Goalkeeper
The role of a goalkeeper who wears the number 1 jersey in Gaelic games is similar to other codes; to prevent the ball from entering the goal. The goalkeeper in Gaelic football and hurling also usually has the role of kicking or pucking the ball out to the outfield players. A good goalkeeper most often has good agility and bravery as well as strength and height. In Gaelic football a keeper's shot stopping ability is of great importance. There is no limit to where on the field the goalkeeper can travel, although once they are outside of the penalty area, they are subject to the same rules as all other players. A goalkeeper in men's football may touch the ball on the ground within his own penalty area, and is the only player permitted to do so.
It is not permitted to physically challenge a goalkeeper while inside his own small parallelogram, but players may harass him into playing a bad pass, or block an attempted pass. The substitute goalkeeper usually wears the number 16 jersey and the third choice goalkeeper usually wears the number 31 jersey.
Read more about this topic: Gaelic Football, Hurling And Camogie Positions