Gaelic ball
A football or Gaelic ball (Irish: liathróid peile)[1] is the spherical leather football used in the sports of Gaelic football and ladies' Gaelic football and international rules football.
![](../I/Gaelic_football_ball_on_pitch.jpg.webp)
The pattern of panels consists of six groups perpendicular to each other, each group being composed of two trapezoidal panels and one rectangular panel; 18 panels in all.[2]
Rules
Gaelic football
The football is required to weigh 480–500 grams (1.05–1.1 pounds) and have a circumference of 68–70 cm (2 ft ~3 in); therefore, a diameter of about 22 cm (9 in). Smaller balls can be used in under-15 or younger grades. In addition, balls are approved by Central Council "on the basis of compliance with standards and tests set out by Central Council […] Footballs shall fully comply with the Playing Gear and Equipment regulations as ratified from time to time by Central Council."[3] Footballs are pumped to 9.75–10 psi (67–69 kPa).[4]
Ladies' Gaelic football
In ladies' Gaelic football, a size 4 football is used in all grades of competition from under-12 upwards. A size 3 or Go Games football is used in younger age groups. [5]
History
Early rules did not precisely define the football, and the ball used was the same as that used in association football (soccer).[6]
The first distinctive Gaelic footballs were offered for sale in Dublin in 1886. Leather balls quickly became soggy and misshapen until water-resistant coatings were added.[7]
See also
References
- "Scéal liathróid peile i dTír Chonaill". Gaelic Athletic Association (in Irish). 13 May 2017. Archived from the original on 24 December 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
- Grasso, John (13 June 2013). Historical Dictionary of Football. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 9780810878570. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2020 – via Google Books.
- GAA Official Guide May 2017 (pdf) (Report). Gaelic Athletic Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 November 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
- Fogarty, John (18 September 2015). "All-Ireland: Pressure on to keep final balls in the air". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 24 December 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
- Playing Rules of Ladies Gaelic Football 2017 (PDF) (Report). Ladies' Gaelic Football Association. 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 April 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
- Campbell, Noel. "Gaelic Athletic Association Football Rules Book 1888". National Museum of Ireland. Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
- Chetwynd, Josh (3 May 2011). The Secret History of Balls: The Stories Behind the Things We Love to Catch, Whack, Throw, Kick, Bounce and Bat. Penguin. ISBN 9781101514870. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2020 – via Google Books.