Ireland national hurling team

The Ireland national hurling team is a representative team for the island of Ireland in the hybrid sport of composite rules shinty–hurling.

The team dates from 1924, when Ireland competed at the Aonach Tailteann against national hurling teams from a number of countries. However, at present the only team it plays is the Scotland national shinty team, on an annual basis in the Shinty–Hurling International Series.

The team is usually made up of a mixture of high-profile hurlers who compete in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship as well as lesser-known players who play for smaller counties which traditionally compete in the Christy Ring and Nicky Rackard Cups. The managers of the senior men's team during the most recent series in 2019 were Willie Maher and Conor Phelan. Danny Cullen of Donegal captained the team in 2019.

Aonach Tailteann
The first international hurling competition to be held was at the Aonach Tailteann in 1924. Teams from Ireland, the United States, England, Scotland, and Wales participated in the hurling tournament. The Scotland national shinty team also participated in the games, inflicting a surprise 2-0 to 1-0 defeat on Ireland on the opening day of the games. However, Ireland won all of its matches in the hurling tournament. At the 1928 Aonach Tailteann, Ireland and the United States were the only participants in the hurling tournament, with Ireland securing a 5-9 to 4-3 victory. The final Aonach Tailteann in 1932 saw four teams competing; Ireland, the United States, Great Britain and South Africa.

International shinty–hurling matches
On 14 October 1933, representatives of the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Camanachd Association agreed to new rules governing international matches. An international compromise rules match was planned for Easter of the following year. However, the Camanachd Association broke off its links with the GAA following pressure from the British government.

As a result of continued Camanachd Association opposition to links with the GAA, the next full international between Ireland and Scotland would not be held until 1972. On 5 August 1972 Ireland defeated Scotland 6-4 to 4-5 at Bught Park, Inverness. Further internationals were held each year during the 1970s, apart from 1975. No full internationals were played between 1980 and 1987, but in 1988 the series was revived.