'These blokes are superhuman' - British public hooked on hurling after All Ireland final

Sports fans across the pond are calling for more hurling to be shown on the BBC following the broadcast of the All Ireland Final yesterday (July 21). 

Clare beat Cork 3-29 to 1-34 in extra time after a riveting final which was attended by over 82,000 fans in Croke Park. 

The game - which many are calling "a classic" - was broadcast by the BBC for the first time, exposing the British public to the fastest field sport in the world and creating thousands of new fans. 

The British took to X (formerly Twitter) to comment on the sport, which one person called "fantastically maniacal". 

One X user commented, "I have no idea what’s going on but this is an incredible spectacle. These blokes are superhuman, brave and made of absolute steel." 

Another X user wrote, "Really enjoyed that. This sport should be on more often." 

Another commented, "Well... I've been watching the All Ireland Hurling Final on the tellybox this afty... Absolutely no idea what's been happening - but a greater rip-roaring display of passion and athletic prowess I've not seen... Thanks BBC Two for bringing the action." 

A further comment reads: "If I find out that the Irish have been trying to keep this sport a secret then I will be mighty peeved, I want more, lots more!" while a further comment reads, "Great game, more hurling, please!" 

A first time viewer, who described the players as being "made of absolute steel", commented, "I still have no idea what’s going on but this is an incredible spectacle. Footballers take note!" 

Another X user commented, "Utterly incredible!!! Why is this not on TV every weekend! Credit to both teams - that was magnificent entertainment. Sport as it should to be!" 

Irish comedian Dara O'Briain, who commentated the game for the BBC, highlighted the game on his X timeline in the lead-up to the final, with many tuning in thanks to his recommendation. 

One new fan commented, "I looked at hurling, Dara, and to me it looked like the world ending not with a bang but with an egg and spoon race. I loved it." 

Another wrote, "We had our Irish colleague over to watch it with us. The whole family absolutely loved it. I still feel exhausted a day after. Thank you for the tipoff that it was on BBC." 

Other comments include: 

"First time watcher! It’s wild, it’s the most full on sport I’ve ever seen and I’m a rugby fan!" 

"No idea what's happening, but it's just become my favourite sport. You have to be mad to play hurling, right?" 

"On BBC2 now! Hurling is such an exciting game! Why don’t we have more of this on tv, and less football, which has become such a boring game?" 

"Have stumbled across All Ireland Hurling Final on BBC2. Never heard of it before but I’m hooked." 

The Liam MacCarthy Cup is going back to Clare!

Their first All-Ireland Championship since 2013.#BBCGAA pic.twitter.com/FFlpdV07ko

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 21, 2024

"Never seen it before, absolutely love it!" 

"I am considering going to watch a game live now. It was a great game." 

"It's my first time watching. I have no idea of the rules or what the hell is going on, but it's amazing." 

"Dear BBC Sport. Hurling is a yes. I haven’t got a scooby doo what’s going on or why it’s extra time, however the passion and skill and bravery on display is intoxicating. What a fantastic spectacle. Are all the games like this or are we witnessing a classic?" 

"I’ve been watching hurling for about 30 mins and this might just be the greatest sport ever." 

"Never watched it before but that must have been one of the greatest sporting finals I've ever seen." 

"Watched this without even knowing the rules, it was a spectacular example of the game. I was thoroughly engrossed. (Supported Clare as it’s my missus name, her family are from Youghal)." 

"I watch ice hockey and this was up there with that for speed, physicality, excitement and skill. On the edge right to the end. Loved it." 

"What a terrific game; bit like lacrosse on steroids!"