About Hurling

A review of hurling by Gary

  • Introduction to Hurling

We like to boast that hurling is the oldest field game in Europe. It is also recognised as the fastest field game in the world.
Records show evidence that the game was a regular pastime in Ireland for well over 2,000 years. It was a common way to train ancient warriors for battle. Even the Vikings tried their hand at the sport when they visited our land!

  • The Basics of the game

Game Basics: A hurling game is played on a grass field with goals at either end. It is contested by two teams of 15 players per team. The tools of the game include a hurling stick, simply known as a 'hurley', and a small ball called a sliotar. The game is comprised of two halves, 30-35 minutes each half (depending on the competition) with a 10 minute half-time period. The object of the game is to score as often as possible into the opposing team's goal.

  • The Playing Field

The playing area is a rectangular grass field approximately 137 meters in length (130m minimum & 145m maximum) by 82merers in width (80m minimum & 90meters maximum). These dimensions are often reduced in European games depending on what playing facilities are available.

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There is a goal area at either end of the pitch. The goals are comprised of two high circular posts 6.5m apart and at a height of not less than 7m. There is a crossbar spanning the distance between these posts at a uniform height of 2.5m over the ground. Each goal will also have a net covering the area at the back of the goal between the posts and under the crossbar. In many ways they are similar to Rugby goals but with the addition of a net.

  • Game Officials
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