Hurling in Irish (Iomáin): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for hurling?

The Irish for hurling is iomáin (pronounced “UM-awn”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean driving.

Q: Does iomáin have more than one meaning?

Yes. Iomáin can mean hurling or driving, depending on context; the first is the most common. Iomáin also has its own entry as a verb meaning to drive.

How to say “hurling” in Irish

Irish:: iomáin
English:: hurling, driving
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “UM-awn” /ˈʊmˠaːnʲ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: iomána, na hiomána (e.g. cluiche iomána, a hurling match)

What does “iomáin” mean?

“Iomáin” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

hurling: The Irish field game played with a hurley (camán) and a small ball (sliotar).Also: hurling game, hurley game.

1 other meaning: driving

2driving: The driving or herding of animals along, or a drove of animals being driven; the related verbal noun of the verb iomáin is iomáint.Also: herding, drove.

Other Irish words for hurling: iománaíocht (hurling), iomáint (hurling)

Other entries for “iomáin”

The same spelling has its own page as:

iomáinto drive · verb

“Iomáin” with the article

Here is iomáin after the article (an t-alt).

an iomáin

the hurling

No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Iomáin” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using iomáin, the Irish word for hurling.

Is breá liom iomáin a imirt.

I love playing hurling.

Bhí an iomáin go hiontach inné.

The hurling was brilliant yesterday.

Chuamar go dtí cluiche iomána i bPáirc an Chrócaigh.

We went to a hurling match in Croke Park.

Tá foireann iomána mhaith sa pharóiste.

The parish has a good hurling team.

Is í an iomáin an spórt is tapúla ar domhan.

Hurling is the fastest sport in the world.

Bhí na páistí ag imirt iomána sa pháirc.

The children were playing hurling in the field.

Tá suim mhór ag m'athair san iomáin.

My father is very interested in hurling.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Hurling in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for hurling?

The Irish for hurling is iomáin (pronounced “UM-awn”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean driving.

How do you pronounce iomáin in Irish?

Iomáin is said like “UM-awn” (IPA /ˈʊmˠaːnʲ/).

Does iomáin have a plural?

No plural form is given for iomáin in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does iomáin have more than one meaning?

Yes. Iomáin can mean hurling or driving, depending on context; the first is the most common. Iomáin also has its own entry as a verb meaning to drive.

Why does iomáin sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an iomáin (the hurling), a hiomáin (her hurling), a n-iomáin (their hurling).

What is the difference between iomáint and iomáin?

Both are used for hurling and share the genitive iomána, as in cluiche iomána; iomáint is the more usual form for the game and is also the verbal noun of the verb iomáin, to drive.

What is the women's version called?

The women's game is camógaíocht, played with a camóg.

Hurling in Irish (Iomáin): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage