News of the West Virginia Irish Road Bowling Association, Inc. and of the North American Region.
Before football, soccer, and basketball, before baseball and golf, was ... The Old Game, Irish Road Bowling.
Enjoy the pleasure of an afternoon walk on a scenic country road by becoming part of the West Virginia Irish Road BowlingAssociation. This ancient game has been played for more than 300 years on the rural country roads in Ireland, but it is now being brought to you from the green hills of West Virginia. Also known as Irish Long Bullets, this sport is for men and women of all ages from 9 to 90 and is extremely easy to learn while being highly competitive.
Photo Chester Zhivanos.
Rapid Popularity The Wild and Wonderful West Virginia Irish Road Bowling Association (WVIRBA) originated in the tiny village of Ireland, West Virginia. Surrounded by a picturesque mountain town with small farms that recreate scenery from the Irish countryside, players during the Irish Spring Festival in 1995, introduced this great pursuit that everyone loves. Right now, you can find 3 organized leagues in the United States, but this sport is gaining rapid popularity throughout the country. The WVIRBA mission is to provide you with the same great fun those in Ireland experience when participating in this sport. Ready to start bowling? To order a "Starter Pack", which contains 2 road bowls, Rules and Strategy booklet, chalk and score cards, please place an order in our online store.
About Irish Road Bowling Irish Road Bowling is primarily played in County Armagh in Northern
Ireland and in County Cork in Southern Ireland. It consists of a
ball made out of iron and steel that is heavy enough to pick up
speed, yet small enough for any person to handle. Besides the basic
rules and terms, all you do is hurl this 28 oz. sized "bowl" with
an underhand motion over a 1 to 2 mile country road and see how far
it goes! Scored like golf, the fewest number of shots from the
start to the finish line wins.
An Addicting Game This sport is similar to fast pitch softball, except with a running start. It's also like bowling if you had enough room to run 10 or 15 yards. Irish Road Bowling is ideal for young athletes or seniors who are looking to enjoy a scenic walk on a country road, combined with an ancient and exciting, but not overly strenuous, sport! While it's very easy to learn, it takes time and skill to become as proficient as some of those who have set records.
Photo Jessica Loftis Hunter
If you are interested in creating an Irish Road Bowling league or club in your area, contact us or e mail wdp320@aol.com for more information.
