‘An Fuinseóg’, a new book on growing hurley ash for profit, written by well known forester Dr Jack Durand, was launched recently by broadcaster and GAA veteran Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh.

The book, sponsored by Irish Life & Permanent and produced by the Tree Council of Ireland, highlights the shortage of ash trees. As well as giving valuable information about the planting, protection and maintenance of this majestic tree, the book highlights the economic benefits to ash growers and encourages farmers to plant these trees as part of their farming activity.

‘An Fuinseóg’ focuses on “one of our most widespread native trees”, and the book hopes to encourage “farmers to consider ash as an alternative crop,” says Dorothy Hayden, President of the Tree Council of Ireland.

“We require over half a million new hurleys every year and we are unable to meet the demand, so 60% of ash used in the manufacture of hurleys is imported. We have to import large supplies from England, even from the Queen’s own estates.

“Ash is also imported from mainland Europe, especially Eastern Europe, a situation which could change if there was an increase in native production. Ash is our most common and tallest native tree and thrives in Ireland on fertile soils. The tallest ash is in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, measuring 40 metres.”

The book will be distributed amongst all primary schools and is available from the Tree Council of Ireland.

Ash hurleys– some facts:
* One and a half acres of ash can produce 3,800 hurleys.
* There are over 100 hurley manufacturers in Ireland and about 20 commercial producers capable of producing between 10,000 and 20,000 hurleys per annum.
* The ash tree needs to be 25 to 30 years old to produce top quality hurleys.