Stories from the Field: Your Best Experiences with Hurling

Stories from the Field: Your Best Experiences with Hurling

If you have played hurling before, feel free to share your story in the comments section below. As a token of appreciation, we will provide you with a discount code that is affiliated with the GAA club you mentioned.

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FAQ reference about hurling

What is hurling and how do you play it?

Hurling is a traditional Irish sport that is played with a stick called a hurley and a ball called a sliotar. It is one of the fastest and oldest field games in the world. It is played between two teams, with 15 players on either side, in two 35-minute halves. The objective of the game is to progress the ball up the field to score one of two ways through an H-shaped goal post: in the net for 1 goal (worth 3 points) or through the upright posts for 1 point

To play hurling, you need to follow some basic rules;

You may strike the ball on the ground, or in the air.
You may catch the ball or pick up the ball with your hurley into your hand and carry it for not more than four steps in the hand.
After those steps, you may bounce the ball on the hurley and back to the hand, but you are forbidden to catch the ball more than twice.
You may also hand-pass the ball, using one hand for the entire movement, or kick the ball.
You may not throw the ball or touch it directly with your hand while it is on the ground.
You may tackle an opponent by blocking their shot with your hurley, or by making a fair shoulder charge.
You may not grab or hold another player’s hurley, or play aggressively and illegally.

Hurling is a physical game and a certain amount of contact is permitted, provided it is in attempting to gain possession of the ball. The game is officiated by a referee, who can award free kicks, penalties, or cards for fouls. The game also involves some set pieces, such as sideline cuts, puck-outs, and 65s, which are similar to free kicks in soccer.

Hurling is a sport that requires skill, speed, and courage. It is also a sport that celebrates the culture and history of Ireland. If you are interested in learning more about hurling, you can visit the GAA website or the Play Hurling website for more information.

Learn more: www.gaa.ie www.playhurling.com www.regulatorshurling.org

How popular is hurling in Ireland?

Hurling is a very popular sport in Ireland, especially in the regions of Munster and Leinster. According to a report by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), there were 8,136 registered hurling teams in Ireland in 2022, with an estimated 162,720 players1. Hurling is also one of the oldest sports in the world, dating back to prehistoric times. It is considered a part of the Irish culture and identity and attracts large crowds of spectators and fans. The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship is the most prestigious competition in the sport, and the final is held at Croke Park in Dublin, with a capacity of 82,300 people. Hurling has also been listed as one of the top sporting events to see live by CNN, and has been praised by many foreign commentators and journalists for its speed, skill, and physicality. Hurling is not only popular in Ireland, but also among the Irish diaspora and other enthusiasts around the world. There are hurling clubs and teams in countries such as North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Dubai, and Argentina. Hurling is a sport that showcases the passion, pride, and spirit of the Irish people.



History of the hurling game


The history of hurling is long and often unclear, stretching back over three millennia. References to stick-and-ball games are found in Irish mythology. The game is thought to be related to the games of shinty which is played primarily in Scotland, cammag on the Isle of Man and bandy which was played formerly in England and Wales.


Hurling is one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games, and shares several features with Gaelic football, such as the field and goals, the number of players and much terminology. The objective of the game is for players to use a wooden stick called a hurley to hit a small ball called a sliotar between the opponent’s goalposts either over the crossbar for one point or under the crossbar into a net for three points.


Hurling is often referenced in Irish myths and legends, such as the tale of Cú Chulainn, who was named after killing a guard dog with a hurling ball. Hurling was also used as a form of martial training and skill in battle. The game was outlawed by the Normans in the 12th century, but it survived and flourished in some regions, especially Munster and Leinster. The game was patronized by the landlords and the upper classes in the 19th century, but it also became a symbol of Irish nationalism and resistance against British rule. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was founded in 1884 to promote and organize hurling and other Gaelic games. The GAA codified the rules of hurling and established the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, the most prestigious competition in the sport.


Hurling is a fast and physical game that requires skill, speed, and courage. It is also a game that celebrates the culture and history of Ireland. Hurling is played throughout the world, especially among the Irish diaspora and enthusiasts. It has been listed as one of the top sporting events to see live by CNN and has been praised by many foreign commentators and journalists for its speed, skill, and physicality. Hurling is a sport that showcases the passion, pride, and spirit of the Irish people.