CONWAY — Have you ever pictured yourself rolling a cannonball down the streets of Conway with three of your friends? Probably not since you aren’t a soldier in the American Revolution, but your chance to participate is coming soon.
The traditional Irish Road Bowling Tournament is returning to Conway on Saturday at 10 a.m. to raise money for the Conway Sportsman’s Club’s scholarship fund, which helps students across Franklin County.
Conway resident Mike Haley, who is organizing the event with the Sportsman’s Club, said the event is a chance for the community to come together to have fun while helping a good cause.
“People get together, they have a few laughs and try something they’ve never done before,” Haley said. “And it’s all for charity.”
Saturday’s course, which is about four-tenths of a mile long, will start at Reeds Bridge and follow the road down to the Field Memorial Library. Both players and spectators are invited to the Conway Inn afterward to have a drink, eat some food and socialize.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 13 teams had already signed up for the event, but Haley said there is room for a few more. Teams are composed of four people and the registration fee is $15 per person.
“It’s a great group. The spirits are usually great,” Haley said. “It’s just fun.”
Haley encourages spectators to follow the players or set up seats in the middle of town, as well as to join the community later at the Conway Inn.
“Spectators are welcome. Bring a chair, bring your family,” Haley said. “And come out and help out local businesses.”
Irish road bowling traces its roots back to the 1600s, when Irish rebels would sneak into British barracks at night and steal cannonballs, which were too heavy to carry around, so they rolled them down the road. Present-day Irish road bowling sees players rolling a 28-ounce ball through the course and the team reaching the finish line in the fewest number of throws wins.
Registration starts at 10 a.m. at the Conway Inn and Haley expects the Irish road bowling to start soon after. Players will either walk or be shuttled from the inn to the starting area.
There is no rain date for the tournament, but Haley is hoping the weather will hold. If it rains, he has some indoor alternatives and wants to “keep it lively.”
“People are dying to get out. This rain hasn’t really helped,” Haley said. “Come and have a pizza and a cocktail and laugh — that’s the biggest thing, laugh.”
Those interested in registering for the Irish Road Bowling Tournament can email Haley at verybratty@aol.com or text him at 413-537-9149.
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.