as well as a coach for his club, he missed the buzz of playing the game and came up with the idea of setting up the Half Paced Hurlers.
After putting out a call on social media to a few other local clubs, the group got together for the first time at Falls Park in November 2018. Nine men, mainly retired players, turned up. As word spread, other former players dug out their old kit bags and hurls, while relative novices such as Peter, joined the group too. Currently, about 35 men ranging from ages 40 up to 67 take part.
Peter says: “Being part of this group has had so many benefits for me, both mentally and physically. It's the highlight of the week for me now. I walk there and I'm already buzzing by the time I arrive.
“The great thing is, you don't have to have a level of skill and it doesn't really matter if you're good or not. I'm not as fit as the other lads but that's OK. If someone is running with the ball and you don't feel like tackling them you don't have to. You can go at your own pace.
“In saying that, everyone wants to progress and I definitely think I've improved. Afterwards, the endorphins are really going and you feel great. When we broke up for winter last year, I really missed it. I couldn't wait to get back.”
Father-of-four Brendan kept his hand in the game when he retired from playing, coaching all age groups at O'Donovan Rossa. Beset by injuries picked up during his playing years, he had little choice but to retire at the age of 37.
But after undergoing a hip replacement a few years ago, Brendan was given a new lease of life and made up his mind to come out of retirement – albeit 'half-paced'.
“It's hard to explain but hurling's in my heart,” he says. “If you play hurling, it's in you. It's part of your life. And I really missed playing.
“I might have a new hip, but you should hear some of the conversations we have at half-time. There are guys there playing who have had heart attacks or stints put in. But they really want to play.”
The group meets every Thursday at Coláiste Feirste from 7.45pm to 9pm. Numbers vary, depending on schedules and work shifts, but as there are no hard and fast rules or specific teams, players are free to come and go as they choose. The men divide up into two teams, red or yellow bibs are handed out and after a 10-minute warm-up, play begins.
“It's not competitive. Sure, there are a few hurlers who know the game well and know how to tackle, but with someone new, we like to give them a chance,” Brendan says. “The big thing is picking the ball up and striking it up the pitch. Hurling is technically a hard game to play. It's an art really. But we like to get everyone involved.”
The Half Paced Hurlers now attract players from further afield, including Lurgan, Derry and Carrickmore. A man from Minnesota, who is based in Belfast and had never tried his hand at hurling before, has become a regular and just recently a Presbyterian minister gave it a go.
“It's really inclusive,” says Brendan. “And there's the social aspect of it too. It didn't start out specifically for mental health reasons but it's such a positive environment and as well as feeling fitter and clearing our minds for a while, it's also created a space for conversation. As we all know, that's so important for men.
“Everyone looks out for each other. At half time we all catch up and have a chat; check in with each other to see how we all are. The banter continues then on social media.
“We socialise together as well; Christmas nights out, Social Saturdays, when we head out for a few beers and some food. Last year, during Féile, we all ended up at the Boyzone gig like a right bunch of eejits. But it was great craic.”
It's that inclusion and interaction which has played such a huge role in Peter Sullivan's transformation. Social hurling has filled a void in his life, helped with his fitness levels and introduced him to a new circle of friends.
“I joke that Brendan should win an award for Sporting Initiative of the Decade, but to be honest, it's not really a joke,” Peter says. “It's made such a difference to my life. I'm happier, fitter, more confident. I feel like a new man.”
