What to Buy for Your Child Starting Hurling

Hurling Kit for Kids Ireland: The Essentials and What Each Item Does

Start with the basics that keep a child protected and confident. If something feels awkward or loose, they’ll hold back — especially on wet pitches or cold evenings at training.

1. Helmet: This is non-negotiable for hurling. A properly fitting helmet helps protect the head and face without sliding or blocking vision. It should sit level, feel snug, and stay put when your child shakes their head.

2. Hurley: The right length helps your child strike and lift the ball with control. Too long encourages poor technique and can strain wrists; too short makes it hard to connect cleanly. Our running and team sports experts recommend choosing a hurley that suits the child’s height and hand size rather than “buying up” too far.

3. Sliotar: Have at least one for home practice. A dedicated match/training sliotar plus a spare saves hassle when one gets waterlogged or goes missing in long grass.

4. Mouthguard: A good fit supports comfort and confidence, particularly for kids new to contact and crowded play.

After that, think about the layers that matter here: training gear that stays comfortable when damp, and a decent sports bag so a helmet and hurley aren’t getting banged around in the boot of the car.

Fit and Sizing: A Quick Checklist Parents Can Use

Getting the size right matters more than getting the “best” model. Kids do grow quickly, but oversized kit is where the slips, blisters and bad habits creep in.

1. Helmet fit check: Tighten so it’s secure without pressure points. The cage should protect the face while allowing a clear line of sight. If it rocks forward/back, it’s too loose.

2. Hurley length check: With the bas (flat end) on the ground, the handle should come to a comfortable point around the hip area for most kids. If they need to raise a shoulder to hold it, it’s likely too long.

3. Grip comfort: If the handle feels slippery (common in rain), a fresh grip can improve control and reduce over-squeezing that leads to sore forearms.

4. Footwear: On wet Irish grass, proper grip reduces slips and awkward falls. Choose football boots suited to the surface your child plays on most often.

If you’re unsure, calling into INTERSPORT Elverys for sizing guidance can save money long-term — especially when you’re trying to balance “room to grow” with safe, practical fit.

A Simple 4-Week Progression Plan for New Kids (Without Overdoing It)

Most kids come on quickest with short, consistent sessions. Keep it light, keep it fun, and keep it focused on skills — particularly early in the season when school and club sessions can stack up.

1. Week 1: Get comfortable holding the hurley. Do 10–15 minutes, 3 times a week: hand position, walking with the ball on the bas, and gentle ground strikes.

2. Week 2: Add wall ball or rebound practice. 10 minutes at a time is plenty. Focus on striking cleanly rather than hitting hard.

3. Week 3: Introduce lifting and soloing drills. Keep reps low and rest often — fatigue is when technique falls apart and knocks happen.

4. Week 4: Blend skills: lift to strike, short passing, and controlled first touch. If they’re playing matches, reduce extra training so they’re not doing hard sessions on tired legs.

If your child is sore in wrists, shins or lower back for more than a day or two, scale back volume and check hurley length and grip. Persistent pain, swelling, headaches after a knock, or dizziness should be assessed by a GP.

Comfort, Recovery and Practical Gear That Makes Training Easier

Once the essentials are sorted, the aim is simple: stay warm, stay visible, and arrive ready to train — because Irish evenings can turn cold and wet quickly.

Training clothing: Breathable base layers and a light training top help manage chill and sweat. Wet cotton gets cold fast, so sports fabrics are typically more comfortable.

Rain-ready outer layer: A packable jacket is useful for sideline time or on-and-off showers.

Sports bag: Protects the helmet and keeps muddy gear separate — handy for school-to-training days.

Hydration: A simple bottle encourages regular sips. Kids often forget to drink, even in cooler weather.

Rest matters too. Aim for at least one full rest day weekly, and don’t be afraid to skip extra backyard sessions if they’ve had a hard match or are carrying a niggle.

FAQ

What is included in a basic hurling kit for kids?

A basic kit is a helmet, hurley, sliotar and mouthguard. After that, think about comfortable training clothing, suitable boots for grass, and a sports bag to protect gear and keep it organised.

How do I know if a hurley is too big for my child?

If they struggle to control the swing, over-grip the handle, or lift a shoulder to carry it, the hurley may be too long. Poor control often shows up as sore wrists or repeated mishits.

Do kids need boots for hurling in Ireland?

For outdoor pitches, yes—boots help with traction on wet grass, which can reduce slips and awkward falls. For indoor training, a suitable indoor trainer is usually better than studs.

How often should a beginner child practise hurling at home?

Two to three short sessions per week is plenty alongside team training. Ten to fifteen minutes of good-quality touches beats a long session that ends with fatigue and sloppy technique.

When should I replace a child’s helmet?

Replace it if it no longer fits securely, if straps/cage are damaged, or after a significant impact. A secure fit is essential; a loose helmet can shift and reduce protection.

Start with the right fit, keep practice simple, and most kids settle quickly and enjoy their hurling more — especially when the weather turns and training gets that bit tougher. If you’d like a hand choosing sizes, our team can talk you through a practical setup that suits your child and your club schedule.