Road Bowling seeks UNESCO status to protect one of Ireland’s oldest sports

Why Road Bowling wants UNESCO protection

The Irish Road Bowling Association launches a campaign to safeguard one of the country’s oldest sports and win its elite players the recognition they deserve.

The association is seeking recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation as intangible cultural heritage, on a par with the status already given to hurling, harp music and uilleann pipe music.

The campaign was reported by The Journal.

Played mainly on the public roads of counties Cork and Armagh, road bowling sees two competitors throw a 28-ounce iron ball, or bowl, along a course of between two and three kilometres, with the winner completing it in the fewest throws.

The sport is spreading to other counties and is now played internationally, with the earliest recorded reference dating to 1714 in Derry.

“Road bowling is part of our distinctive cultural heritage," said Séamus Ó Tuama, Secretary General, Irish Road Bowling Association

"And for the sport to have a chance to survive and grow, it needs corresponding protection from the United Nations.”

The push for recognition comes as the sport celebrates its stars, with Cork’s Arthur McDonagh recently crowned All-Ireland Senior Men’s champion.

Backers hope UNESCO status would secure the future of a game woven into Irish life for more than three centuries.