It's Good Crack
Most people have never heard of the sports, but participation numbers in Gaelic Football and Hurling in New Zealand is increasing.
Both sports are of Irish origin and involve a combination of skills from traditional sports like football, Rugby, volleyball, and hockey.
After moving to New Zealand a handful of players created a Gaelic club to share their love of the sports with New Zealanders.
The Wellington Gaelic Association (Wellington GAA) are trying to expose Kiwis to the two sports in the hope they will take off here in New Zealand.
Every week over 30 players meet in Wellington's Wakefield park to train, play and just have a laugh.
New players say it's a great way to stay fit, connect with new people, and learn more about Irish culture.
Down at Wakefield park the Footballers take one pitch and the Hurlers take the other.
The footballers dash around. Ball in hand, then at their feet, then in their hands again.
Sound a little confusing? For most kiwis it probably is, considering traditional football rules ban the use of hands and arms.
Many people compare Gaelic to Aussie Rules.
The aim of Gaelic is to score by kicking the football through the football goal or through the rugby posts attached above it. Three points for a goal and one for a kick through the posts.
Players advance down the field with a combination of carrying, throwing, kicking, volleying, and soloing the ball.
(A solo is where a player hackies the ball onto their foot and then catches it again.)
After 4 steps players must decide whether to solo, volley, or kick the ball.
On the other side of the park, loud cracks are made from the Hurlers striking the 'ball' to eachother.
A hurley is a hybrid of a hockey stick and a baseball bat. The flat end used to carry or whack the sliotar (pronounced schlitter) down field.
Players wear american football-like head gear proving the brutality of the game.
Gaelic Football and Hurling are sports like no other.
In saying this rugby and football players would love the fast paced nature of Gaelic and can transfer their skills easily.
Likewise, Hockey players and anyone with enough hand-eye coordination would love the physicality and challenging nature of Hurling.
The Wellington Gaelic Association is slowly growing in numbers. They have numerous training sessions and tournaments for players of all skills.
The club regularly host taster sessions and encourage newcomers at any of their training's. So if you fancy a challenge for the new year get involved in two interesting, fast paced sports.
Not only will you be learning a new sport, you will be surrounded by a great bunch of Irishmen and women and may even pick up some Irish slang.
In the word of the players "It's good crack!!" which translates to "All a bit of fun".
To find out more go to: http://www.wellingtongaa.com/