Hurling's appeal has never been stronger. Redefined in the past decade by a great Kilkenny team, rejuvenated by Clare's 2013 All-Ireland coup and re-energised by Dublin's grassroots' revolution, the game exerts an obsessive grip on players and followers alike.
The achievements of modern teams and players are constantly weighed against those of old, and Hell for Leather chronicles hurling's evolution from the fragile beginnings of the 1880s through to the current era. It takes a new look at the epic teams that saw Tipperary, Cork and Kilkenny become 'the big three', and also traces the emergence of Wexford, Limerick, Laois, Clare, Dublin, Galway, Waterford and Offaly as contenders. It highlights the matches that made legends of the great players and analyses how the swashbuckling hurling of old has given way into a tactically nuanced game that commands global respect for its showpiece occasions.
Hell for Leather is an unforgettable journey to the heart of a sport that, at its finest, can truly claim to be the greatest game on the planet.

A native of Galway, Ronnie Bellew has followed and written about hurling for over 25 years. His previous work includes GAA: The Glory Years (Hachette, 2005). He lives in Dublin where he works as a production journalist with the Irish Independent.

A native of Clare, Dermot Crowe has written about hurling for the Sunday Independent since 1997 and contributed to the Voices from Croke Park anthology published in 2010. He lives with his wife Hannah and son Senan in Rush, Co Dublin where he hurls for the local St Maur's club.