The GAA Explained
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is an Irish organization that promotes and regulates traditional Irish sports. It was founded on November 1, 1884, in Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland. The GAA's primary aim was to revive and popularize traditional Irish sports and pastimes, particularly hurling and Gaelic football, which were seen as integral parts of Irish culture and identity.
The GAA continues to be a vital part of Irish life, with its annual All-Ireland championships attracting widespread attention and support. The association has evolved over the years, adapting to changes in society while remaining dedicated to its mission of promoting traditional Irish sports and values.
Berlin GAA v Munich GAA - Central East Round 4 final Budapest
Gaelic Football
Gaelic football is an Irish team sport played between two teams of 15 players on a rectangular grass pitch. The objective of the sport is to score by kicking or punching the ball into the other team's goals (3 points) or between two upright posts above the goals and over a crossbar 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) above the ground (1 point)
Hurling/Camogie
Hurling/Camogie is the fastest game on grass, the most skilful game in the world. Furthermore, it is also one of the oldest with its traditions set in the mists of ancient Irish history. The first written reference to hurling dates back to 1272 BC.
It is a stick and ball game, played by teams of 15 on a rectangular grass pitch with H-shaped goals at each end. The stick that we use is called a ‘hurley’, or a camán in the Irish language, while the ball is called a sliotar. The primary objective is to score by driving the ball through the goals or putting the ball over the bar and thereby scoring a point. By putting the ball into the net, and scoring a goal, the team is awarded three points.