First Hurling Match!

This was the first hurling match we went to see in person.  It was at the Longford GAA field, Pearse Parc.  There was not a big crowd, and the parking lot was almost empty.  We didn't even have to pay to get in.  At first I thought we had the wrong day or time!  The football brings in a much larger crowd here in Longford.  Hurling may be bigger in the southern counties, but I don't know.  They certainly draw big crowds for the big games in Dublin, so there is clearly a passion for the sport.  

It was fun to watch, but I don't know how they even see the ball!  It is about the size of a baseball, and they have to bounce it on the stick if they are running with the ball.  To pass or score, they smack the ball with the stick.  Over the post is one point, and in the net/goal is 3 points.  

They keep score in two digits the same as for football.  Thus, a team that has one goal and five over the bar has a score of 1-5 which is a total of 8 points, since the one goal (the first number) is worth 3 points.  

This game we watched was in May.  It was a lovely day and it was a good game.  Longford lost, but it was close and very exciting as they were pretty far behind at the half and then closed the gap and the final few minutes were nail-bighters!  

The hurling stick is a serious piece of equipment!  They wear helmets but I would want hand and arm protection as well.  They do get clocked with those sticks and it seems a little scary!