Support Us Button Widget

Catch the Gaelic game of hurling in Nashville, TN

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

More from NASHtoday
Could Nateland become Nashville’s next theme park after Opryland USA’s 1997 closure? A new partnership is exploring the possibility.
As Glinda and Elphaba return to the big screen, Nashville is celebrating with pink-and-green moments, themed treats, and Oz-inspired events.
Raking in the leaves? Here’s how to bag and bundle them the Metro-approved way.
Directly north, east, south, and west, cities across the world await.
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in Music City.
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.
From turkey and trimmings to pies and plant-based plates, Nashville’s got something for every Thanksgiving feast.
Whether you’re active-duty or a retired service member, these local businesses are extending a “thank you” on Veterans Day with special offers.
Music City is officially on the Michelin map.
Instead of just throwing your pumpkins away in the garbage, consider donating them to local farms through Pumpkins For Pigs.