Catch the Gaelic game of hurling in Louisville, KY

We’re breaking down the Irish sport of hurling including its rules and where you can catch a game.

A worn white ball with curved stitching like a baseball lies on a pitch of sunny grass.

The ball is called a sliotar, pronounced “slit-er.”

Photo by Adrian via Pexels

Table of Contents

There are many ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but have you heard about hurling? No, not that kind of hurling. We’re talking about the Irish sport.

What is hurling?

This ancient Gaelic game is the national sport of Ireland and looks a bit like field hockey played with a baseball.

Players use a wooden stick to pass and score points by shooting through the opponent’s goalpost. Players use the stick (called a hurl or hurley) to hit and balance the ball (called a sliotar).

Want to learn all the official rules? Check out the US Gaelic Athletic Association (USGAA).

Get involved

Unfortunately, it looks like we don’t have an official USGAA hurling clubyet. That means the sliotar is in our court (so to speak) and the best way to get your hands on a hurley is by starting your own club. Scope out the future competition, as well as other Gaelic sports, with the USGAA’s interactive map.

In the meantime, check out the Lexington GAA to get your Gaelic games fix.

More from LOUtoday
Directly north, east, south, and west of LOU, cities across the world await.
How plant life and geology make for a truly sneezy spring in Derby City.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
“Sinner’s Prayer” is the sequel to last year’s “Plausible Deception.”
The latest venture from the former Enso + North of Bourbon chef Lawrence Weeks features deep roots at Murray’s Creole Pub.
Carmen, Hamlet, and Frankenstein are dancing their way onto Louisville’s stage
This Louisvillian was the first Black woman chemist at Brown-Forman.
A pioneering force for women in the arts, Enid Yandell made waves with her art and humanitarian work both here and abroad.
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Louisville’s many beautiful patios.