Irish sports remain one of the oldest in the world, with roots dating as far back as 3,000 years ago. This is conveniently prehistoric times, with some even starting before history was recorded in Ireland. Sports in Ireland are generally referred to as Gaelic games, which are played under the supervision of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).
The four Gaelic games include Gaelic football, hurling, Gaelic handball, and camogie. These sports are some hot betting grounds for Ireland bettors today. Therefore, if you are looking to get into any one of them, you need to be properly informed.
Gaelic Football
Gaelic football, also known as caid, was first historically recorded in 1308 BC and spanned for over 4000 years. It remains one of the oldest in Ireland and arguably the most loved by fans.
The game is played on a rectangular grass pitch with H-shaped at the end of each goal. It is characterized by high intensity, accuracy, full speed, and precision. Garlic football’s primary objective is to score by traveling with the ball over the goals. However, if the ball is sent over the bar of baby goal, it equates to one point, but two points are instead recorded when it’s sent under the bar. Finally, going directly into the goalmouth equates to three points.
Gaelic football is played with a round ball, with the rules allowing players to use both hands and feet to pass the ball. Each team consists of 15 players, who are all officiated by one referee. Because the primary objective is to score by driving the ball over under or through the goals as points are recorded, the team with the highest number of points at the end of the stipulated game time wins. The attendance and prestige of Gaelic football make it a good competition to bet on in Ireland.
Hurling
Hurling is arguably the fastest game played on grass, and also the most skillful in the world. First recorded in 1272 BC, the game is also one of the oldest and has roots in ancient Irish history.
Hurling bears resemblance to Gaelic football in the sense that it is played in a rectangular pitch with goals at each end taking the H-shape. Hurlings’ primary objective is to score the ball by driving it through the bar. However, it could be over the goal which is awarded one point, under the goal which is also awarded one point, or through the goal itself which is awarded three points.
The game of Hurling is played with a stick called hurley or camán in the Irish language, unlike Gaelic football that players can use their hands and feet. Each team is allowed 15 players each and one officiating referee. To win the game, all the teams need to do is to score as many points as possible during the stipulated time. At the end of the game time, the team with the higher number of points wins. Most importantly, the whole competition opens opportunities for bettors and bookmakers alike to create a thrilling betting environment.
Gaelic Handball
The first sight of Gaelic handball in history was recorded in Scotland, 1427. Over time, it has grown into being one of the most loved and played games in Ireland. The objective of the game, just like all other games, is to win. Gaelic handball is played by two players, where you must hit the ball against a wall stationed in front of you both and your opponent must return the ball after allowing it to bounce once on the ground.
There are really no complex rules for the game. The most basic rule when playing Gaelic handball is that each player must ensure the ball does not bounce more than once on the ground before returning it. Every time a player faults—does not return the ball or allows it to bounce more than once on the ground—a point is awarded to the opponent. At the end of the rounds and game, the player with the higher number of points wins.
Camogie
Camogie is very identical to Hurling, with the exception that it is played by only females. Basically, it is the female version of Hurling with few changes.
The game is played on a rectangular pitch with H-shaped goals at each end for each team. The team consists of 15 players each and an officiating referee. Just like hurling, sending the ball over the bar results in a point, under the bar results in a point, and though the goal itself results in three points.
This is where Camogie differs from Hurling. In the game, players are allowed to drop the hurley when playing the ball away and can also play their opponent’s hurley in a bid to contest for the ball. However, they are not allowed to shoulder charge. The team with the higher point at the end of the game time wins.
Conclusion
Gaelic games are some of the most thrilling and most profitable to bet on. From Gaelic football to hurling, there are a good number of traditional Irish sports to choose from with juicy odds for bettors. Besides winning potential, the thrill of each game adds an extra layer of adventure for you. However, most importantly, remember to bet responsibly and have fun while at it.