About the Game Hurling

Hurling is an ancient Celtic game often compared to field hockey and lacrosse. It is a strictly amateur contact sport that was once a common way to train warriors for battle. Hurling, an exciting physical game, is played throughout the world, especially in Ireland, by both males and females of all ages.

  1. History

    • According to the Gaelic Athletic Association, hurling is believed to be the oldest field game in the world. It is one of the pastimes, chronicled for at least 2,000 years, brought by the Celts to Ireland as the last ice age was receding. It is believed that hurling was a central part of the Tailtean Games around 1800 BC, which according to the Northern Gaels Hurling Club, is the oldest recorded organized sport in the world. The first recorded reference to hurling dates back to 1272 BC.

    Equipment

    • Hurling equipment consists of a wooden hurling stick, ball and helmet. The stick, called a "hurley" or camán in Irish, varies in length and weight depending on the person using it. The end of the stick has a curved striking surface and electric tape in the team's colors are often wrapped around the handle. The small, white, leather ball is called a "sliotar" and is about nine inches in circumference. Although recommended, helmets are optional and are available with or without face guards. Fixed specifications for the type of helmet players are allowed to use do not exist.

    The Field

    • Hurling is played with fifteen players on a rectangular grass field between 426 feet to 475 feet in length and 262 feet to 295 feet in width. A goal area with two posts 21 feet apart and not less than 22 feet high is found at each end of the field. Between the posts is a crossbar placed 8 feet from the ground. A net covers the area behind the goal from the crossbar to the ground, much like a soccer goal.

    Game Basics

    • The objective of the game is for players to score the most points by throwing the sliotar into the goal. To score a goal, players must use the hurley to throw the sliotar over the crossbar, which is worth one point, or under the crossbar, which is worth three points. The sliotar may be balanced or bounced on the hurley while running. The sliotar can only be held twice by a player and can only be carried in the players hand for four consecutive steps, then the player must shoot the sliotar in the goal or pass it by hitting it with the hurley, striking it with the hand or by kicking it with the foot. Players may tackle each other to gain possession of the sliotar. Generally, games are about 30 minutes per half.