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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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hurling
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The national game of the republic of Ireland, played also in Northern Ireland. It is of extremely ancient origin, skill in the game being mentioned in ancient legends as an attribute of heroes. It became an organized sport with the foundation of the Irish Hurling Union in 1879 and the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884.
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The game shares elements of both hockey and lacrosse, in that the stick (hurley in English, camán in Gaelic) can strike the ball along the ground but also has a broad enough head for the ball to be balanced in the air and passed from player to player. There are 15 players in a team. The goals have uprights continuing above the crossbar as in rugby; hitting the ball above the crossbar scores one point, and a goal (below the crossbar) scores three. A version of the game crossed long ago to Scotland to become the basis of *shinty.
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