The Irish sport of hurling has been officially recognized by UNESCO as having special cultural status. The game has now been added to Representative List of the Intangible Culture Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
It marks the sport out as having particular cultural significance to Ireland but the game has gradually taken root in other regions around the world where there is a high population of Irish people living.
If you are not familiar with the sport of hurling, here are a few interesting facts you might like to know.
1. Hurling closely resembles a cross between field hockey and lacrosse. Players use a wooden stick made of ash to strike a ball which is traditionally made of leather.
2. The stick used in hurling is referred to by a number of names – hurl, hurley or caman. The ball is known as the sliothar.
3. Teams score in hurling by either striking the ball over the crossbar and between two upright posts. This will score one point. The can also score a goal by striking the ball under the bar and into the net, which results in three points.
4. There are 15 players on a hurling team and teams are usually split into on goalkeeper, six defenders or backs, two midfielders and six forwards.
5. Hurling is often referred to as the fastest field sport in the world and players can strike the ball up to 100 yards.
6. The most successful Irish county in hurling is Kilkenny who has won the All-Ireland Championship 36 times. The All-Ireland champions receive the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
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