14th July saw the launch of a brand new, indigenous Irish sport called Gaelic Tag. This is a unique and exciting, non-contact team sport played by mixed teams of men and women. It will be played competitively for the first time this summer in Dublin in an 8 week league starting on 30th July, with a preview launch evening on the 23rd. As well as helping players keep fit, Gaelic Tag is also a fantastic way to relax and meet new people. Every week new, live bands will be showcased and lots more free entertainment will be provided – all part of the ‘après-match’ fun.
Anyone interested in playing should check out www.gaelictag.ie or www.facebook.com/gaelictag. It costs €500 to register a team (of 12 players) for the summer league consisting of at least 8 matches (€5 per match per person).
Gaelic Tag can be played by people of all ages and fitness levels and combines the excitement of gaelic football with the safety of a non-contact ‘tag’ sport. This means it is suitable for all types of people – whether they are the fittest person in their gym, or someone who hasn’t played sports since they were in school.
The game is played by teams of 7 people – 3 of whom must be girls. A full squad comprises of 12 people and players are rotated on and off constantly as there is no limit on substitutions. The Gaelic Tag pitch is less than 80m long or approximately the width of a normal GAA pitch.
The rules of Gaelic Tag have been developed specifically to make it a safe, fun game that can be enjoyed by both men and women alike. It is strictly a non-contact sport – players in possession of the ball are ‘tackled’ by pulling a six-inch long tag that is attached to either side of their shorts by velcro. This means the game is much more focused on moving the ball quickly between players resulting in a fast paced, thrilling game.
Almost all sports played today are segregated by sex. Gaelic Tag is different – it brings men and women, young and no-so-young, all together to enjoy a healthy outdoor sport. It allows them to take part in a uniquely Irish game and what’s more, it does all this within a culture of fun and enjoyment. What better way to spend a summer’s evening than playing Gaelic Tag with good friends and relaxing after with a BBQ, live music and maybe even a drink or two.
An open evening will be held on 23rd July in the Iveagh Grounds, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12 for anyone interested in seeing how the game is played and wants to sign up a team. To keep up with all the Gaelic Tag news why not add us as a friend on Facebook (GAA players from every county team in the country already have – including a men’s football All-Ireland winning captain). Find us at www.facebook.com/gaelictag.
For more information:
Details on the sport, the rules and the how to register for the upcoming league: www.gaelictag.ie