Every nation has its history. Every tribe has its legends.
Celtic mythology tells us about Fionn MacCool, the Leader of the Na Fianna clan and a legend of Celtic mythology. He was a warrior, a hunter, a sportsman, that's a lot for just one man, but he was never alone. By his side were his two magnificent hounds, Bran and Sceolan.
Whenever they were faced with danger, he could rely on his magical 'Ascal' bag to save them. The ancient Irish warrior sport of hurling was important in the lives of the ancient Celts. The stick or ‘hurley’ is portrayed in images of Fionn MacCool and Cú Chulainn, the iconic warriors of Celtic legend. Tales of warriors exercising their hounds with sticks and balls are part of this rich mythology.
A lot has changed over the century but in many ways, a lot has stayed the same. Aspects of man’s relationship with dogs have changed but the fierce loyalty and connection that they share will never really change. We are inspired by the story of Fionn McCool and his two greatest companions. They are a shining example of the loyalty and love that lies at the heart of CuPooch. In the Gaelic language, Cú (pronounced ‘Koo’) means hound, the ancestor of the dogs that we live with today. From this, CuPooch was born.
History of Hurling
Explore the rich history of hurling, a game rooted in ancient Irish mythology where legendary heroes like Cuchulainn and Fionn McCool wielded metal hurleys adorned with gold, silver, and bronze. These embellished hurleys, once symbols of royalty, were passed down through generations, becoming jewels fit for a royal inheritance.
Witness the extraordinary hurling skills of Cuchulainn, running the field with the ball on the bas of the hurley, striking it before it fell, and even taking on entire opposing teams single-handedly. These feats, reminiscent of the great Celtic heroes, echo the practices of today's hurlers, showcasing the enduring legacy of this ancient sport.
In ancient times, a myriad of hurley types thrived in Ireland until the Gaelic Athletic Association standardised the bossed hurley in 1884. The scarcity of timber for hurley-making in the 1800s led to a daring game between hurlers and landlords, with trees being stolen for this cherished tradition.
As communities gathered from November to April, the crafting of hurleys became a Sunday and holiday tradition. Young men ventured into the woods, carefully selecting ash stumps with natural curves, felling trees on moonless nights. The folklore warned of "Noble" places, where fairies resided, emphasizing the magical connection between hurling and Irish folklore.
The choice of wood for hurleys varied, including ash, furze, willow, oak, holly, elm, elder, white thorn, blackthorn, larch, poplar, and yew. Ash, with its light and strong properties, was especially prized and believed to grow in the shape of a hurley. The material underwent various techniques, such as boiling and bending, to achieve the desired shape, showcasing the reverence for this essential piece of equipment.
The lore extends to the mystical association with fairies, where certain woods were feared due to the presence of "the little people." The magical and supernatural elements woven into hurling stories underscore its deep roots in Irish culture.
Now, from this rich heritage emerges the CuHurl, a modern adaptation of the ancient game. Evolving to suit urban settings, parks, beaches, backyards, and communal spaces, the CuHurl invites small and medium-sized dogs to partake in the timeless actions of hurling – chasing, catching, and fetching the ball. This refined game creates an unbroken cycle of exercise and playtime for both dog and owner, continuing the magic of hurling through the ages.
CuPooch is not just a man’s world, it’s a dog’s world.
HUNTING
"When we hunt, we hunt as one"
First, there were hounds; the original hunting dogs of Ireland. The sight-hounds worked alone, they would spot their prey in the distance and stalk them at great speed. Meanwhile, scent-hounds hunted in packs and they hunted their prey by (yes, you guessed it) scent!
As hunting practices evolved, so too did our dogs. These days, setters and pointers are used to find prey for their masters. Retrievers’ oily coats help to repel cold and aid them in capturing prey from land or lake. Bulldogs have their origins in hunting boar and, let’s face it, they can look pretty scary sometimes! Though nowadays, even bulldogs are as friendly and loving as the rest of them.
GUARDING
"When we guard, we guard each other"
It doesn’t matter whether it’s livestock, property, people (or even just their favourite spot on the couch!), dogs guard and protect with fierce determination. In Celtic mythology, hounds were even considered guardians of the soul.
The role of the guard dog continues today. We have customs control dogs and security dogs, we even have dogs in law enforcement in our Police dog unit! But who could forget our household companions? Most importantly, our dogs reassure us and help us to feel safe and protected in our homes.
WORKING
"When we work, we work together"
As we evolved from hunter-gatherers to farmers, we weren’t going to leave our dogs behind. Dogs became herders and protectors of livestock. Not only that, but they even had their specialities! Heelers nipped at the heels of the animals they were driving, headers stared down the livestock they were tending to keep a tight group, and herders acted as a ‘living’ fence to prevent livestock grazing or damaging nearby crops.
These working dogs were sociable, intelligent and energetic and made ideal companions. So it comes as no surprise that over time, they found their way into our homes, our families and our hearts.
PLAYING
"When we hug, you talk to me"
We all know that dogs learn to socialise and bond through play, but did you know that they can help children learn too? That’s right, they can even help children in play and language development. When children talk to their dogs, they build confidence and improve their oral skills. Children and dogs truly make the best of friends and can learn so much from one another. You’ll see their joy on your child’s smiling face and in your dog’s wagging tail.
WALKING
"When we stray, you guide me back"
We love spending time with our dogs but walking is an extra special time for dogs. Why? Well, for dogs, it’s the modern equivalent of hunting, guarding and working with their owners-- all rolled into one.
We have two kinds of walks. The first is a purposeful walk outside to allow your dog to… hmm… relieve itself. The second walk is a longer one that lets your dog run, stop, sniff, investigate and mark. They’ve spent years learning to hunt, guard and work so that won’t be changing anytime soon!
Walking doesn’t just keep boredom at bay, it keeps them sharp-- and it’s as good for us as it is for them. It’s a little thing but it is so incredibly important in keeping both us and our dogs healthy and happy.