HURLING
Hurling is the oldest sport in the world and the fastest sport on grass. Often described as a mix of lacrosse, field hockey, and baseball—only faster and more intense. Played with a wooden stick called a hurley and a baseball-sized ball called a sliotar, hurling demands lightning-fast reflexes, pinpoint accuracy, and incredible athleticism.
Each team has 15 players who compete on a 145 x 90 meter (159 x 98 yard) field, where players strike, pass, and solo the sliotar at speeds exceeding 100 mph. The game’s unique scoring system rewards both finesse and power—sending the sliotar over the crossbar earns 1 point, while a goal into the net is worth 3 points. With minimal stoppages and relentless end-to-end action, hurling might be the most exhilarating field sport in the world.
The San Francisco Gaelic Athletic Association (SFGAA) hosts a vibrant hurling league that welcomes both seasoned players and interested newcomers eager to test their skills and experience the unmatched thrill of the game.
sfgaa hurling
San Francisco is home to five hurling clubs.
SFGAA clubs represent the Western Division in the Senior, Intermediate, and Junior grades.
The Joseph Mary Plunketts is a proud hurling club in San Francisco, competing in the city’s vibrant GAA community. Named after the Irish patriot, the Plunketts foster camaraderie and athletic excellence. Open to all, we welcome players of all skill levels to join.
Na Fianna is a passionate hurling club in San Francisco, dedicated to promoting Ireland’s ancient sport. With a strong sense of community and competitive spirit, we welcome players of all levels to join us on the field. Committed to skill development and teamwork.
Pearse Óg is a dedicated hurling club in San Francisco, bringing Ireland’s fastest field sport to the Bay Area. With a strong tradition of competitiveness and camaraderie, we welcome players of all skill levels. Committed to excellence and teamwork, Pearse Óg continues to grow and promote hurling in our community.
St. Joseph’s is a proud and competitive hurling club representing the South Bay and Silicon Valley in San Francisco’s GAA community. Dedicated to preserving and growing Ireland’s national sport, we welcome players of all abilities. With a strong focus on teamwork and skill development, St. Joseph’s keeps hurling thriving in the region.
Founded in 2017, the Tipperary Hurling Club of San Francisco has rapidly become a dominant force in American hurling. Welcoming players from Ireland, America, and beyond, the club boasts back-to-back USGAA Senior Hurling Championships in 2023 and 2024, and a Junior Championship in 2024. Their success stems from a blend of homegrown Bay Area talent and skilled Irish hurlers, fostering a competitive and inclusive environment.