Football

Often described as a mixture between rugby and soccer, the game also appears to have elements of basketball and volleyball in it. The game is more free flowing and faster than rugby and more skilful. It is more physical than soccer but is safer. Gaelic football is older than both soccer and rugby. Here is a simple explanation:

Players: There are 15 players on each team. (This is sometimes reduced in Europe due to smaller pitch size). They consist of a goalkeeper, six defenders, two midfielders and six forwards.

Ball: The ball is round like a soccer ball but slightly smaller

Handling the ball: You can catch the ball in your hands but only carry it for a maximum of 4 steps, then you must bounce it or kick it back to yourself (called a ‘solo’) or pass it.

Passing: You can pass the ball with your foot or with your fist but you cannot throw it.

Scoring: Goalposts are similar to rugby and soccer combined; there is a net and a goalkeeper. If the ball goes into the goal you get three points. If it goes above the bar between the two posts you get one point.

Tackling: You cannot tackle below the waist. You can try to take the ball from the opponents hands but only using one hand. Shoulder to shoulder contact is permissible (this is the physical aspect I spoke of). You can block someone kicking the ball with your hands.

Hurling

Known officially as the ‘fastest field sport in the world’ it is often described as a mixture between hockey and lacrosse. The game is extremely fast and extremely skillful as well as being a little bit tough. It is more physical than hockey and was used to train ancient Irish warriors before battle. Here is a simple explanation:

Players: There are 15 players on each team. (This is sometimes reduced in Europe due to smaller pitch size). They consist of a goalkeeper, six defenders, two midfielders and six forwards.

Ball: The ball is about the size of a tennis ball and is made from leather. It is heavier than a tennis ball.

Handling the ball: You can catch the ball in your hands but only carry it for a maximum of 4 steps, then you must bounce it off the stick or pass it.

Stick: The stick is known as a hurley and is usually made of ash wood. It usually measures 90 cm long and has metal band at the end.

Passing: You can pass the ball with your foot or with your palm but you cannot throw it.

Scoring: Goalposts are similar to rugby and soccer combined; there is a net and a goalkeeper. If the ball goes into the goal you get three points. If it goes above the bar between the two posts you get one point.

Tackling: You cannot tackle below the waist. You can try to take the ball from the opponents stick but only using your stick. Shoulder to shoulder contact is permissible (this is the physical aspect I spoke of). You can block someone hitting the ball with your stick.