Support Us Button Widget

Catch the Gaelic game of hurling in Austin, TX

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

Whether you want to hurl yourself onto the field or be a spectator, the Austin Celtic Cowboys has you covered. Scope out the competition, as well as other Gaelic sports, with the USGAA’s interactive map.

More from ATXtoday
Fans of thrilling, tear-jerking, and frightening films can watch eight films on the big screen this summer.
The western wear brand is kicking off its first Austin store by inviting local stores on the strip to party all weekend.
This weird Austin festival celebrates the gloomy donkey from A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh” series.
The services offered at local Austin Public Library branches are pretty useful in our books.
It may be Earth Day, but we’re offering tips and tools for supporting Austin’s thriving urban forest 365 days a year.
The winner of Austin FC’s Dream Starter competition started an online platform to help people navigate serious illness and end-of-life care for their loved ones.
The Soundtrack to the Future plan outlines improvements to the venue facades, curb appeal, and safety features.
Mayor Kirk Watson calls Downtown “Austin’s living room,” so we’re speculating on what that means for the rest of the city.
The Mermaid Capital of Texas, home to Texas State University, and riverside town is a great place to take a day trip — we’ve got all the spots to hit when you visit.
This list of volunteer opportunities in Austin, TX includes everything from building homes for people in need to fostering shelter animals.