If Irish Counties Were Dog Breeds: A GAA Fan's Guide to Matching Your Dog With Your County
By Cupooch
Cover Photo by @stitchthemaltichon
Right, listen. We're a nation obsessed with two things: GAA and dogs. So it was only a matter of time before someone connected the two in a way that makes absolutely no sense but also perfect sense.
I'm about to match every Irish county with a dog breed based on their nicknames, their GAA reputations, and their general vibe. Some of these are spot on. Some are gas. All of them will annoy at least someone from every county, which means I've done my job properly.
And because we're talking GAA, we need to address how you're playing fetch with your dog. If you're still bending down to pick up slobbery balls like some kind of eejit, you're doing it wrong. The CuHurl – inspired by actual hurling – lets you throw like a proper Gael and pick up balls without touching dog drool. It's basically a hurley for dogs, and if that doesn't appeal to your GAA-loving heart, I don't know what will.
Now, let's get into it. Apologies in advance to... well, everyone.
Leinster: The Fancy Province (With Some Exceptions)
Dublin - The Jackeens / The Dubs / Liffeysiders
Dog Breed Match: Toy Poodle or French Bulldog
Look, Dubliners have NOTIONS. Not all of them, but enough that the stereotype sticks. They want small dogs they can carry in handbags, dogs that look well in Instagram photos, dogs with designer collars.
The Toy Poodle fits perfectly – smart, stylish, bit high-maintenance, thinks it's better than everyone else. The French Bulldog? Same energy, but louder and costs a fortune in vet bills (much like living in Dublin itself).
GAA Personality: Winners who remind you they're winners. Constantly. Six-in-a-row gets mentioned in every conversation.
CuHurl Compatibility: Will use it at Herbert Park and pretend they invented it. "Oh yeah, we've been throwing balls with hurley-style implements for AGES." No you haven't, sit down.
Galway - The Tribesmen
Dog Breed Match: Irish Wolfhound
The Tribesmen need a proper Irish breed, and the Wolfhound is the most Galway dog imaginable. Big, ancient, bit scruffy, surprisingly gentle, but will absolutely defend what's theirs. Also, they're MASSIVE, which matches Galway's opinion of itself.
Plus, Wolfhounds are rare and special – much like Galway's ability to simultaneously claim underdog status while also being one of the most successful counties in modern hurling. The duality is impressive.
GAA Personality: "We're not one of the big teams" (wins All-Ireland). Repeat annually.
CuHurl Compatibility: Brilliant. Galway people LOVE anything that connects to heritage. They'll be throwing CuHurls on Salthill Prom within seconds of buying one, and the Wolfhounds will be majestic catching them.
Kildare - The Lilywhites
Dog Breed Match: Greyhound
Kildare is HORSE country, but since we're doing dogs, we're going with the Greyhound – fast, elegant, surprisingly lazy despite their athletic ability. Also, there's the whole racing connection, and Kildare has the Curragh.
Greyhounds are beautiful, athletic, and spend 90% of their time lying down. They sprint for 30 seconds and then need a nap. Very Kildare energy – all potential, selective application.
GAA Personality: "We're going to be great this year!" (Narrator: They were not great this year.)
CuHurl Compatibility: Greyhounds love a chase, so the long-distance throws with a CuHurl are perfect. Just don't expect them to bring the Cuball back more than twice before deciding it's too much effort.
Kilkenny - The Cats / Noresiders
Dog Breed Match: Belgian Malinois
Wait, Kilkenny gets a dog even though they're the CATS? Yes. Because they're too successful and intimidating to be an actual cat. They need a dog that matches their relentless, winning mentality.
Belgian Malinois are intense, driven, competitive, and they don't know when to stop. They're working dogs used by military and police. They're SERIOUS. That's Kilkenny hurling in dog form – no craic, just winning. Ruthlessly.
GAA Personality: 36 All-Irelands. They don't need to talk – the record speaks for itself. And they'll remind you of it by simply existing.
CuHurl Compatibility: Will use it to train their dog for competition. Everything's a competition in Kilkenny. Even fetch. They will be most like the new campions on CuHurley Dog Sport Game.
Wexford - The Yellowbellies / Slaneysiders
Dog Breed Match: Golden Retriever
Wexford people are SOUND. Friendly, welcoming, happy to have the craic. The Golden Retriever is perfect – everyone loves them, they're gorgeous, they're up for anything, and they don't have a bad bone in their body.
Plus, "Yellowbellies" and "Golden" Retriever? The connection writes itself. They're both sunny, positive, and occasionally too enthusiastic for their own good.
GAA Personality: Lovely people, decent teams, great supporters. Not winning All-Irelands regularly, but having a good time regardless.
CuHurl Compatibility: Brilliant. Wexford people love the beach (Curracloe, Rosslare), and CuHurls are PERFECT for beach fetch. Golden Retrievers will chase that ball into the Atlantic without hesitation.
Carlow - The Barrowsiders
Dog Breed Match: Jack Russell Terrier
Small county, big personality. Jack Russells are TINY but they think they're Rottweilers. They're fierce, they're stubborn, and they'll take on anyone regardless of size.
Carlow in GAA terms is always the underdog, always fighting above their weight. That's pure Jack Russell energy. Nobody expects them to compete, but they'll give you a battle anyway.
GAA Personality: "We might not win, but we'll make you WORK for it."
CuHurl Compatibility: Jack Russells are OBSESSED with fetch. They'll chase a CuHurl-thrown duo balls until they collapse and fetch two balls at the same time. Perfect match.
Longford - O'Farrell's County
Dog Breed Match: Beagle
Longford is often forgotten in conversations about GAA powerhouses, but they're there, doing their thing, being sound about it. Beagles are similar – not the flashiest dogs, but reliable, friendly, and they've their own charm.
Beagles are also LOUD when they want to be (that howl is something else), which matches Longford's occasional upsets in championship matches. Usually quiet, but can shock you.
GAA Personality: Flying under the radar, occasionally causing a surprise, generally just happy to be involved.
CuHurl Compatibility: Beagles love scent work more than fetch, but they'll participate. The CuHurl's long-distance throw will at least tire them out before they wander off following their noses.
Munster: The Hurling Heartland (With Opinions)
Cork - The Rebels
Dog Breed Match: Border Collie
Cork thinks it's the best at everything. Border Collies ARE the best at everything (working, agility, obedience, intelligence). Both Cork and Border Collies will tell you they're superior, and annoyingly, they're often right.
Border Collies are intense, driven, and they need JOBS. Cork people are the same – always doing something, always busy, always convinced they're doing it better than everyone else. Especially better than Dublin.
GAA Personality: Successful, proud, never let you forget they're the real capital of Ireland. In their minds, anyway.
CuHurl Compatibility: PERFECT. Border Collies were bred for this. Cork people will claim they invented the CuHurl, despite it being a clearly marked Irish (read Dublin) product. "Ah yeah, we had something similar in Cork years ago."
Limerick - The Shannonsiders / Treaty County
Dog Breed Match: Irish Terrier
Limerick is tough, proud, and doesn't back down. Irish Terriers are the same – brave, determined, and they'll fight anything. They're called "daredevils" for a reason.
Plus, both Limerick and Irish Terriers have had rough reputations at times but are actually brilliant when you get to know them properly. Limerick's recent hurling dominance proves they're the real deal.
GAA Personality: Recent dynasty. Three-in-a-row. Absolutely dominant. Making up for decades of hurt with current success.
CuHurl Compatibility: Irish Terriers are energetic and love a challenge. The CuHurl's long throws will keep them busy, and Limerick people will appreciate the Irish heritage connection.
Waterford - The Déise / Suirsiders
Dog Breed Match: Labrador Retriever
Waterford people are lovely. Sound, friendly, welcoming. Labradors are the same – everyone loves them, they're reliable, and they're just HAPPY to be there.
Also, both Waterford and Labs are often bridesmaid, never bride. Waterford's had so many near-misses in hurling finals. Labs are always runners-up to Border Collies in intelligence tests. The parallel is almost painful.
GAA Personality: "This is our year!" (It's rarely their year, but the hope is endearing.)
CuHurl Compatibility: BRILLIANT. Labs LOVE fetch. They'll retrieve CuHurl-thrown balls all day long. Waterford people love the beach, Labs love water, CuHurls make beach fetch easy. Perfect combination.
Kerry - The Kingdom
Dog Breed Match: German Shepherd
Kerry thinks it's royalty. German Shepherds have that same regal bearing – confident, dignified, aware they're superior. Both have the track record to back up the attitude.
German Shepherds are working dogs, intelligent and versatile. Kerry football has that same versatility – they adapt, they dominate, they WIN. 37 football All-Irelands. They're not called the Kingdom for nothing.
GAA Personality: Football royalty. They know it. You know it. Everyone knows it.
CuHurl Compatibility: German Shepherds are smart and trainable. They'll excel at CuHurl fetch. Kerry people will appreciate the quality craftsmanship and the GAA connection. Though they might wish it was football-themed instead of hurling.
Clare - The Banner County
Dog Breed Match: Australian Cattle Dog
Clare is HARDY. Banner people are tough, determined, and they don't give up. Australian Cattle Dogs are the same – bred to work cattle in brutal conditions, they're tireless and stubborn.
Clare's hurling resurgence in the 90s and their recent successes show that Banner determination. Like Cattle Dogs, they'll keep going long after others have quit.
GAA Personality: Passionate, hardy, purple and gold everywhere. The Banner is LOUD and proud.
CuHurl Compatibility: Cattle Dogs need serious exercise and mental stimulation. The CuHurl's long-distance throws with double balls are perfect. Clare people will love it for training their working dogs on the Banner farms.
Tipperary - The Premier County
Dog Breed Match: Setter (Irish or Gordon)
Tipp thinks it's premier. Setters are aristocratic bird dogs – elegant, traditional, and they've that "we're a bit special" air about them. Both have pedigree and history.
Irish Setters are gorgeous and know it. Gordon Setters are darker and more serious. Either works for Tipp – depends on whether you're talking to a Tipp person in a good mood or a bad mood about their recent championship performances.
GAA Personality: Historic success, beautiful hurling, occasional existential crises about their place in the modern game.
CuHurl Compatibility: Setters were bred to work with hunters, so they understand the stick-ball dynamic. The CuHurley game mimics the sporting connection beautifully. Tipp people will appreciate the tradition and heritage.
Ulster: The Tough Province (Don't Mess)
Donegal - O'Donnell's County / The Hills
Dog Breed Match: Husky
Donegal is HARDY. It's mountainous, wild, beautiful, and the people are tough as nails. Huskies are bred for harsh conditions – they thrive in cold, difficult environments and they're independent thinkers.
Both Donegal people and Huskies have that "we'll do it our own way" attitude. They don't follow the crowd. They're stunning to look at but not easy to manage if you don't know what you're doing.
GAA Personality: Football stronghold, stunning county, fierce independence, doesn't care what the rest of the country thinks.
CuHurl Compatibility: Huskies have ENERGY. The CuHurl's 50+ meter throws will help tire them out. Donegal's beaches and mountains are perfect CuHurl territory. Just mind the wind – it'll carry the ball to Derry.
Tyrone - The Red Hand County
Dog Breed Match: American Pit Bull Terrier
Controversial choice? Maybe. But hear me out. Tyrone is TOUGH. They're physical, they're determined, and they've a reputation (deserved or not) for being aggressive on the field.
Pit Bulls have an unfair reputation too. In reality, they're loyal, determined, and misunderstood. Both Tyrone and Pitties are softer than their reputations suggest, but you wouldn't want to face either in a competitive situation.
GAA Personality: Three All-Irelands in football, physical style, love them or hate them but you can't ignore them.
CuHurl Compatibility: Pit Bulls LOVE play. They're enthusiastic and strong. The CuHurl lets you throw far without the dog pulling your arm off. Tyrone people will appreciate anything that gives them an edge in competitive dog activities.
Armagh - The Orchard County
Dog Breed Match: Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Armagh is small but MIGHTY. Staffies are the same – stocky, muscular, and tougher than they look. Both punch above their weight class.
Staffies are also incredibly loyal and loving with their families, which matches Armagh's fierce local pride. They're protective of what's theirs, just like Armagh's protection of their 2002 All-Ireland title.
GAA Personality: One All-Ireland (2002) that they'll defend to the death. Proud, tough, passionate.
CuHurl Compatibility: Staffies are STRONG. They'll love the CuHurley fetch game, and their powerful builds mean they can handle the intensity. Armagh people will love the robust design.
Monaghan - The Farney County
Dog Breed Match: Border Terrier
Monaghan is underestimated. Border Terriers are the same – small, scruffy-looking, but absolutely GAME for anything. They're tough little workers who don't back down.
Both Monaghan and Border Terriers have that working-class, no-nonsense attitude. They're not flashy, but they're effective and they'll surprise you with their determination.
GAA Personality: Regular underdogs, occasional giant-killers, always competitive despite limited resources.
CuHurl Compatibility: Border Terriers were bred to work. They'll love CuHurl fetch, the strong CuBalls and the heritage connection. Monaghan people will appreciate the eco-friendly aspect and the practicality.
Cavan - The Breffni County
Dog Breed Match: Cairn Terrier
Cavan has a reputation for being... careful with money. Cairn Terriers are small, practical dogs that don't need much – perfect for budget-conscious owners. (Sorry, Cavan people. You know it's true.)
Both Cavan and Cairns are tougher than they look, though. Don't underestimate either one just because they're small and thrifty.
GAA Personality: One football All-Ireland (1947, 1952), mostly known for Ulster championship battles and being cautious with their resources.
CuHurl Compatibility: The CuHurl is €29 – a one-time investment that lasts years. Cavan people will appreciate the value. The Cairn will appreciate the exercise. Everyone wins.
Derry - The Oak Leaf County
Dog Breed Match: Irish Setter
Derry people are SOUND. Friendly, welcoming, proud of their county. Irish Setters are the same – gorgeous, friendly, enthusiastic, and they've that same "we're glad you're here" energy.
Both Derry and Irish Setters are sometimes overlooked (Setters in favor of Labs, Derry in favor of bigger football counties), but they're brilliant when you pay attention to them.
GAA Personality: One All-Ireland (1993), strong local leagues, passionate supporters, beautiful county.
CuHurl Compatibility: Irish Setters LOVE running and retrieving. The CuHurl gives them the long-distance throws they crave. Derry people will love the Irish heritage connection and the quality craftsmanship.
Fermanagh - Maguire's County
Dog Breed Match: Cocker Spaniel
Fermanagh is all lakes and waterways. Cocker Spaniels are water dogs – they LOVE swimming and retrieving from water. Perfect match.
Both are often underestimated but are brilliant at what they do. Fermanagh's lake country is stunning, and Cockers are versatile sporting dogs that excel in various roles.
GAA Personality: Smaller county, proud GAA tradition, beautiful landscape, often flying under the radar.
CuHurl Compatibility: PERFECT for Fermanagh's lakes and beaches. Cocker Spaniels will fetch from water all day with a CuHurl-thrown ball. The waterproof CuBall leather design is ideal for this.
Antrim - The Glensmen / Saffron County
Dog Breed Match: Irish Wolfhound
Antrim is BIG. Biggest county in Ulster, strong GAA tradition, home of the Glens. Wolfhounds are the biggest dogs in Ireland. The connection works.
Both are impressive, have ancient heritage, and command respect just by existing. Antrim's hurling tradition is serious, and Wolfhounds are seriously impressive dogs.
GAA Personality: Strong hurling tradition, beautiful county (Glens of Antrim are stunning), proud and independent-minded.
CuHurl Compatibility: Wolfhounds are big but not high-energy. The CuHurl lets you throw far without exhausting yourself, which is perfect for exercising a giant breed. Antrim people will love the GAA connection.
Connacht: The West's Awake (With Dogs)
Mayo - The Heather County
Dog Breed Match: Springer Spaniel
Mayo is TRAGIC. Not in a bad way – in a "so close yet so far" way. They're perpetually almost winning All-Irelands but not quite getting there. Springer Spaniels have that same eager, hopeful energy – always enthusiastic, always ready, sometimes things just don't go their way.
Both are loveable, hardworking, and you desperately want them to succeed. The difference is Springers occasionally catch the ball.
GAA Personality: Last won in 1951. Have lost NINE All-Ireland finals since. The suffering is real. The hope remains eternal.
CuHurl Compatibility: Springers LOVE retrieving. The CuHurl's long-distance throws give them purpose. Maybe Mayo people can channel their energy into competitive CuBeen tournaments instead of waiting for Sam Maguire. (Too harsh? Probably. But I love you, Mayo.)
Roscommon - The Sheepstealers / The Rossies
Dog Breed Match: Border Collie
The "Sheepstealers" nickname basically DEMANDS a sheep-herding dog. Border Collies are the best herding dogs in the world, so Roscommon gets them.
Plus, Roscommon people are clever and resourceful (hence the stealing sheep rather than buying them). Border Collies are the same – problem-solvers who find creative solutions.
GAA Personality: Football tradition, occasionally dangerous in championship, beautiful county that people forget about until they visit.
CuHurl Compatibility: Border Collies are PERFECT for CuHurl. They're bred for this kind of work. Roscommon's sheep farms are ideal training grounds for both herding and CuHurley fetch.
Sligo - The Yeats County
Dog Breed Match: Wheaten Terrier
Sligo is artistic, beautiful, poetic (thanks, Yeats). Wheaten Terriers are soft, gorgeous, and gentle – they match Sligo's aesthetic vibe perfectly.
Both are friendly, welcoming, and a bit dreamy. Neither are particularly aggressive or ultra-competitive – they're just happy to be themselves and enjoy life.
GAA Personality: Modest GAA achievements, but stunning county with rich cultural heritage. More focused on poetry and beauty than sporting dominance.
CuHurl Compatibility: Wheatens are energetic and love play. The CuHurl works brilliantly for them. Sligo's beaches (Strandhill, Mullaghmore) are perfect for CuHurl sessions while contemplating Yeats' poetry. Or just watching the dog run.
Leitrim - The Ridge County / O'Rourke's County
Dog Breed Match: Terrier Mix (Generic Rescue)
Look, Leitrim is the smallest county, least populated, often forgotten. They deserve a pure, honest, working-class dog that doesn't have fancy pedigree pretensions – a rescue terrier mix.
Both are underrated, both are tougher than they look, and both deserve more recognition than they get. Leitrim people and rescue terriers are both diamonds in the rough.
GAA Personality: Smallest county, no All-Irelands, but fierce local pride and genuine love for their teams.
CuHurl Compatibility: Rescue terriers LOVE play – they're so grateful for attention and exercise. The CuHurl gives them the engagement they crave. Leitrim people will appreciate the eco-friendly recycled plastic aspect – nothing wasted, everything valued.
Why the CuHurl Matters for Irish Dogs and GAA Culture
Right, so we've matched all 32 counties with dog breeds. Gas, yeah? But there's actually a serious point here.
GAA is about community, heritage, and bringing people together. Dog ownership is the same. And the CuHurl sits right at that intersection – it's inspired by hurling, it's made in Ireland from recycled materials, and it creates shared experiences between people and their dogs.
Why CuHurl Works for Irish Dog Owners:
1. It's Irish Made in Ireland, inspired by 3,000 years of hurling heritage. When you're using a CuHurl, you're connecting your dog to Irish culture. That matters.
2. It's Sustainable 100% recycled plastic and sustainable wood. We're not adding to landfills – we're REDUCING them. Very Irish attitude: waste not, want not.
3. It Actually Works
- 50+ meter throws (your dog gets proper exercise)
- Dual-ball capability (perfect for multi-dog households or energetic breeds)
- No-slobber pickup (you're not touching dog drool)
- Lightweight but durable (€29 for years of use)
4. It Builds Community The CuHurley game (competitive fetch based on hurling principles) is growing. It's creating dog sports communities across Ireland. Your Border Collie from Cork can compete against someone's Springer from Mayo. It's GAA, but for dogs.
5. It's Multi-Generational Grandparents who played hurling can now play fetch with grandkids and dogs using similar skills. It connects generations through sport and dogs. That's powerful.
How to Use Your CuHurl (Proper Technique, Like)
You can't just pick up a CuHurl and expect to throw like Cody or Shefflin. Well, you can, but you'll look like an eejit. Here's how to do it properly:
Step 1: Load the Ball Scoop with the CuBalls (or tennis ball, though we've established those are brutal) into the basket without bending down. That's the whole point – no slobber on your hands.
Step 2: Check Your Surroundings Make sure there are no people, other dogs, or windows in your throwing path. Obvious, but you'd be surprised.
Step 3: Use Proper Hurling Technique Hold the handle firmly, swing back (not directly overhead – you're not throwing a baseball), and follow through. The motion is similar to a hurling strike. Let the CuHurl do the work.
Step 4: Release at the Right Point Release the ball at the peak of your swing for maximum distance. Practice makes perfect. You'll get 50+ meters easily once you've got the technique.
Step 5: Let Your Dog Work Don't throw again immediately. Let them retrieve, bring it back, celebrate their success. This isn't just exercise – it's bonding.
Step 6: Dual-Ball Mode for Advanced Users Load TWO CuBalls for maximum chaos and fun. Perfect for high-energy dogs or multiple dogs. They won't know which one to chase first. It's brilliant entertainment.
The Final Word: Your County, Your Dog, Your Heritage
Look, this whole blog has been gas, matching counties with dog breeds based on stereotypes and GAA reputations. But the real point is this:
Irish people love their counties. We love our dogs. We love our GAA traditions. The CuHurl brings all three together in a way that's practical, sustainable, and genuinely fun.
Whether you're a Jackeen with a French Bulldog, a Tribesman with a Wolfhound, or a Mayo person with a Springer (still waiting for that All-Ireland), the CuHurl works for everyone.
It's Irish-made, eco-friendly, connects to our sporting heritage, and it makes fetch better for both you and your dog. What's not to love?
So grab a CuHurl, grab your dog, head to your local GAA pitch (when it's empty – don't be disrupting training), and have a proper Irish fetch session.
Your county might not win the All-Ireland this year (sorry, Mayo), but your dog can still be a champion.
Up your county. Up your dog. Up the CuHurl.
Sláinte! 🐕🏑🇮🇪
