Flaherty’s Irish Bar in Barcelona has long been the go-to place in Barcelona for all things related to Irish culture. Folks from all over the world flock to delight in our authentic Irish atmosphere, enjoying traditional pub grub and the best beers and drinks. It’s no wonder that the Irish living in Barcelona, as well as those visiting the city, consider our pub their home. And what would an Irish home be without its typical sports: Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie? So, whether you’re unfamiliar with these Gaelic games and curious to learn more, or you simply want to stay updated on all things GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) while abroad, read on to discover everything you need to know.

What is Gaelic Football?

If it’s your first time hearing about Gaelic football, it’s a team sport primarily played in Ireland. Often described as a hybrid sport, it combines elements of football, basketball, and rugby. However, the truth is that Gaelic football originated before all these popular sports. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, with the first mention of this sport, known as “caid” in Irish, in 1308.

Rules of Gaelic Football

Gaelic football is a game between two teams, each with 15 players. It is played with a round ball, similar in size to a soccer ball but heavier. The game is played on a field between 130 and 140 meters long and 80 to 90 meters wide. The aim of the game is to kick the ball over the crossbar for 1 point or below and into the goals for 3 points. Players can kick the ball or pass it with their hands, but they can’t take more than 4 steps without playing it. Additionally, players cannot pick the ball up off the ground.

What is Hurling?

Hurling, or camogie in the women’s category, is a sport with origins that date back even further than Gaelic football. This sporting discipline originated in ancient Celtic Ireland and was played by many of the most notable heroes of Irish mythology, such as Cuchulain. The first known historical reference to this sport dates back to the 5th century, making it the oldest field sport in the world. And if that wasn’t enough, hurling is also the fastest field sport on the planet!

Rules of Hurling

The simplest way to describe hurling is to imagine a game of hockey played both in the air and on the ground, where players can catch the ball, or “sliotar,” as it is also known. The rules are similar to those of Gaelic football, as are the objectives. Tackles, passes, marks, and fouls are very much like those in football. What sets hurling apart is the speed and ferocity of the game. In fact, this sport was banned during British rule for being too aggressive. Although it is not as widely played as Gaelic football, most Irish people consider it the national game, and the hurley stick is a symbol of Ireland, just like the harp or the shamrock.

How Do Gaelic Games Differ from Other Sports?

Gaelic football and hurling are the most popular sports in Ireland. Their headquarters is Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, the fourth largest sports stadium in Europe. Every year, 1.5 million people attend GAA matches, accounting for 57% of all sports attendances in Ireland. Here are some of the most distinctive features of Gaelic football and hurling.

• Gaelic football and hurling are amateur sports: Players do not receive any payment, not even when they play in front of 81,000 spectators at Croke Park and a television audience of over a million viewers on All-Ireland final day.
• Players must play for their home county: Although transfers are allowed, they are very rare and heavily frowned upon.
• Each county in Ireland has its own team: These teams are composed of the best players from the county’s clubs.

2024 GAA Calendar

The GAA and LGFA calendar consists of two main competitions: the National League and the All-Ireland Championship. The National League is considered a precursor to the Championship and runs from February to April. The Championship begins in May for both leagues and ends in July.

When is the All-Ireland Final?

The 2024 All-Ireland Hurling Final will be held at Croke Park on July 21, 2024, at 3:30 PM Irish time. The All-Ireland Football Final will take place a week later, on July 28, at Croke Park at the same time. The LGFA Women’s Football Final will be held on August 4, 2024, while the Camogie Final is scheduled for August 8, 2024.

GAA in Spain

If you’re curious to try this sport or simply want to keep playing while living in Spain, you’ll be delighted to know that Gaelic football has made its way to the Iberian Peninsula. In 2024, there are 17 active GAA clubs in Spain, with both men’s and women’s leagues. The club in the Catalan capital has been, since 2001, the Barcelona Gaels. The male and female players of the Catalan capital’s club have achieved great success both on and off the field and have honoured the city over the years. That’s why Flaherty’s Irish Bar is honoured to be the official sponsor of the Barcelona Gaels club.

Experience the GAA in Barcelona

Whether you’re simply curious to see these unique sports for yourself or you’re a big fan who can’t stand to miss your country in action, Flaherty’s is your ideal spot. We broadcast all the GAA season matches. All-Ireland Final day at Flaherty’s is as special an event as St. Patrick’s Day, where all the Irish supporters gather to witness the grand spectacle. So why not head to the centre of Barcelona and spend the day at Flaherty’s Irish Bar? We’ve been delighted to share Irish culture with the people of Barcelona and the rest of the world for over 20 years.