One of the oldest sports in the world, Irish hurling can be traced back at least 3,000 years through ancient texts and documents. Presently it is played by 15 players a side each using a hurling stick to play the ball. The aim is to score more than the opposing team. Over the bar is worth 1 point and into the net or a goal is worth 3 point. Highest total wins.
A fully amatuer sport, there are clubs all over the world from Australia to the USA and can be found as far away as Africa. The best teams in the world are based in Ireland and can play in front of crowds of up to 90 thousand people for the bigger games. Not bad for people who have to go to work on monday morning. Teams compete for their native towns and counties, playing for pride and family rather than monetary gain. The largest prize at the end of the season is the Liam Mc Carthy Cup presented to the winners of the All - Ireland championship.
It's a full contact sport with a requirement to wear a helmet ( just brought in recently) as the sole protection. The fastest field sport in the world, it is the origion for hockey and cricket. Referenced in many movies throughout the years it was described by Jason Statham as a cross between football, hockey and second degree murder.
Take a look for yourself.
This can obviously lead to a few tensions during certain games and rivalrys.
At the heart of it though is community, players play with their friends family and neighbours. The coaches, players and helpers are volunteers. Every small town and village in the country have their local hurling team and every town revolves around the team and its up and downs every year. Hopefully it will peak your interest.