Rotofab Ltd is a contract rotational moulding company based in Athlone since 1992. Recently we have taken on the manufacture and distribution of the Sliothar Hitter range of products.

KP Egan is the man behind Sliothar Hitters. KP is based in Belmont, Offaly and his involvement as a coach to underage hurling teams led him to look at the developing training aids for young hurlers which would introduce a more fun element for children while training. These innovative hurling training aids also develop the fundamental hurling skills such as Hand eye coordination, Left and right hand striking of the ball in different situations, ground striking, correct stance adoption and also the shoulder to shoulder challenge from ground balls.

Because the game demands a high degree of skill, kids that are new to hurling can be intimidated with current training methods and can have low confidence when competing with other kids of greater ability. The Sliothar Hitter range of products builds their confidence on the ball while at the same time developing the critical skills.

The products have been on the market for the past number of years and have been bought mainly by clubs and schools. Originally the products were outdoor versions comprising of a spiked base structure that was “Hammered” into the ground that held the various training aids. In using the “Sliothar Hitter” over the past number of years coaches have seen a whole new confidence come to kids who used the product. They showed dramatic improvements in hand-eye coordination, developed much better confidence in the use of the Hurley and above all now saw hurling training as a fun activity.

The success of the product as a training aid prompted KP to explore how this product could be brought to a much wider market. A moulded plastic base was introduced which would in turn house the different training elements thus allowing the products be used both out and indoors and is particularly suited to clubs who carry out indoor training sessions over the winter period. The training elements can be attached quickly and easily to this base. The base uses Nylon bushings which gives a very free movement to the “3 Swing” element. This makes it ideal for use with plastic Hurleys which are both light and very safe when the product is used by very young children. Equally it allows the “3 swing” be used at high speed when used by players with a high skill level using traditional wooden Hurleys. The base has 3 rubber feet and can be ballasted using water to provide stability and has carrying handles for safe and easy movement.

The very successful outdoor ranges of product have also been upgraded and are very useful as clubs training equipment for juvenile players. It is a new, safe and revolutionary way of developing hurling skills in children of all ages and skill levels and above all is great fun.

For the home the “Sliothar Hitter” will become a focal point for visiting kids and can also be used by adults and children alike. The product can be used by kids from as young as 4 years of age with very low skill ability right up to adults at the highest levels of skill.

The product can also been used as a fun activity by people with physical disability and helps with their coordination and balance.

“Sliothar Hitters” a range of product designed and manufactured in Ireland for hurlers and camogie players everywhere.