Hurls are being made from ash trees grown by Britain's Queen Elizabeth according to a new book published by the Tree Council of Ireland. The book explains that over 60 per cent of the ash used in making hurls is imported because quality Irish ash is in such supply. And GAA traditionalists will be shocked to hear that some of that ash is grown on the estates of Queen Elizabeth. "I import all my ash from Europe, but I wouldn't mind if it was the Queen's as long as it would be good quality," said Bernie O'Connor, who is a well-known hurl maker and father to Cork hurling stars Ben and Jerry O'Connor. "Of course hurley makers would like to use native ash if you can get it." O'Connor added that there was no suitable wood in Ireland at present, though Coillte are starting to grow it again. Tweet

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