About the Team

The CUA Hurling Team proudly represents Catholic University across the USA in the sport of hurling. As the 2023 NCGAA Eastern Regional Champions, our team has established a strong reputation in collegiate hurling. We are known for our success on the field and commitment to bringing CUA’s name to tournaments across the country, taking on schools such as Notre Dame, Ohio State, UCONN, and Virginia Tech.

The team is dedicated to fostering community here at CUA, as we travel far and wide to compete against other universities. The CUA Hurling Team continues to build on our legacy, united by our passion for the sport and our drive to succeed in every competition.

A Little About Hurling:

Ireland’s national sport, Hurling is believed to have ancient origins, with references to the sport dating back to 1272 BC in Irish mythology and history. According to legend, the first recorded game was played in the reign of the High King of Ireland, Cú Chulainn, who is often celebrated as one of the greatest hurlers. The sport was more than just a game in ancient times; it was a means of training warriors and a way to settle disputes between rival clans.

Over the centuries, hurling evolved from a regional pastime into a nationally cherished sport. It survived through periods of cultural suppression and was revitalized with the founding of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in 1884, which formalized the rules and organized competitions. Today, hurling is one of the most popular and widely followed sports in Ireland, with the annual All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship attracting crowds of more than 80,000 in-stadium spectators and millions of viewers worldwide.

The scale of hurling has expanded beyond Ireland’s borders, with the sport gaining traction in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. International clubs and collegiate teams have formed, contributing to the global growth of hurling. This ancient sport, which once served as a rite of passage for Irish warriors, now enjoys a vibrant and growing international community, bringing people together through its unique blend of speed, skill, and tradition.

  • Executive Board

    2024-2025 Executive Board

    President:  Ben Mason
    Vice President - Michael McCarthy
    Treasurer - Erin Gardner
    Board Members - Tadgh Bowman & Abigail Rakow

     

  • Coaches

    Coaches

    Head Coach: John Harrison:A native of Greater Lansing, Michigan, John Harrison began at CUA in 2018 as a student. He helped to solidify Hurling as a recognized club in 2019. Graduating in 2022, he now calls Great Falls, VA home. John is a teacher at Christ the Redeemer School in Sterling, VA, and is excited to continue his CUA Hurling career by coaching this year.

     

     

  • Recruits

    Any future Cardinals interested in finding out more about CUA Hurling Team should email Ben, Michael or Erin at oca-hurling@cua.edu

    Please include your name, email, expected year of graduation & the position you play for (if applicable) if you are interesed in trying out in Fall 2024