Hurling & Camogie - An Introduction
History of the Game - Stair an Chluiche
Hurling is regarded as the oldest field game in Europe and one of fastest ball-games in the world.
A traditional Irish field sport in which a ball, called a sliotar, is caught on a hurley, or stick, and carried, or hurled into the opponent's goal. The rules of play were standardized in 1884 when the Gaelic Athletic Association [GAA] was founded.
The Game - An Cluiche
Hurling is played by two 15-member teams on a field measuring 84 to 100 yd (76.81 to 91.44 m) in width and 140 to 160 yd (128 to 146.30 m) in length. The hurley is a narrow-shafted stick about 3.5 ft (1 m) long, ending in a curved blade about 3 in (8 cm) wide. The sliotar has a cork center and a leather cover; it is between 9 and 10 in (23 and 25 cm) in circumference, and weighs between 3.5 and 4.5 oz (100 and 130 g). The goals at each end of the field are formed by two posts, which are usually 6.6 yd (6 m) high, set 7 yd (6.4 m) apart, and connected 8 ft (2 m) above the ground by a crossbar. A net extending in back of the goal is attached to the crossbar and lower goal posts.
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The object of hurling is to catch the sliotar on the blade of the hurley, carry it, and then hurl it into the goal. The sliotar may be picked off the ground only with the hurley. The player may pick the sliotar off the hurley with his or her hand, but may not throw it or run with it. Three points are scored when the sliotar is hurled into the net and one point when the sliotar is hurled over the crossbar between the goal posts. Although hurling, among the fastest of team sports, is a rough game, serious injuries are rare.
Camogie
Camogie is a version of Irish hurling played by girls and women. The rules are similar to those of hurling, with a few minor exceptions. Most notably, in camogie, a player may hand pass the sliotar into the goal to score.
Sliotar & Hurley
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A hurley (or camán) is a wooden stick traditionally manufactured from ash, used to hit a sliotar (leather ball) in the Irish sport of hurling. It measures between 70 and 100 cm (28 to 40 inches) long with a flattened, curved end (called the bas) which provides the striking surface. It is also used in camogie, the female equivalent sport.
In more recent years composite hurleys have been developed using synthetic materials.
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A sliotar is a hard solid sphere slightly larger than a tennis ball, consisting of a cork core / PU core, covered by two pieces of leather stitched together. Sometimes called a "puck" or "hurling ball", it resembles an American baseball with more pronounced stitching. It is between 23 and 25 cm in circumference, and weighs between 110g and 120g. Sliotar size varies depending on age group of player and whether it is hurling or camogie.
NOTE: Size 5, Size 4, Smart Touch (under 12's) ,Quick touch (under 10's ), First touch (under 8's).
FACT: A good strike with a hurley can propel the sliotar up to and over 150 km/h (93 mph) in speed and 110 metres (361 ft) in distance
Standard Hurling/Camogie Helmet
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I.S. 355:2006 Specification for helmets for hurling and camogie players
What is hurling and camogie?
An introduction video on the NSAI Media Channel