Failte Ireland invited twelve foreign journalists to sample the delights of this island. New Zealand writer and photographer Chris Van Ryn drew the long straw and got to attend the All-Ireland hurling final.
He was more blown away by the spectacle than a British twitter user. He described the match-up between Tipp and Kilkenny as the 'most powerful release of sporting energy I have ever seen.'
The players seem to me like artists. They deliver skill, blinding speed and physical prowess in a sport which calls for each player to draw upon his own unique pool of energy. And they deliver a visceral demonstration, epitomising the peak of human physical - and spiritual - achievement that is awe inspiring.
He declared that hurling represented the 'true spirit of sport.'
Read the rest of his piece here.
via @SportingCork
