Alex Auld is a man who whom sport comes naturally. Still it was a challenge getting to grips with a hurling grip as he prepared for the latest instalment of AIB’s The Toughest series to be broadcast next month.
Auld made his career as an Ice Hockey Goalkeeper, primarily with the Vancouver Canucks but also taking in spells in Europe.
He had never heard of hurling before being approached by AIB to take part in the challenge and swap places with Faythe Harriers and Wexford hurler Lee Chin.
“It’s an incredible game, especially for goalkeepers. In Hockey it’s a totally defensive position but in hurling its an important part of the offence with the puck outs and all.”
He didn’t reveal much of how his game went against County Champions Oulart-the-Ballagh, we’ll have to tune in to find out, but we know he did get to play out the field.
“The grip was a real challenge. If I hit in baseball it’s the hand on the shoulder facing the ball that is at the top of the bat but in hurling it’s opposite. It made sense after a while but it was tough to learn.”
“I got involved because I wanted to compete and the real fascination was looking at the amateur ethos versus the wholly professional side I’ve been involved in.”
“I loved how community based the sport was. How important the investment was in terms of getting kids involved from the ages of six and seven and making sure they have fun and keep coming back is such a huge part of it.”
“It’s great how you are linked from birth to where you play. In North America you are bought and sold like a commodity.”
“Lee’s Mom was intrigued at how often I moved and how I brought the family with me each time. I don’t think she imagines Lee leaving home at all.”
Chin will now have to learn to skate before he takes to the ice for Vancouver in the ‘return’ leg of the swap and their experiences will be joined to those of Shane Williams and Michael Murphy for The Toughest Trade.
It remains one of the most imaginative activations within Irish Sports Sponsorship and the AIB team will be part of next week’s Irish Sponsorship Summit at Croke Park to reveal some of the tactics behind keeping it fresh.
Last year Sport for Business hosted a popular Future of TV Sport event at the studios of RTÉ. We will shortly be announcing details of this year’s media focused event for sports and brands looking at the more diverse world of sports content.
Let us know if you are interested and we will be in touch shortly with details of this event
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