Hurler hits heights in Himalayas

Date Published: 16-Oct-2009

FROM its origins at the time of Cú Chulainn to the national championships that are held for it each year, the Poc Fada has evolved to something far more than a game between friends.

Throughout this time it has maintained a strong Irish tradition and has given many hurling heroes the chance for solo glory, with Galway’s own Michael Shaughnessy ruling the national competition from 1994 to 1996.

The game has continued its popularity into the 21st century, and this November sees the long puck reach new heights. Next month Galway hurler David Collins hopes to trek the Himalayas with four hurling friends. With them on the trek will be sliotars and hurleys, as the lads hope to hit a few puc fadas on their way up and at the top of their climb.

“This I guarantee has never been done before so it should be good fun,” says David when referring to his plans while on the mountain. However, the reason David decided to take part in the trek is a far more serious one relating to his charity efforts.

The hurler hopes to raise between €3,000 and €4,000 to charities in Nepal as a result of his planned climb. He is being supported by the organisation Nepal Trust, which he found out about through a friend who had been to the country on several occasions to help in the education and drug rehabilitation services there. David now hopes to do the same through his fundraising efforts.

“Seeing his pictures and hearing his stories from the areas worst affected has made me want to do my best for them and give someone a better chance in life,” he says.

The hurling star hopes that the money he raises will go a long way towards the…