Hurling, my favourite sport is one of the most entertaining sports in the world, combining the skills of baseball, hockey and lacrosse in fast paced high scoring games. It draws crowds of over 84000 to the national stadium Croke Park on All Ireland hurling final day. In most parts of Ireland a child will be learning the art of the stick and ball game from a very young age. Played in schools and with clubs all over the country often the centre to a community it is a vital part of Irish culture. Its been played in some form dating back hundreds of years . There is 15 players on each team, a goal keeper, six defenders, two midfielders and six forwards. It is played using wooden sticks and a leather pall on a large grass pitch with goal posts at either end. The scoring system uses points and goals, a point for hitting the ball over the opposition teams bar and a goal for getting it under it, into the net. Games are usually high scroring and high intensity. A high level of contact is permitted and its not uncommon to see a player with blood on his jersey. The rules allow a player to hit the ball with his stick and not to handle the ball for anymore than 3 steps. Better than explaining id like to share a video highlighting the skills of this magnificent game, take a minute to watch please.
