Hurling

Hurling is a team sport of Celtic origin, played with sticks and a ball. The game, mostly played in Ireland, is considered to be one of the fastest team sports. It bears some resemblance to shinty, which is mainly played in Scotland. Another version of the game for women is known as camogie.

Game

The objective of the game is to drive a small ball (sliothar) through two goal posts erected at the ends of a 150-yard-long pitch. The ball is played using the hurley or camán, a wooden stick of about 3 1/2 ft in length with a crooked blade. Three points are awarded when the ball is played between the goal posts and under the crossbar (located at 8 ft above the ground), one point is scored when the ball is played between the goal posts but over the crossbar.

Each team consists of fifteen players, with one goalkeeper. Matches last 60 or 80 minutes, and have two halves.

During play, the ball may be lifted of the ground using the stick, and can be lifted in the air. Other players may catch the ball with the hand, or strike it with the stick. When caught, the player may not throw or carry the bull, but he is allowed to strike the ball away by hand or kick it. It is also permitted to balance the ball on the blade while running.

History

The game of hurling is mentioned first in a description of the Battle of Moytura[?] (13th century BC), where the Tuatha de Danaan defeat the Firbolgs in a game of hurling, and later in a battle.

Hurling has been mentioned in several other old Irish sources since, and the game has enjoyed popularity through the ages.

The most important competitive games are between the counties of each of the four Irish provinces; the provincial championships. The winners of the provincial championships then play off for the right to compete in the All-Ireland Final which takes place annually at Croke Park[?] in Dublin in September.

The strongest teams are traditionally those from the counties of Kilkenny, Tipperary and Cork, all in the southern part of Ireland. Antrim in the North East is also considered an isolated "hurling county".

Since 1884, the sport is governed by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).