Search Results for 'Tom Sweeney'

In 1791, a French writer, in his impressions of Galway wrote, “In August, hurling begins to be played. Each team is divided into three sections – 'L’arriere' of back guards the goal and seeks to stop the ball from passing through. Another group is in front to prevent the enemy’s ball from coming back from that end, that is the middle; the third group called the whip is 'sur le terrain' [on the ground]. The game of hurling is 'Behine' and the place they play – Turlough. The ball is cow’s hair, very compact and covered with leather. The spectators are on the ground about – the majority dancing. The sides are distinguished by the colour of their caps. It is terrifying to see the way they rush into each other to force the ball to pass under the goal.”