'Hurling is more skilful. It's extremely fast and exciting,' said Murray, who works as a football coach at local and international schools.

'Hurling is more of a skill. It is easier to pick up Gaelic football,' said Baxter, a geology postgraduate student at the University of Hong Kong.

Gaelic football is a mix of football and rugby. Teams of 15 players ( or seven players in Hong Kong) battle across a pitch using a ball slightly smaller than a regular football.

The ball is carried for short distances, and passed from one player to another with a kick or a hand-pass - striking the ball with a hand or fist.

Hurling is similar to lacrosse or hockey. It is played on a large pitch with a curved wooden stick (called a hurley) and a small ball (a sliothar).

'You can run with the ball on the hurley. The goal looks like rugby goalposts, with a net on the bottom half.

'You can score [one point] by getting the ball between the goalposts. It's three points if you get it in the net,' Baxter explained.

'It's the same scoring [system] as Gaelic football,' Murray said.

'[But with football,] every four steps you have to take a solo [drop the ball onto the foot and kick it back into the hand].'

The Hong Kong Gaelic football team has developed over the past 10 years to become one of the best in Asia, winning major tournaments, such as the Asian Gaelic Games, All-China Games and Gulf Games, several times.

The team, now a mix of nationalities, is eagerly anticipating the next Asian Gaelic Games, which will be held in Singapore in June.

'The games are very serious, but they are also family-oriented.

'What's good about Irish sport is that it is very community-oriented. It's a great way to meet people.

'I definitely see it expanding in Hong Kong, especially since we have plans to introduce it to international schools and the local community in the next six months,' Baxter said.

'Our goal is to see [Gaelic football and hurling] alongside rugby, soccer and basketball as some of the most popular sports in Hong Kong.'

All you need is a commitment to training, and the team will welcome you with open arms. Simply contact them through their website.

St Patrick's parties

Celebrations will be held from 2pm at the Hong Kong Football Club next Saturday. Activities include hurling and Gaelic football, traditional games, and Irish music from a five-piece band Gasra, who are flying in from Ireland. There will also be traditional Irish food available. Entry is free for adults and HK$50 for children. For younger party-goers there will be a bouncy castle, face painting and other family fun.