Celtic Circle's Barbara Thornhill states, “We thought it would be great to introduce this ancient Gaelic sport, the forerunner to today's soccer, field hockey and American football, to our community. Often referred to as 'the fastest field game in the world played on grass,' the match is guaranteed to entertain young and old alike. Crossville's soccer complex is a perfect place for these teams to 'meet in the middle'.”
Tammie French of the City of Crossville Parks and Recreation also states, “We like to introduce new sports to our area and are pleased that Nashville and Knoxville will compete using our facilities. We hope this will be an annual event. Who knows, perhaps a Quidditch tournament might be in our future too!”
Ben Conaway of Knoxville, says “The KGAC works throughout the year to promote Irish history and culture. Our team was formed in 2014, spearheaded by Chief Patrick Harvel, head of the 321 Army Engineer Unit as a supplement to the Unit's monthly physical fitness training. After competing in their first regional tournament in 2015, they opened up the membership and now boasts that roughly half of the team is made up of the army reserve unit and the rest are Knoxville residents.”
A Hurling team consists of 15 players called Hurlers. The Hurley(bat) is generally 24 to 36 inches long. The Sliotar(ball) is less than 3” in diameter and weights about 4 oz. A good strike with the Hurley can propel the Sliotar over 93mph and 361' in distance. A Sliotar hit over the crossbar is worth 1 point. A Sliotar hit under the bar into the net is called a goal and is worth 3 points. The Sliotar can be caught in the hand and carried for not more than four steps, struck in the air, or struck on the ground with the Hurley. It can be kicked, or slapped with an open hand for short-range passing. A player who wants to carry the ball for more than four steps has to bounce or balance the Sliotar on the end of the stick, and the ball can only be handled twice while in his possession. Provided that a player has at least one foot on the ground, a player may make a shoulder to shoulder charge on an opponent who is in possession of the ball or who is playing the ball or when both players are moving in the direction of the ball to play it. A game consists of two 30 minute halves. The clock runs the entire time.
During the half time, the public is invited to talk with the players, examine the equipment, and even take a swing with the Hurley.
Other upcoming events in which Celtic Circle – Americans Celebrating Our Celtic Heritage, will participate include on Tuesday, October 3, Jill Jones-Lazuka will speak on 'Dowsing for Graves and Mysteries of the Cemetery”. Celtic Circle will host an information tent and sponsor Gaelic games for the children at the annual Fall Festival held on the beautiful campus of Crab Orchard Christian Church, Exit 329 off I-40, on Saturday, October 21. Both events are free to the public.
For additional information about Celtic Circle, contact Barbara at callingallclans2013@gmail.com.
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