There are various different recreational activities in Ireland but by far Gaelic football is rated in most people's top three closely followed by hurling and camogie.

The majority of Gaelic football is played in Ireland where it was developed in the early 16^th century. Around the 16^th century a team consisted of all the men of the town or parish, where team members ranged from twenty-five to one hundred, The match began at a midway point between two towns and finished when the best team crossed the boundary line (midway point).

In 1884,The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) devised new rules which were put into action and are still in existence. From this date onwards there are fifteen players to a team. The match is now played on a football pitch, where at each end of the pitch is a goal made up of two vertical posts and a horizontal crossbar; a net is attached to the back.

The players may "solo" or "hop" the ball while running forward or they may also kick or punch the ball. Throwing or carrying the ball is not allowed as this is called a foul and the player is penalised by having a free kick awarded to their opponents. To score, the player must kick or punch the ball over the crossbar. This counts as one point, if it should reach the back of the net, their team is rewarded one goal, or three points.

To-day in Ireland Gaelic football is still popular and is also played in the U.S.A., New York, Canada and London, where teams take part in leagues and championships.

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