This children’s article, Hurling: Ireland’s fastest and oldest sport!, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about traditional Irish culture, and explore one of the world’s most exciting sports. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
A sport older than the pyramids?
Hurling is one of the oldest sports in the world. If the stories are true, it’s even older than the pyramids in Egypt! It’s been played in Ireland for over 3,000 years. Some ancient stories say mythical Irish heroes played hurling to train for battle.
It’s fast, it’s skilful, and it’s full of action. In fact, it’s often called “the fastest game on grass”!
How do you play?
Hurling is a bit like hockey, but the ball can also be carried, bounced, or hit in the air. Players use a wooden stick called a hurley (or camán in Irish) to hit a small ball called a sliotar.
There are two teams with 15 players each. The aim is to score points by hitting the ball over the crossbar for one point, or into the goal for a brilliant three-point goal!
Players can catch the ball with their hands, run with it (but only for four steps), or hit it while it’s in the air. It’s like a mix of hockey, rugby, and magic.
Played by amateurs, watched by thousands
Hurling is played by amateurs, which means the players don’t get paid. But that doesn’t stop thousands of fans from filling stadiums to cheer them on!
The biggest stadium of all is Croke Park in Dublin, with space for over 80,000 people. It’s one of the largest stadiums in Europe and is only used for traditional Irish sports like hurling and Gaelic football.
Who are the top teams?
The best hurling teams come from Irish counties like Kilkenny, Limerick, Cork and Tipperary. Each summer, they compete in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship, one of the biggest sporting events in Ireland.
In recent years, Limerick have been a super-strong team, winning multiple championships in a row.
What makes hurling so special?
Hurling isn’t just a sport, it’s a huge part of Irish culture. It’s organised by the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), a group that helps keep traditional Irish sports alive.
Even though the players have other jobs during the week, they train hard and give it everything on the pitch. That’s what makes hurling so amazing: the passion, the history, and the proud Irish spirit.
Article vocabulary list
- Ancient – Very old; from a long time ago
- Mythical – Something from old stories or legends, not always real
- Hurley – A wooden stick used to hit the ball in hurling
- Sliotar – The small ball used in hurling
- Crossbar – The top part of the goalpost
- Amateurs – People who play a sport but are not paid
- Championship – A big competition to find the best team
- Pitch – A sports field
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. How old is the sport of hurling?
A) Around 300 years
B) Around 3,000 years
C) Around 30 years
Answer: B) Around 3,000 years
2. What is the wooden stick in hurling called?
A) Camogie
B) Sliotar
C) Hurley
Answer: C) Hurley
3. How many players are on each team in a hurling match?
A) 11
B) 13
C) 15
Answer: C) 15
4. What is Croke Park used for?
A) Rugby and football
B) Traditional Irish sports
C) Concerts and shows only
Answer: B) Traditional Irish sports
5. What’s the name of the ball used in hurling?
A) Puck
B) Sliotar
C) Snitch
Answer: B) Sliotar
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
