hurling

views updated May 18 2018

hurling (hurley) One of the national sports of Ireland. It is played by two teams of 15 on a field 137 × 82m (450 × 270ft), at each end of which are goalposts. The object is to score points by propelling the ball between the goal uprights, either above (1 point) or below (3 points) the crossbar. Every player carries a hurley (hooked stick), on which the ball may be balanced as the player runs, or with which it may be batted upfield towards a team-mate; the ball also may be kicked.