Hurling

Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic and Irish origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The game has prehistoric origins, and has been played for over 4,000 years. One of Ireland's native Gaelic games, it shares a number of features with Gaelic football, such as the field and goals, the number of players, and much terminology.

History

Hurling is older than the recorded history of Ireland. It is thought to predate Christianity, having come to Ireland with the Celts. It has been a distinct Irish pastime for at least 2,000 years. The stick, or "hurley" (Irish: camán) is curved outwards at the end, to provide the striking surface. The ball or "sliotar" is similar in size to a hockey ball but has raised ridges.

Gameplay

In the game of hurling, two teams of 15 players compete with the objective to get the ball into the other team's goals. The sliotar can be caught in the hand and carried for not more than four steps, struck in the air, or struck on the ground with the hurley. It can be kicked or slapped with an open hand (the hand pass) for short-range passing.

Equipment

The hurley is generally 24 to 36 inches (61 to 91 cm) in length. The bas (bottom end) of the hurley is wide and often used to strike the ball. The sliotar is a hard solid sphere slightly larger than a tennis ball, consisting of a cork core covered by two pieces of leather stitched together.

Governing Body

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is the governing body of hurling. The GAA also governs Gaelic football, ladies' Gaelic football, rounders, and handball.

See Also

• Gaelic Athletic Association
• Gaelic football
• Ladies' Gaelic football
• Rounders
• Handball

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