Wednesday 26 February 2014
Saturday 13 June 2009
hurling
The game of hurling is more than just a game - it is Ireland's national passion. Hurling is an outdoor ball-and-stick game played with fifteen players on a field larger than a soccer pitch. It is played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliothar. The game has prehistoric origins and is thought to be the world's fastest field team sport in terms of game play.
Players have to use a wooden stick called a hurley or camán to hit a small ball called a sliothar between the opponents' goalposts. If the player gets the ball over the crossbar, he gets one point. If the player throws the ball under the crossbar into a net guarded by a goalkeeper, he gets one goal, which is equivalent to three points.
The sliothar can be caught in the hand and carried for not more than three steps, struck in the air, or struck on the ground with the hurl. It can be kicked or slapped with an open hand (the hand pass). A player who wants to carry the ball for more than three steps has to bounce or balance the sliothar on the end of the stick and the ball can only be handled twice while in his possession.
Players don’t wear any padding, but a protective helmet is recommended.
