The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)

The GAA, or Gaelic Athletic Association, is the heartbeat of Irish sport and culture. Founded in 1884 in Thurles, County Tipperary, the GAA was created to preserve and promote native Irish games at a time when British sports were dominant. Today, the GAA is one of the largest amateur sporting organisations in the world, with deep roots in every parish across Ireland and a vibrant international presence among the Irish diaspora.

At its core, the GAA promotes three traditional Irish sports: Hurling, Gaelic Football, and Gaelic Handball. Each game is unique, fast-paced, and rich in tradition — and together they represent a living part of Ireland’s history.

Hurling: Ireland’s Ancient Stick-and-Ball Game

Hurling is often described as the world’s fastest field sport. Played with a wooden stick called a hurley and a small leather ball called a sliotar, the game is a breathtaking mix of speed, skill, and bravery. Its origins go back over 3,000 years, with references in Irish mythology that highlight its importance in ancient times.

How to Score in Hurling

• Goal: If the sliotar goes into the net, it counts as a goal worth 3 points.
• Point: If the sliotar goes over the crossbar between the uprights, it counts as 1 point.

Example: A scoreline of 0-12 vs. 3-2 means the team with 12 points wins (12 points vs. 11 points, because 3 goals × 3 = 9 + 2 points = 11).

Gaelic Football: Ireland’s Most Popular Game

Gaelic football combines elements of soccer, rugby, and basketball into one dynamic game. Players can kick, hand-pass, or solo (drop the ball onto their foot and kick it back into their hands while running) to move the ball up the field. Like hurling, it is played between two teams of 15, with a similar scoring system.

How to Score in Gaelic Football

• Goal: Ball in the net = 3 points.
• Point: Ball over the crossbar = 1 point.

The same system of reading scorelines applies, making both hurling and football easy for beginners to follow once the basics are understood.

Gaelic Handball: Ireland’s Oldest Pastime

Gaelic Handball is one of Ireland’s oldest traditional games, with records of it being played in Galway as early as 1527. Once a staple of village life, handball alleys were common across Ireland, though today many stand in ruins. Despite this, the sport remains alive, played in alleys and courts by dedicated enthusiasts.

How to Score in Gaelic Handball

• Win the Rally: A point is awarded if the opponent cannot legally return the ball before the second bounce.
• Serve: Players must serve the ball correctly to begin scoring opportunities.
• Match Format: Best of three sets.
• Target Scores: Adults play to 21 points; juveniles (U15 & below) play to 15.
• Tiebreaker: If sets are split, a third set decides the match.

Key Terms

• Hand-Out: Losing the serve after losing a rally.
• Side-Out: In doubles, two consecutive Hand-Outs by the same team result in the other side taking over the serve.

Why These Sports Matter

The GAA is about more than games — it’s about identity, community, and pride. From local pitches to Croke Park in Dublin, hurling, football, and handball bring people together. They are played with passion by amateurs who represent their counties, creating an atmosphere unlike any other in world sport.

For those new to Ireland or looking to connect with their roots, learning about these games offers an incredible insight into Irish culture and community life.

The Hurlers Bag: Carry Your County Pride

At The Hurlers Bag, we celebrate this heritage through county-inspired sportswear and gear. From gear bags to hoodies, beanie hats, towels, and headbands, our products are designed for players, fans, and anyone who takes pride in their county colours.

Explore our full collection and carry your county with pride wherever you go.