Sport is not just a physical activity; it is a reflection of society, a cultural link that connects generations and communities.
This is exemplified by Gaelic Football, a sport that emerges as a living testament to Irish history and identity, rooted in centuries-old traditions that have withstood the test of time. But what exactly is this fascinating sport and how is it played?
Origin of Gaelic Football
Gaelic Football traces its origins to the ancient Irish sport known as caíd, dating back to 1597. While modern Gaelic football is formally organized in the late 19th century, the Gaelic Athletic Association has been responsible for organizing and establishing the rules of this sport since 1887.
Rules of Gaelic Football
The playing field is rectangular, ranging from 130 to 145 meters in length and 80 to 90 meters in width. There is a goalpost in the shape of an H at the end of both sides of the field, similar to rugby posts, with a net at the bottom, resembling a football goal. Matches, consisting of two halves of 30 minutes each (or 35 minutes for senior county matches), offer uninterrupted and exciting action.
Teams
Each team consists of 15 players on the field and up to 15 substitutes, of which 5 can be used per match. Players are numbered from 1 to 15, starting with the team's goalkeeper who must wear a jersey of a different color to differentiate.
The Ball
It is played with a ball similar to that of football but slightly heavier. It can be kicked, as well as passed with the hands. To make this type of pass, the ball must be struck with the knuckles or the thumb.
Some specific rules considered technical fouls:
- You cannot pick up the ball directly from the ground.
- Throwing the ball with the hands without hitting it.
- Walking four steps without letting go, bouncing, or soloing with the ball. Soloing is the movement of kicking the ball and picking it up with the hands.
- Bouncing the ball twice in a row.
- Making a hand pass over an opponent and going to take the ball.
- Scoring a goal with a hand pass, only allowed if the ball is in the air.
- Changing hands with the ball.
Tackles
Hitting the ball from the hands of the opponent or pushing the opponent with the shoulders is permitted. The following plays are considered fouls:
- Using both hands to make a tackle.
- Pushing an opponent.
- Knocking down an opponent.
- Grabbing an opponent's jersey.
- Blocking a shot with the foot.
- Making a sliding tackle.
- Touching the goalkeeper in the small area.
- Struggling for a ball in the hands of an opponent.
Scoring
If the ball goes over the crossbar, one point is scored; if the ball goes under the crossbar, similar to a goal in football, a goal equivalent to three points is scored. The result is recorded with the total goals + total points. For example, if a team scores 1 goal and 12 points, the total result is 15 points. The team with the highest score wins.
Gaelic Football Today
There are male and female leagues. The Gaelic Athletic Association is responsible for organizing the main competitions of this sport. In Ireland, there are competitions for clubs and counties. The main competitions in Ireland are:
- The National Gaelic Football League, which is contested between counties every year from February to April.
- Provincial championships, which are played in a single elimination format from May to July between counties.
- The Irish Gaelic Football Championship, which begins with provincial championships and ends in September. It is the most prestigious and oldest tournament (1887) of this sport. The winner of the senior men's championship receives the Sam Maguire Cup.
Gaelic Football Worldwide
Gaelic football outside of Ireland is played in many countries. We can find associated clubs in Asia, Oceania, America, and Europe. Irish immigration in countries such as Argentina, Canada, the United States, Australia, etc. has favored the presence of this sport in these countries as a means of transmitting Irish culture and customs.
In all these countries, there are regional committees of the Gaelic Athletic Association that organize and regulate the sport in these countries. They also organize their own competitions, both national and continental.
Iberian Gaelic Football Championship at Mediterranean Sport Village
One of the tournaments organized by the regional committee of the Iberian Peninsula is the Iberian Gaelic Football Championship with male and female clubs from Spain, Portugal, and Gibraltar.
After an intense preliminary phase, the final phase of the championship will be held this year at Futbol Salou. For the first time in history, Mediterranean Sports Hub will open its doors to Gaelic football.