For vast multitudes of Irish people, the ancient game of hurling is indeed a way of life

The passion for this uniquely Irish game flows freely through the veins of men, women, and children through the length and breadth of Ireland. This is attested by the thousands who flock to local and county games, both midweek and at weekends, right through the year. The sacrifices and commitment of time and energy put in by young folk who play this wonderfully skillful and totally amateur game needs to be seen to be believed. While the original rules of this game, which has been dubbed the fastest game in the world, remain intact, the method of playing it has changed quite drastically in recent years.

For most teams, the “short game” has replaced the traditional “long game”, causing some observers to enthuse that the game has been “born again.” As I consider this, I recall an incident that took place repeatedly at all big games in Croke Park for a number of years. This was a hand-held sign with the large lettering “John 3v7” which was located behind the scoreboard and was raised alongside the same each time a score was registered. The sign has thus been seen by vast numbers of people during those years.

Of course, this is a verse from the Bible which reads: “Marvel not that I say unto you, ye must be born again.” These are the words of Jesus, and the holder of the sign (himself a passionate hurling man) was seeking to focus people’s attention on the necessity of being “born again”. The importance of this is seen in verse 3 in this same chapter in John’s Gospel, where Jesus says: “Unless a man is born again, he shall not see the kingdom of God.” This means, dear reader, that only those who are born again will get to heaven after this life.

One is born again by believing on Jesus Christ as his Saviour from sin. Listen to His words: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14v6 Dear friend, the game of hurling is over in an hour. Someday, the game of life will be over for each of us. Make sure you are on the winning side by trusting completely in the One who made the greatest sacrifice of all by giving His life on Calvary’s Cross so you could be saved. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16v31

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