Learning About One of Ireland’s Favorite Games
What do you get when you combine soccer, rugby, basketball and a dash of Irish charm? Gaelic football: it’s a game where players can use their hands, feet, and even their heads to maneuver a ball up and down and around a field, all while dodging opponents and trying to score as many points as possible. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, kick off your shoes (and maybe even your shins) and join us as we dive into the exciting world of Gaelic football.
Gaelic Football Basics
Gaelic football is a sport that originated in Ireland and is played by both men and women. The game is played with a round ball similar to a soccer ball, but slightly smaller, and the objective is to kick or punch the ball over the opponent’s crossbar for one point or into the goal for three points.
The sport is played on a rectangular field with H-shaped goals at either end. Each team consists of 15 players, and the game is divided into two halves of 30 minutes each. Players can carry the ball for up to four steps before bouncing or soloing (dropping and kicking it back into their hands) and can pass the ball by kicking or punching it.
It is an extremely physically demanding and fast-paced sport. Contact between players is allowed, but there are strict rules around tackling and blocking, and dangerous play is penalized. Gaelic football is a popular sport in Ireland, with the All-Ireland Championship being the premier competition for men’s teams, and the Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association governing women’s competitions.
Notable Gaelic Footballers
Gaelic football is a rarity in the modern world in that it is a strictly amateur game. There are numerous clubs throughout Ireland, and each county will send representatives to provincial championships and the All-Ireland Championship, but there are no professional players. That being said, just because no one is getting paid does not mean there is a lack of talent or skill from these class athletes. Many top footballers in Ireland are just as recognizable and famous as their paid counterparts.
Alan Brogan
Alan Brogan, from Dublin GAA, is the face of Dublin football. Gaelic football is in his blood, being the son of an All-Ireland winning and All-Star player and the brother of two other Dublin footballers. He played at the top level in the country for 13 years, delighting fans along the way.
Enda Muldoon
Enda Muldoon, from Derry GAA, is beloved by fans and lovingly called the “Big Easy” due to his large frame and easy gait. He is widely recognized as one of the most talented players of his generation and led his team to two All-Ireland Championships.
Stephen Cluxton
Another player from the capital city, Stephen Cluxton is the goalkeeper for Dublin GAA. Cluxton is the only player in the history of the sport to captain a team to seven championships, including six in a row from 2015-2020. Will he return to the winner’s circle this year?
Colm Cooper
Like Tom Brady or Michael Jordan, Colm Cooper of Kerry GAA is the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) of Gaelic football. Nicknamed “The Gooch”, this fiery Irishman played at the top level for nearly twenty years, continuing a tradition of excellence through twelve provincial titles and one All-Ireland title.
All-Ireland Gaelic Football Championship
The first ever All-Ireland Football Championship was played over 130 years ago in 1888. Since then, the tradition and the prestige of the championship has only grown. Amateur clubs from each county face off until one team is crowned champion.
There have been 19 different winners of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, with Kerry’s 38 titles putting them at the top of the list. Dublin is not far behind with 30 championships of their own. Galway (9), Cork (7), and Meath (7) are the next closest in total championships.
The format of the championship is being adjusted for 2023. Provincial championships will take place in Munster, Leinster, Connacht and Ulster during April and May. The group stage and quarter-finals will take place during June, with the semi-finals in July. It all leads up to the All-Ireland final on July 30th, 2023.
Who will take home the trophy? You’ll have to tune in and follow along to find out!
Hungry on Match Day?
When you’re craving the flavors of Ireland, no one has you covered quite like Tommy Moloney’s. Our premium meats and puddings are made with recipes handed down through generations. Order Tommy Moloney’s and experience the Taste of Home today!
