Irish Road Bowling Event Rolling into Hutchinson

By Bianca Salazar
Staff writer
IG: bancasalazar_bts

As March begins, St. Patrick’s Day looms on the horizon. For the students that don’t have any plans made to celebrate this holiday, a Hutchinson Community College professor invites students to a new event in town.

Jeff Deal, Fire Science Assistant Professor, is inviting students to participate in a traditional game called Irish Road Bowling, hosted by the Fr. Sean O’Shea Division, Ancient Order of Hibernians.

“The Fr. Sean O’Shea Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians is a group dedicated to preserving Irish culture, supporting charitable efforts, and strengthening community ties,” Deal said. “Named for a priest remembered for his service and warmth, the division is proud to introduce this tradition to Hutchinson for the first time.”

This game will be held on March 14 in Carey Park. The event is looking for about 25 groups to attend, and each group should have one to four members. There is a $40 entry fee per team, and all proceeds will go toward the HutchCC Food Bank.

According to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, in the game, players take turns throwing a small iron ball— called a bowl — down a winding course. The team that reaches the finish line in the fewest throws wins.

Known for its unpredictable bounces and lighthearted rivalry, the game is easy to learn to play.

Sydney Reimers, Brandon, South Dakota freshman, is helping guide competitors around the course and marking where the bowl ends up.

“I think that it would be very easy for students to learn the game, if you know how to throw a ball then you can do Irish road bowling,” Reimers said.

This game is meant to teach people more about Irish tradition. For Deal, he touched on what this game meant to him.

“It is an extension of my heritage; it is a celebration of Irish tradition that we can do right here in Kansas.  And it is so much fun. I would love for people to experience it,” Deal said.

Reimers encouraged students to participate in this game.

“Students should be involved in this event because it is an interesting sport, and it would be very fun to experience Irish traditions for St. Patrick’s Day,” Reimers said. “It would be especially great for students who have an Irish ancestry and get to experience a tradition that is not very common.”

If any student or staff member is interested in participating in this event, scan the QR code below.

“It is more fun than you would think, very challenging and a good time,” Deal said. “Anyone can do it.”

Views: 2