Ancient Irish Sport Played In Portland

CAPE ELIZABETH (NEWS CENTER) -- Tourists and Mainers were treated to a hurling match Saturday afternoon at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth.

Hurling is a sport invented in Ireland more than 30 centuries ago.

It's been described as "field hockey on steriods".

Two teams play two 35-minute periods on a typical soccer-sized field.

Team members are equipped with a bat called a hurlee, and hit a ball called a slither.

The goal is to get the slither either in the goal for 3 points or over the goalposts for one.

Matt Ryle of the Portland Marauders says once you try this sport -- you'll never put your stick down.

"Come out, we usually have spare hurlees, spare slithers spare helmets, and just come out and try it" says Ryle. "You'll be hooked".

The underdog Marauders defeated the Concord Barley House Wolves 27-10.

If you'd like you learn more about Hurling, click here.