Catch the Gaelic game of hurling in Richmond, VA

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

More from RICtoday
Eager to get on the road, but don’t want to travel too far? Try these nearby destinations for day trips.
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Richmond’s many beautiful patios.
“My Faire Lady” debuts this weekend. Learn about the beer, the party, and the inspiration behind the beer’s hand-painted symbol.
Needlepoint is one of the hottest “anolog” hobbies right now. Find our where to find supplies and meet other stitchers.
Bookmark this page to your favorites tab so you can quickly return and find the top events happening each month in Richmond.
We found three online surveys to help you share feedback on budgeting, parks, and public safety.
Fall in love with your local libraries in and around Richmond.
In February 1960, 34 Virginia Union Students were arrested for a sit-in protest — a pivotal moment in Richmond’s Civil Rights Movement.
We’re highlighting the best parks Richmond has to offer — complete with playgrounds, biking trails, and river views.
“A thing is so much more than a thing when it connects you to a person, especially when it connects you to a person who might not be with you anymore,” said Repair Café RVA founder Jenny Kobayashi Malone.