Support Us Button Widget

Catch the Gaelic game of hurling in Indianapolis, IN

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 Indianapolis GAA has you covered. Scope out the competition, as well as other Gaelic sports, with the USGAA’s interactive map.

More from INDYtoday
Here’s the deal — the flea market and vintage shopping scene is stellar in Indy.
You never know what Mother Nature is going to give us in Indy — so we’re taking a look at some of the biggest snowfalls in city history.
Get in the holiday spirit with these over-the-top themed pop-up bars.
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Did you know the city and county provide interactive GIS maps of Indianapolis to connect you to resources and help you get to know your community?
Here’s how we think Santa’s stalwart friends would spend a well-deserved night off in the Circle City.
Google Year in Search is out — check out what Hoosiers were searching most this year (it might surprise you).
Whether you’re looking forward to Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Yule, here are some ways you can celebrate around town this year.
Avril Lavigne? Check. Keith Urban? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.