Hurling: Ireland's national obsession

The ancient Irish game of hurling combines the skills of baseball, hockey, lacrosse and rugby in what some have termed a cross between "sport and murder."

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[anthonyofarrell]

And remember it's an amateur sport players don't get paid, but will attract crowds of 60 to 80 thousand at the top matches.

[cathalkelly]

Two best things about Hurling and Gaelic sports.
1) They're "amateur" sports played by people fully committed to the game. The real definition of "amateur" is those who do something for the true love of it. Those totally passionate to something for no other reward greater than the enjoyment.
2) As the report said you go to any town, village or community in Ireland and you'll see kids playing. The real beauty is that it's also a great way for kids who's family emigrated from elsewhere to Ireland to integrate into the community. At the kids level, it's a social thing, just have fun! We're seeing more and more kids who's parents are Asian and African take up these games and its brilliant to see.

[annie-mz]

The greatest sport ever! I saw a game on USA tv a couple of years ago and thought it was awesome. I can’t wait to visit Ireland and see a match!

[martinclail]

The black eyes i got from playing were bad enough but ending up with denture in my teens probably topped the lot, still didn't stop me from playing or loving the sport.

[patrickvanrinsvelt]

Truly one of the most amazing sports in the world. Lacrosse, rugby, and baseball combined.

[seanhartnett]

Honestly I want to play hurling, I am an American of Irish heritage who would like to move back to Ireland for a long time.

[micmcguire]

Absolutely the greatest sport out there and my favorite to play. Wish I would've found it earlier and I hope it's popularity grows in the States.

[ichabodnoodle]

Full body contact, head high, hockey. I love it.

[hankshepherd]

As an American I’ve really gotten into hurling over the last year. It’s awesome

[LD-bvpm]

Please don't introduce it to America. They'd add stupid pads and they'd be swapping the entire team every two mins with 5 min breaks each time.

[johnpatrick]

Been going to Gaelic park in the Bronx since I was a kid. Absolutely love hurling and Gaelic football is good too.

[irishlad.]

Hurling and gaelic football is just about nearly everyones life here in ireland. Its all pure passion as you dont get paid and u play for where your from.

[koda]

doesnt really matter what sport it is, if you put 80, 000 people in a stadium its about to get LIT

[JustaComment]

It’s more than a Game, It’s who you are. That gave me chills.

[UsmanKhan-tjut]

Fanstastic sport for fantastic people, keeping your cultural heritage alive like this is so key. Good on you.

[pjnugent]

As an Irishman who played and loves our wonderful sport of hurling i must say that the obsession with the game is turning to boredom. There are people messing around with the rules and ruining our fantastic game of hurling. Go back to normal. It wasnt broke so what are you trying to fix. 🇮🇪

[liamholton]

Every Irish guy has played this game at least once at some point in there lives, me included. Although I was never very good :P. The ball, or sliotar as it's called in Ireland, is a hard thing and is hit by the hurl with such force that if it hits you, it stings like mad. The other great thing about this game is that it's not a professional job. Most of the people who play hurling for their clubs and counties are normal people, bank workers, teachers, gardai, you name it. Also there is a female version too, called Camogie. It's one of the best field sports ever, baseball, lacrosse and hockey don't come close to it.

[paulsmith]

best live game of sport I've ever seen.. brilliant!

[ThePerpetualStudent]

So basically this is rugby meets ice hockey. Love it.

[liamholton]

I come from Kilkenny, the powerhouse of Hurling in Ireland!