Scullion Hurls aiming to attract more tourists to Loughgiel

Nestled in the heart of Loughgiel where hurling is the life blood of the community is Scullion Hurls, a family run business with over 30 years experience in the production of hand finished hurls.

The business was started as a hobby in 1979 by Joe Scullion who fashioned hurls for himself and other players on the local club team, the Loughgiel Shamrocks.

Michel Gervais, Chairman of the ÉCONOMUSÉE Society Network, said: “Congratulations to Scullion Hurls on being the 61st Économusée in the world. We are convinced that the history and production at the Scullion Hurls workshop will meet with enormous success in the country and among tourists seeking to return home with a typically Irish product”.

Magne Haugseng, Project Manager for ÉCONOMUSÉE Northern Europe Project, added: “Established in Québec, the Économusée initiative began in 1992 to support local craft businesses, create employment in the local area and preserve skills and traditions.

“The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust has been leading on this new concept in Northern Ireland. This project combines culture, craft and tourism to create an economic platform for craft artisans encouraging the development of traditional crafts and new job opportunities as well as supporting tourism in rural areas”.

As the latest Économusée in the Causeway Coast and Glens destination, Scullion Hurls offers visitors the unique opportunity to learn about and experience the craftsmanship involved in producing a Scullion Hurl.

The workshop is open to visitors Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 9:00am-3:00pm. Économusée offers tourists an enhanced visitor experience enabling them to watch the artisan at work, learn about the history behind the craft and take home a unique piece of heritage.

Bill Harpur, Chairman of the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, said: “As Chairman of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, I am thrilled to see yet another workshop transformed into an Économusée in such a short period of time. With the recent launch of Broighter Gold as the 2nd Économusée in the UK in February we are pleased to welcome Scullion Hurls to the Économusée network in N.Ireland. The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust would like to congratulate the Scullion Family and wish them every success”.

Michéal Scullion, proprietor of Scullion Hurls, said: “I would like to express my thanks to everyone present for attending this special launch and all those that helped us reach the stage we are at today. Thanks also go to the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, Michelin, Rural Development Programme, NITB and especially my father Joe, who established the business all those years ago and for all his help and support.”