Midfield
The role of the midfield who wears the number 8 or 9 jersey is to catch kick outs / puck outs (fielding) from either team's goalkeeper, and to act as the main link between the defending and attacking sections of the team. Midfield is often described as the most important role on the pitch.
If the opposing goalkeeper is kicking the ball to the middle of the field, the midfielder has the responsibility to retrieve the ball and therefore prevent the opposing team from taking advantage and bringing the ball forward.This then gives a new responsibility to the midfielder to get the ball moving forward to the half forward and full forward lines. The position requires the player to have strength, speed, good catching ability, a good kicking game and, most importantly, endurance.
It is important for the midfield to have a good understanding of their goalkeeper. They must anticipate where their goalkeeper will place the ball and therefore take advantage and bring the ball forward.
Note that there is rarely a "left midfielder" and "right midfielder" - both play 'off' each other as a combined unit.
If one midfielder is attacking,the other usually drops back to defend. Both midfielders rarely attack or defend at the same time.
Read more about this topic: Gaelic Football, Hurling And Camogie Positions