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 If you’re looking for an authentic experience, during your visit to Clare, you should take in a hurling or gaelic football match.
Visitors to Ennis are encouraged to check out times and venues of local games. Gaelic Games – which include hurling, football and camogie - are enjoyed by Irish people throughout the country and there is much banter and passion between Clare people as they support their favourite team.
The GAA - Gaelic Athletic Association - was founded by a Clare man, Michael Cusack in 1884. Clubs were formed generally around parish boundaries and the cream of these clubs graduated to play with distinction for their county. Members of this association are found throughout every county in Ireland and in places where to which the Irish have emigrated to. The late 19th century also saw revivals of shinty, a Scottish version of hurling, and bandy a Welsh version played in Northern England.
 Hurling is the oldest Irish sport and the first written mention of it is included in the Brehon Laws compiled during the 5th century. The sport has a major role in the Celtic legend of Cuchulainn who shortened his walk to his uncle’s court by hurling a silver (sliotar) ball and then throwing his bronze hurley stick after it. He would then run and catch both the sliotar and the hurley stick before they hit the ground.
Hurling and Gaelic Football are played in Ennis in Cusack Park – the county grounds -and at the Eire Og club grounds. Eire Og is the name of the Ennis club who won County honours in 2006 in Gaelic Football when they became County Champions. Clare became Munster Champions in Football when they defeated Kerry in 1992. One of the proudest moments in Clare GAA history was when Anthony Daly (who now owns the sports shop on O’Connell St) led the Clare Hurling Team to All Ireland Honours in 1995 at Dublin’s Croke Park.There were scenes of great jubilation in Croke Park enjoyed by Clare people who had travelled from all over the world for the historic event.
 When you visit Ennis, we suggest that you check the newspaper “The Clare Champion” to get the latest information on local fixtures that you could attend. Further information is available on the website www.claregaa.ie On this site, you will notice some National League fixtures. These games are played in Ennis, if Clare is the first team mentioned on the list – don’t hesitate to request clarification from your local accommodation provider. There are many proud football clubs in the western part of our county and there will regularly be games played in places such as Doonbeg and Miltown Malby which are easily reached from Ennis. Visitors with children may like to watch games that are played at under 12, 14, 16 and minor (under 18) levels.
This page is sponsored by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Cantata.
 
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