Rob Reacts to... Best Hurling Saves - GAA

A compilation of some of the best saves in hurling from the likes of Donal Og Cusack, Brendan Cummins, Eoin Murphy, Anthony Nash, Nicky Quaid and much more.
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#hurling #hurlingsaves #gaa

[@dougoneill7266]

Watch a whole hurling match. I think you'll enjoy it. It is definitely a sport that benefits from hearing the crowd and it's passion. My daughter played in goal for years and I regularly saw her stop the ball with every part of her body, head, legs, arms, torso. whatever she could get in front of the ball. I saw her attack the ball in the area without any regard for the attackers hurley or the ball or anything else. In my opinion. this is the greatest field sport.

[@mauriceluciano5211]

Yeah cos your daughter knows the craic and is a legend. You don't think about anything else apart from stopping that wee bastard from getting past ye. Personal safety doesn't come into it. Too focused/in the zone. That's a true player.

[@seanpearl3970]

I’m a sub keeper myself and in the spur of the moment it is like I don’t give a shite what happens to my body as long as this ball doesn’t get past me.

[@Twopennysau]

Mad respect for the Irish - and I mean that phrase in every which way it can be interpreted!

[@RobReacts1]

Its just bloody insane! And people think Aussie rules is a tough sport!

[@cheiftain732]

@@RobReacts1 they have a mixed rules ozzy / GAA ireland v austrailia. Its like mma. 2001 was almost banned it got that bad

[@joemurphy2738]

I played as a full back at club level for over 20 years, 3 different clubs at various levels from Intermediate to Junior B. The best goalies that I played in front of all had a mad streak in them, insane levels of courage and concentration. Often raised my own levels as a result because they deserved whatever protection ,time and space I could provide

[@mauriceluciano5211]

I was always more of a football player (being from Donegal) but played a bit of hurling as my Da is Tipp and he was a goalie. And he defo had a mad streak.

[@joemurphy2738]

@@mauriceluciano5211 Played both with and against a few Tipp men when I was in Dublin. Don't ever remember them giving anybody an easy day, always a joy.As a Corkman who married a Donegal lass, kudos on keeping the game going up there, it's easy as breathing playing here, a lot harder in those areas where there isn't the same level of interest or tradition.

[@conordorrian1652]

The old no3 s would kill you before any forward got near his keeper😅

[@qwertyTRiG]

I think that all hurlers are a bit mad, but the goalkeepers are on a special level.

[@RobReacts1]

Oh for sure! Balls of steel!

[@callum64151]

U either have to be mental or the worst player

[@1tommymulligan]

Jason Statham described hurling as "a cross between hockey and murder." He wasn't far off, even the officials aren't safe.

[@jamielockdown]

From a big picture game perspective, I think the goalkeeper is there so that it's not trivially easy to just puck the sliotar from long range so that it drops under the crossbar. If you get in close and have enough space, you're odds on to score. The goalkeeper is just there so that you *have* to get in close and find enough space for a good contact. That said, a really good goalkeeper can make saves even when they're not expected to and that can tip the balance of a close game. More importantly, puckout accuracy is a huge part of the modern game. Edit: I'm glad there were a few older clips near the end. Donal Óg Cusack, Brendan Cummins. There were some special goalies playing at that time. And no helmets! (I don't think I actually saw Cummins in the compliation but he deserves a mention)

[@ddr.5959]

I played as a goalkeeper and even at a minor level you actually see the ball coming and you react accordingly because you have normally played all your life, your reactions are second to none. However, our job was to stop the stupid stuff and the rest is a bonus. The thing is we played and trained so much we have many bonuses. I remember catching a penalty once and even my own team didn't know where the ball was, I had to scream go I have it. It's just chaos really. The thing is we do see the ball coming and we do have tactics to deal with it. When you play on a bad pitch and the ball bounces past you because it hit a divot on the way in or you misjudge a high ball that is the worst felling in the world.. Yes it's a mad position to play but you don't have to run around as much, so it's not so bad.🤠

[@niallocallanain3579]

There are similar games in Scotland and The Isle Of Man both with a variation of the word 'cam' which means 'bent stick' but they do not attract the same crowds as hurling does in Ireland. Women's hurling is called 'camogie'. In fact the stick itself is called a 'camán'.

[@BRIDINC1972]

There was an Irish tv program made where a hurling player and a baseball player swooped , the hurler training and playing baseball in Florida was considered an ace cos he tried using the baseball g!ove and couldn't so there he was playing baseball and catching balls in the air. The baseball player in ireland couldn't mastever freehand as well and was later player as goalie( he did pretty well)

[@BRIDINC1972]

Irish hurlers are training with sliotars from a very young age, we know how to catch a ball without big bulky gloves in the way

[@shamnet]

I enjoyed your reaction. It sure helped gear up for Hurling's biggest day in its sporting calender with The All Ireland final on sunday next. That will be one to try catch... thanks for your reaction enjoyed it.

[@veronicamacgreevy6532]

Rob pop on a flight to Ireland this summer and go to an All Ireland semi-final in Croke Park. The game is amazing and the spectators will also impress you with their knowledge of each player in terms of their club and county performances. The sportsmanship is exemplary. Girls play their version of hurling called camogie. By the way Donal Og the Cork keeper is an openly gay man but what matters he is an outstanding hurler and not tv pundit

[@user-xv2zl1wx6x]

Thanks for your wonderful videos on this great sport Rob. You have a very strong grasp of the essential rules and requirements of the game. It took me a while as a five year old- a year or two anyway until I was about seven. Fair play to you! I grew up in Cork. My Dad was from Kilkenny and my Mom was Tipp. Though not a strong sporting family normally, my parents would always make a point to take the tv over from us little laddies every All Ireland final so we all (my siblings and I) had no choice anyway but to watch it. Christ, the craic and banter between the three counties in the same house was only mighty every time! Unfortunately I was hopeless at the game despite my illustrious pedigree (: but I still love to watch a game or two even now at 57 (:

[@TheDelacato]

Rob, really enjoying your reaction to our wonderful sport of hurling. A couple of points. From when we were children we started developing the subtle skills to play the game. It’s all in the ‘eye’. And, ‘the ball, the ball, the ball…’ Now the game is not in any way as dangerous as it looks. Or, perhaps more so for those first viewing it. In the old days, the old days, my father and grandfather’s time the goalie did not have the protection (from the rules) that they have nowadays. Way back then the goalkeeper was likely to end up in the back of the net along with the ball (the sliotar (pronounced ‘slitter’)! Hope you get to see a game live sometime. There’ll be plenty who will be happy to explain what is going on! 🙏☘️

[@RobReacts1]

The new season starts this month so Im definatly looking at watching some games plus potentially getting to a game live!

[@joemoorehead1954]

As I’m sure you see from some comments most goalkeepers in both hurling and Gaelic football are normally a bit nuts But their reactions are definitely faster than the normal out field players and surprisingly it not that easy to score goals in hurling most defenders are also nuts and Ive seen many many times lad/ ladies blocking full on strikes with WHATEVER body part they can use the commitment/ loyalty is so imbedded

[@24hrs365]

I wonder how a hurling keeper would cope with stopping shots from a soccer player. Advantages of a bigger ball and slower ball speed but using his hands . Interesting experiment to compare his reflexes against a soccer keeper.

[@billabong9215]

Majority of the time goalies are instinctually reacting, they know by the angle the player is running at, if there's a defender behind or beside them, limiting the available shot selection, and then where the guy throws the ball up to when making they're shot. If the offensive player( the forward) throws the ball up high, the shot will always be high, if they drop if low the shot has a greater chance of being low. Combine that with the players body position when they strike the ball. You've a fairly good chance of knowing where the ball is going to go.... that doesn't mean your going to get anywhere near it. But with a lit of practice, you it is possible to make these saves. We are also thought from a young age that striking a ball wide at the near post is a huge no no, whether it's a point or goal attempt. Most of the time you aim to hit the ball across the keeper, they have a greater distance to move to get to the ball and if the do get to it. There is a greater possibility that it will be deflected back out towards a team mate who might score. Every hurler has the the words ' Don't drive the ball wide at the near post" ingrained in their head. Practice enough and all these things become instinct. I've played at the very highest levels of hurling and while your looking at these from a regular person's viewpoint. We have trained since we are 4 or 5 years old to be able to perform to this level.

[@grahamwatt6290]

Natural instinct when in danger, especially when it's coming at a fair rate of knots, is to flinch or get out of harms way. These guys are either amazing, or just bat-sh!t crazy. 🤯

[@martincummins3731]

Hi Rob. I love your channel and reactions. I know it can be hard for people who are not Irish, and who have not grown up playing hurling. To understand how deep it runs in our blood. This game is derived from the close quarter battle training used by Irish kings and chieftains to train their troops for close quarter battle. It dates back at least 3000 years. Unfortunately even to this day there are fatalities, especially at the school or parish level, but. they are extremely rare. As a 63 year old, it is a long time since I have played competitively, but my grandchildren play. My grand daughters play the women's version, called Camogie. It is essentially the same game played by Women only. There is no gender mixing. It requires the same skill and stamina. I don't understand why, but. It does not receive the same level of support. If you have not watched a Camogie match. I suggest you check out all Ireland Camogie finals.

[@Bock75]

A sliotar travels way faster than a football. That’s why penalties are from 21 meters

[@AMan-zt8tz]

Try get a look at Kilkenny v Wexford from last weekend, epic stuff.

[@johnwhear9600]

I've watched a few hurling games in the past, needs the Irish commentary imho, But, as a hard man's sport, soccer, gaelic football, afl, both rugby's, nfl etc. are games for wimps. I played a little field hockey many years ago as a goalie (but I was padded up like the michelin man). So a hard pass from me, I'm ok dealing with the magpies, great whites, crocs and redbacks... :-)

[@RobReacts1]

haha yea i certainly would not want to be a hurling goalkeeper either!

[@terrymurray9818]

Hey rob great reaction video yes its hard game you no theres a few people going around with glass eyes i no 2 myself they didn't always have the helmets good job rob

[@niallcaterson7858]

On sky sports now during the summer. On a Saturday and Sunday. Think you would enjoy the back and forward of a full match

[@galoglaich3281]

If you have sky sports you can watch games live in the upcoming championship or if you don't they are full length matches on yt.I recommend the 2014 all ireland final

[@RobReacts1]

when is the season?

[@galoglaich3281]

@@RobReacts1 26th of june to the 22nd of august.Not sure how many or what games sky has the rights too,but will be on the sky timetable.Usually saturday nights

[@Bock75]

@@RobReacts1 that’s just this year because of lockdown. The 2014 all Ireland final drawn game is one of the best games ever

[@JimONeill]

@@Bock75 Totally agree, one of the best All Ireland Finals ever.

[@stalkek]

Should be an absolute international sport, though that it’s an amateur sport where you represent your region isn’t something to lose either. That gives it so much soul also.

[@connmallon]

the ball at the speed/velocity it travels, it's like the same thing used in crowd control and as the goal keeper you willing stand in front of that. hmmm, I don't think I'd be that person, so credit to them

[@gallowglass2630]

There is a video of the scottish counterpart of hurling shinty where a goal keeper saves with his head,just his head no helmet.

[@RobReacts1]

Ouch! You got to have some serious balls to be a goalkeeper in these sports!

[@gallowglass2630]

@@RobReacts1 Well given cricket balls have killed people by hitting the head ande the shinty ball is nearly as hard it most certainly does

[@Bock75]

They used to not wear helmets. Almost all elite goalkeepers didn’t wear helmets before 2010

[@gerryscallan8992]

Hi Rob 👋I know your reaction is much the same as people from outside of Ireland 🇮🇪 but Irish people have been watching hurling for thousands of years so its not surprising to use the skills the reaction the speed is just par for the course so its extra interesting to see people reactions from outside of Ireland I don't know if I said this to you before the last time that spectators were allowed into gaelic games was 2019 so just Google all Ireland hurling final 2019 and all Ireland football final 2019 then you will see a complete game I am certain you will be very impressed

[@RobReacts1]

I watched the end of a final which ended in a replay. Its so quick and impressive!!

[@johnhehir508]

Limerick goal keeper Joe quaid had testicles damaged from a penalty puck, when you consider that a well struck penalty can on average be travelling at between 80_100 mph ,

[@columlennon]

You have to remember unlike all the other sports you are comparing huring to all the players are amateur and all have jobs as well so any injuries they incur on the pitch can affect them in their daily life

[@RobReacts1]

Yes i get that, same as Gaelic football!

[@ThisZombieBitesEverything]

G’day mate, this game is right up there with AFL, got to be tough 😂

[@RobReacts1]

I would possibly go as far as saying this is on another level even to aussie rules!!

[@ThisZombieBitesEverything]

@@RobReacts1 100%, for me it’s AFL first(only because it’s the home sport and I grew up on it) However,when ever this is on tv here in Australia I watch, this would be my favourite sport from another country(but sadly we don’t get it often on tv here)

[@conordorrian1652]

Goalkeepers are a special breed. From an early age any young lad who shows promise is taken to the side and given unique coaching to develop his reactionary skills . I know it sounds crazy but these lads have NO fear actually they thrive on the danger. Keepers have a mentality of " nothing is getting past me " . When sn opposing forward is running towards goal , top keepers have themselves positioned to make the chance of scoring as hard as possible.Also they look at the body language of the opposite player, trying to calculate before the strike of the ball where it's going......Ask an ex keeper ,it does help to be a little mad also,so come close to a hurling goalkeeper at your peril...😜😜

[@julianmcwey866]

Similar to facing a fireing squad !! Considering that ball travels at 80mph

[@RobReacts1]

It's definitely not a job I would want! 😅

[@johnobrien2060]

All these goalkeepers and not a single highlight of the greatest, Damien fitzhenrey

[@SolidusSnapes]

You should buy a ball off ebay just to see how hard they are. They are solid. Gaelic football balls are heavy too.

[@RobReacts1]

I have a silotar behind me. I'm waiting for a chance to use and practice with it

[@gerryscallan8992]

Hi Rob it's not hand to eye coordination it's just hand eye coordination yes I am always am amused when people looking at our hurling for the 1st time saying what is the point of having a goalkeeper it's got to be impossible to save a ball travelling at over 90 mph if goalkeepers were never able to stop a goal then we wouldn't have them and as usual you are right there is nothing on earth that equates to hurling especially the goalkeepers their skills are beyond amazing and I would add gaelic football goalkeepers in soccer you have to kick from the ground but gaelic footballers most kick from the hand so they have much more control as to where to place the ball the goals in GAA are 6.5 meters across and 2.5 meters high in soccer it's 7.32 meters across and 2.44 high the gaelic football is slightly smaller than a soccer ball hope this adds to your knowledge of our amazing ancient games

[@matthewedgeworth4509]

For your reading pleasure - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Quaid#Inter-county "On 27 April 1997, Quaid suffered a serious injury in a National League game against Laois when the sliotar struck Quaid in the groin at high speed following a penalty attempt by David Cuddy. His right testicle exploded on impact while half of the other testicle had to be surgically removed.[15][16][17] In spite of the injury, Quaid won a second National League medal on 5 October 1997 after a 1-12 to 1-09 defeat of Galway in the final.[18]"

[@RobReacts1]

Oh my god! You dont get that sort of injury playing football!!

[@matthewedgeworth4509]

@@RobReacts1 haha indeed you do not

[@mauriceluciano5211]

I was hoping to see that in spite of his injury he could still make little Quaids but no. 🤣

[@fatbap]

@@mauriceluciano5211 Funny you should say that. His son Nicky Quaid went on to play in goal for Limerick.

[@cheiftain732]

Cloudy days the sliotar dissapears until its drops a bit . You get used to it. You should look at ire v aus international rules .

[@cheiftain732]

The 2001 series was brutal . Clothslines punches its like ozzy rules GAA and MMA with goals . Have a look its great

[@galoglaich3281]

A goalkeeper in the seventies had his nether regions busted by a ball .The ball was heavier then but even still

[@oisinmccarthy8717]

It's still very heavy

[@galoglaich3281]

@@oisinmccarthy8717 Yes and they are hitting it more force nowadays

[@seanpearl3970]

I think that was Nicky quaids father (Limerick goalkeeper)

[@lordbluntwell2353]

The biggest motivation as a keeper is not to get hit 😹 it really fecken hurt's believe me when I tell your fear has a lot to do with reaction time 🤣 I think the inner thigh was the worst the whole leg goes numb

[@gerryfinegan]

I will be killed for this? But you have to be bit cracked to play in goal!

[@RobReacts1]

I couldnt agree more. They say goalies in football are a different breed...but goalies in hurling are just mental!

[@gerryscallan8992]

Hi again Rob I just did a check you need to Google all Ireland hurling final 2019 full game the same for the gaelic football final 2019 otherwise you won't see them

[@lindaostrom570]

thats the thrill of hurling " not being protected" otherwise it would just be football. so skill wins not tweaking rules in your favour.

[@broken505rythem_yt]

Someone tell him that helmets were only made mandatory a few years

[@RobReacts1]

You just did

[@broken505rythem_yt]

@@RobReacts1 yooooo a reply from a youtuber! This is a first. Thanks for the mention

[@RobReacts1]

@@broken505rythem_yt I am nice like that! ;) Its amazing to think this was played without helmets!

[@philbradshaw7650]

I'd suggest 2014 All Ireland final Tipperary v Kilkenny

[@RobReacts1]

Just done. It will be out possibly friday :)

[@philbradshaw7650]

@@RobReacts1 looking forward to it 👍

[@TheGatelyfan1]

The fastest ball game and skill in the world,come on the Irish

[@ballockybill2277]

That ball is not much softer than a cricket ball .

[@cheiftain732]

Not as heavy .more like a baseball .

[@cheiftain732]

London have a team. The exiles

[@meath327]

They were gumsheilds....helmets were made compulsory. Some players dislike wearing them..

[@RobReacts1]

Crazy!

[@meath327]

@Rob Reacts was in Croke Park last night. It is great to see people taking an interest in the best field sport in the world....I love the game but I was brutal at it. The skill level is insane. Keep up the good work. Dublin fan...

[@cheiftain732]

They use the shtik

[@lcorbett9227]

Rob you need to react to Jeff and kammu road to Croker !

[@RobReacts1]

any links?

[@lcorbett9227]

@@RobReacts1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipjUZGOMq8uMqpI

[@jamesmurphy4408]

I’m a goalkeeper

[@cheiftain732]

Helmets are new well im 43 we never used them . They are needed .

[@cheiftain732]

Mixed fans i never saw a fight

[@lordbluntwell2353]

Here's another about fact about how mad we are 🤣 if the helmet rule wasn't enforced about 30% of players wouldn't wear them 😧

[@joemoorehead1954]

It’s still a very danger game even with the helmets 2 juvenile players that I know of died last year from head injuries in the game of hurling/ comogie ( women hurling) but it about 3 thousand years old

[@cosullivan311]

Helmets are only being used in the last few years,players learn from a very young age, it's all about the love of your community's in your local area,these players don't get paid, it's all for the love of the game.

[@cfkidsfitnessfennelly8725]

I play goalie

[@RobReacts1]

You must have some guts then

[@FelimCotton]

I play in goal and I’m 12

[@stellasinnott4263]

I play in goal and I'm 11

[@kojack57]

Doesn't matter where or how hard a sliothar hits you. It always hurts ...like really hurts.

[@RobReacts1]

haha I bet! I bought one and they are bloody hard!

[@raybo64]

You think that goal keeping is great, I once saw an opposing teams goalkeeper who had an artificial leg.

[@johnc4774]

please stop blaspheming

[@RobReacts1]

with all due respect, im not religeous... so it is simply a emotive word. I dont impose my beliefs on you...don't try doing the same

[@johnc4774]

@@RobReacts1 I'm not imposing anything, it was a request, not a command. I wish you well, but I won't be subscribing.