Irish road bowling, popular in Ireland for over 300 years, is returning to Central New York!
What is Irish Road Bowling?
Part golf, part bocce, part bowling. . .
The rules are simple - hurl a small 28 oz.
cannonball along a two mile "country road."
Players must throw underhanded. Scoring is similar to golf - the
least amount of throws needed to complete the course wins. Teams
of four will compete against other teams to see who can cross the
finish line in the fewest number of throws.
Here's a few bowling terms to get you started...
- Bowl or Bullet - the 28 oz. small cannonball
- Butt - the throwing mark on the road. To step over the mark before releasing the bowl is to "break butt."
- Faugh a Ballach! or Faugh a Ballagh! - Clear the Way! A traditional Irish battle cry
- Kitter-Paw - a left-handed thrower.
- Stylish Bowler - a bowler with a smooth well-coordinated delivery.
- Craic - fun or good time
Rules of Play Click to View »Hide »
The Start: The thrower marks his or her start point with a chalk line and stands behind this line. The thrower's team mates (called the "showers") stand 20-30 yards down the road to mark the desired path of the bowl and alert spectators and other players that the bowl is coming.
The Grip: Players should grip the bowl with the thumb and index and/or middle finger. The bowl should be thrown from the fingers, not from the palm.
The Throw: Experienced bowlers
will take a running start and release the bowl at the start line.
Novice players find that taking two or three steps is sufficient. The bowl
should fly through the air for a few yards before striking the road surface.
Don"t cross your chalk line and "break the butt."
The Shot: From wherever the bowl stops "not where it leaves the road surface" where it is taken directly to the nearest point on the road. Mark the ‚ "butt‚" so the next player can throw from that point.
The Finish: After your team's last shot, turn in your score card and clear the way for incoming bullets.
Play Safe and Play Smart - IMPORTANT: Be aware that not all teams play at the same pace. Please respect other teams by waiting your turn. Do not throw your bowl into the team ahead. NEVER throw your bullet to a person's back. If you anticipate playing at a fast pace, feel free to request an early tee time. If you inadvertently throw your bowl in the direction of the team ahead, be sure to yell "Rolling!" or "Clear the way!" or "Faugh a ballagh!"
When & Where
Sunday, March 16, 2025 - subject to change
10:00 am
Shoreline Walking Trail
Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool NY
Teams will "tee off" from 10:00am-1:30pm and the outdoor fun will continue along the scenic two mile route.
Registration & Start will be at the Saw Mill Creek Shelter. Located in the Willow Bay section of the park.
2025 Helen Windhausen Irish Road Bowling Commemorative Event
Helen always saw opportunities to give. She contributed her time and talents. Out of her dedication, the Irish Road Bowling event became what it is today. Carry on her tradition to play, volunteer, and “Faugh A Ballagh”.
Registration
Registration starts on Wednesday, January 15 at 9am.
Cost is $140 per team of 4.
Day of the Event
- Registration & Start will be at the Saw Mill Creek Shelter. Located in the Willow Bay section of the park.
- Check-in begins at 9:30am.
- Teams will begin play at 10:00am.
- Plan to park one car at the start and one at the finish (near the Salt Museum) or you will have to walk back down the trail to your vehicle.
- The afternoon will include door prizes, and a complimentary buffet for all participants at Limp Lizard, 201 1st Street, Liverpool. Please note: Outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed on Limp Lizard property.
Onondaga County Parks places a top priority on the safe and legal use of alcoholic beverages. No person under 21 may possess or consume alcoholic beverages in the park. Coolers are not allowed along the course. Alcohol may be brought in and consumed only in designated areas at the beginning and end of the course. Quantity is limited to one six pack of beer (12 oz. cans) per person in cans or plastic. Please drink responsibly.
Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities available, contact Joe Ostuni, Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake at jostuni1@verizon.net.
For More Info
Megan Ball
Onondaga Lake Park
315-453-6712
meganball@ongov.net
Volunteers Wanted
For Registration Table and Trail Marshalls.
Contact Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake
foholcontact@gmail.com
