Gaelic Football:

 

Gaelic football got its 1st rules in 1885, under the auspices of the newly formed GAA. The game can be traced back to the 17th century. An all-Ireland championship has been contested since 1887. It is played by our Irish exiles in England, Australia, and in the US. 

 

Hurling:

 

It is believed that Brehon law recognised hurling many centuries ago. It is mentioned in 1527 and 1695, and regarded as a threat by the English Establishment.

 

The first laws of hurling were drawn up Dublin University Hurley Club in 1870. The rules of the game were rewritten by 1913. It has seen great progress under the GAA.

Camogie:

 

Camogie was first played in public at Navan, Co Meath , in 1904. It is the female version of hurley. Most support comes from teams in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast.

 

Handball: 

 

This game has been played in Ireland for 300 years at least. A governing body was formed in 1924. There were 210 clubs and about 2,800 players in Ireland in 1980. Does anybody know the current figures?