The current study is the first to provide normative data comparing anthropometric & performance characteristics of elite & sub-elite hurlers

Considerable fluctuations in several physiological variables represent the intermittent nature of the sport.

A carbohydrate supplementation strategy can offer performance related benefits for hurling players during math-play.

The hurling simulation protocol can be regarded as a basic model of match-play, replicating some, but not all aspect of hurling performance.

Decrements in performance may be related to fatigue and requires further investigation.

Time-motion analysis is a useful method for quantifying the work-rate of a sport.