The objective of the game is to score more points than the opposing team. Scoring is by driving a small hard 65 mm diam. leather coated ball (sliothar) through the oponents goal. There is a set of goalposts at each end of the 150-yard-long pitch, each team attacking their opponent's goal. These are like a set of "H" posts like in rugby but with a net on the bottom section like in soccer. A goal (cul, valued at three points) is awarded when the ball is played under the crossbar (located at 8 ft above the ground) and into the net. One point is scored when the ball is played between the upper part of the goal posts over the crossbar.
During play, the ball is struck on the ground, or in the air,using the hurley or camán, a wooden stick traditionally made of ash, between 32 and 38 inches in length with a flat blade. The ball when on the ground cannot be handled, but must be either played on the ground, by striking it with the hurley, or it can be lifted off the ground using the hurley into the air, where it can be either caught or struck. When the ball is caught, the catcher may not throw it or carry it more than three paces, but he is allowed to strike the ball away by hand or kick it, as well as strike it with the hurley. It is also permitted to balance the ball on the blade while running, which requires great skill. Tackling is permitted, but striking an opponent with a hurley is not. Accidental clashes do occur, which is why a protective helmet is recommended, but is not yet mandatory.
Each team consists of fifteen players, including one goalkeeper, six defenders, two midfielders, and six forwards. Matches last 60 or 70 minutes, and have two halves. The game's speed and skill, come from the ability required to catch and control the hard ball, which can travel up to 150 km/hour, and a good strike of the hurley can propel the ball over 80 metres.
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, Wexford 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). The most important competition is the GAA "All-Ireland" inter-country championship. It is an annual competition, played in a modified knock-out format. The later games are played in Croke Park, regularly attracting attendances of up to 70,000.Game
History