GAA Words in Irish: Peil, Iomáint and Camógaíocht
The Irish names for Gaelic football, hurling and camogie, key match terms such as cúl and pointe, and the story of the Cumann Lúthchleas Gael.
Gaelic games are a big part of Irish life, and much of their vocabulary comes straight from the language. This is a good topic for learning practical words.
The Gaelic Athletic Association
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was founded in 1884. Its Irish name is Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, meaning roughly "the Gaelic Athletic Association". Gaelic games are played across Ireland and by Irish communities abroad.
The main sports
| English | Irish |
|---|---|
| Gaelic football | peil Ghaelach (or just peil) |
| hurling | iomáint |
| camogie | camógaíocht |
Match vocabulary
| English | Irish |
|---|---|
| match, game | cluiche |
| team | foireann |
| goal | cúl |
| point | pointe |
| ball | liathróid |
| pitch | páirc |
| player | imreoir |
| referee | réiteoir |
Scoring
In Gaelic football and hurling, a cúl (goal) is worth three points and a pointe is worth one:
- Scóráil sé cúl. — He scored a goal.
Useful sentences
- Tá cluiche againn Dé Domhnaigh. — We have a match on Sunday.
- Is maith liom peil. — I like football.
- Cé a bhuaigh? — Who won?
Learning tip
Watching matches with Irish-language commentary is a good way to hear natural speech, and match reports are a fun way to practise reading.
Tips
- Learn the sports and scoring terms first.
- Follow a local team and learn its Irish name.
- Use the dictionary to look up match reports.
English Irish Dictionary
Offline English–Irish (Gaeilge) dictionary with clear, accurate meanings
More about English Irish Dictionary
Animals and Nature in Irish
Irish words for farm animals, wildlife, plants and landscape features such as mountains, lakes and the sea.
Read article →Getting Around in Irish: Directions and Transport
Irish words for transport, roads and directions, with the phrases you need to ask the way and understand bilingual road signs.
Read article →Irish Music Words: Ceol, Amhrán, Damhsa and Seisiún
Irish words for traditional music, instruments, songs and dance, including bodhrán, fidil, sean-nós and céilí.
Read article →Irish Names: Ó, Ní, Mac and What They Mean
How Irish surnames work, the meaning of Ó, Mac and Ní, common first names in Irish, and how to say English surnames in Irish.
Read article →