The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word HURLER
H
U
R
L
E
R
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "member of Irish sports team" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case member of irish sports team = hurler.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HURLER mean?
HURLER noun- Agent noun of hurl; someone who hurls or throws.
- (1800s) The pitcher.
- Someone who participates in the sport of hurling.