Hurling is older than the recorded history of Ireland. It is thought to predate Christianity, having come to Ireland with the Celts. It has been a distinct Irish pastime for at least 2000 years. The earliest written references to this sport are in Brehon law which dates from the fifth Century.

The survival of these records and references are a testament to the existence of the craft of hurleymaking in Ireland for over 2000 years. In the fifth Century, during the time of St. Patrick, hurleys were crafted in Ireland. A hurley was made in Ireland on the day Brian Boru was killed in 1014. During the 'Flight of the Earls' in 1607, Ash trees were being shaped into hurleys.