What is Hurling? - Play Hurling

Hurling is a fast-paced Irish stick sport played on a field. It is played between two teams, with 15 players either side, in two 35 minute halves. The objective of the game is to progress the ball up the field to score one of two ways through an H-shaped goal post: in the net for 1 goal (worth 3 points) or through the upright posts for 1 point.

California's OC Wild Geese hurling player striking a sliotar at the West Coast Sevens tournament in 2019. — California’s OC Wild Geese hurling player striking a sliotar at the West Coast Sevens tournament in 2019.
Photo by Earnie Grafton

What equipment is used in hurling?

The stick, called a hurl or hurley, is long and wooden with a flat, broad base to strike the ball and balance the ball when soloing. The ball, called a sliotar (pronounced “slit-er”), is hard with stitched leather, similar to the shape of an American baseball.

Hurling is fast-moving like lacrosse, requires the same level of hand-eye coordination as baseball, and has the toughness of hockey, all in one sport.

What are the dimensions of a hurling field?

Hurling GAA Field Dimensions
Length: 130-145 metres (142-159 yards)
Width: 80–90 metres (88–98 yards) — Hurling Field Dimensions
Length: 130-145 metres (142-159 yards)
Width: 80–90 metres (88–98 yards)

What makes hurling unique is its speed, the length of the field (1.4X the size of a soccer field), and the ability to hit the ball on the ground and in the air. Along with hitting the ball on the ground and in the air, players can also hand pass the ball and solo the ball (meaning they can run with the sliotar balanced on their hurl).

What was the fastest shot ever recorded in hurling?

hurling baseball hockey world records — Hurling is considered to be the fastest field sport in the world. The fastest shot recorded to date was 181.1 kph (112.5 mph) by Kilkenny’s TJ Reid in the 2014 GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final.

How old is hurling?

Hurling is 3,000 years old and is the national sport of Ireland. It’s included in Irish mythology through the story of Cu Chulainn (pronounced “Coo Cullan”), a story of a young man named Setanta who defeated a vicious hound using only a hurley and sliotar. Internationally, hurling has seen rapid growth with a growing number of clubs around the globe, in particular in North America.