What is this road bowling thing?
Although you might be slightly alarmed at the thought of people essentially throwing small cannonballs down a path, road bowling truly is an Irish sport with its own governing authority, the Irish Road Bowling Association. The object of the game is to simply have the least number of throws while staying on course similar to how golf is scored. Although there are those in the world who compete professionally at this sport, you will find that this event by the AOH will consist of the everyday kind of crazy people who are willing to try something different just for the heck of it.
Prizes? Didn't I hear there would be prizes?
The top team will win two shirts, two hats, two pint glasses and 8 beer tickets for the Missoula Celtic Festival. Second place wins shirts, pints and 4 beer tickets and third place wins pint glasses and 4 beer tickets . For the losers we suggest lamenting on your own down at the festival for it will only take a few sips of cold, Highlander brew and some devine music before your spirits are restored.
When and where is the Road Bowling Tournament?
The second Road Bowling Tournament will be held near Florence, Montana on July 30, 2011 on the walking trail. Park at the Carlton Creek Park and Ride (about mile marker 78). Follow the signs from there a short ways along the walking trail to the starting point. The course continues on the walking trail and is a little less than a mile (which is shorter than last year for those of you who participated). It is a fun course with just enough curves and small hills to keep it interesting.
How do I sign up?
1. Grab a friend and form a team of two. Come up with a fun team name (you can change it later).
2. ONE and only one of you registers your team for an open time slot on the left. Two teams of two will participate in each timeslot. Do not register each person separately and do not take up both available spots for the timeslot. Only one team member needs to provide contact information.
3. After registration, watch for a couple of emails. One email confirms your registration on our website. The other email contains details about the Road Bowling Tournament. If you do not get an email within an hour, contact president@missoula-aoh.org.
What are the requirements?
1. You must compete in a team of two people.
2. The registration fee is $20 per team. Bring cash or check on the day of the tournament.
3. You must be able to walk along a dirt road unassisted. (Luckily, we start BEFORE the festivities at Caras Park so this should not be a problem for most.)
4. No alcohol is allowed on the course so you can stay on the course.
5. You must be at least 18 years old or else accompanied by a guardian.
6. You must be ready to have some fun with this offbeat sport.
Why is the Missoula AOH holding this tournament?
Besides promoting a part of Irish culture which is not well known, we also wanted to thank those who have supported us throughout the year. Much of the costs for this year's event has been donated by Highlander. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Irish Studies program at the University of Montana.