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Where are the practices/games played?
It varies. Tournaments are usually held in Seattle or right outside of Seattle. Practices for both hurling and womens football are usually held in Magnolia at the Magnolia Field. City League Hurling games are generally played there too. For Womens Football, the games and scrimmages are held in various spots, such as Shoreline and Greenlake. Contact Jeanne to get a more detailed list.
When does the season run?
Our seasons usually start around early May and go till the beginning of September.
Can I join mid-season?
Yes, we always welcome players to come out regardless of where we are in the season. We will always take time to show new players how to play too.
What is the GAA?
The Gaelic Athletic Association is the governing body of the Gaelic Games of Hurling and Gaelic Football. It also governs such games as Rounders and Handball. It is a totally amateur, non-profit, community-based organisation whose remit includes the promotion of Irish culture as expressed through sport, poetry, song, dance, and music.
Are injuries common?
No. Physical contact in gaelic games is limited to a shoulder-to-shoulder charge with the player in possession of the ball. Your training will consist mostly of learning how to protect yourself. We require helmets to be used in hurling.
How can I get involved in watching the games?
View the Upcoming Events on each squads page or visit the calendar to see when our next games are.
How can I get involved in playing?
You can either contact the manager for the whichever squad you're interested in playing with or show up to a practice. Contacting the managers may give you more information based on what the schedule is looking like.
Who plays?
The Seattle Gaels is a mix of irish born players and americans looking to learn the sport. We encourage all to come out, regardless of your skill level.
Are there any professional leagues?
No. Although the All-Ireland championships look like major professional events, the only reward that the players get is the honour of winning. It is this that makes the GAA such a unique organisation. It remains free of the corrupting influence of out-of-control players' salaries and transfer markets.
Why do people play?
GAA club and county teams represent their local community. It is the honour of representing one's community that spurs people on to play, and the fact that the players on a team represent the area in which the team is based means that the following is loyal and fanatical. At local club level, people play for various reasons. They play because it is fun, it is a sociable activity, it is a challenge, to improve fitness and health, and for recognition for their achievements.
What is the greatest prize in Gaelic Games?
The most prestigious prizes in Gaelic Games are the inter-county All-Ireland Championships. For football the prize is the Sam Maguire cup. In Hurling it is the Liam McCarthy cup. These two finals are Ireland's equivalent of the Superbowl, and the two All-Ireland finals are huge national occasions. They are attended by the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and the Irish President, as well as any visiting VIPs and foreign dignitaries who may be in the country at the time.
(thanks to the San Francisco GAA for some of the content)
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