O’Shea Encourages Bol Chumann na hÉireann to Engage with Department on UNESCO Recognition for Road Bowling

Cork North West TD John Paul O’Shea has encouraged Bol Chumann na hÉireann to engage with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport regarding the recognition of road bowling as part of Ireland’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Deputy O’Shea raised the matter directly with the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport through a recent Parliamentary Question, asking if the Department would work with organisations such as Bol Chumann na hÉireann to seek the inclusion of road bowling on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

In response, the Minister confirmed that Ireland maintains a National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which currently recognises 42 cultural practices from communities across the country.

Importantly, the Department confirmed that it accepts applications from practices seeking to be added to the National Inventory, with applications to be made by the relevant practitioners of the cultural heritage element.

The Department also confirmed that no application seeking the inscription of road bowling has been received to date, but that officials would welcome the opportunity to discuss the process with Bol Chumann na hÉireann.

Deputy O’Shea said:

«“Road bowling is a hugely important part of our living heritage, particularly here in Cork and across many rural communities. It is a tradition that has been passed down through generations and continues to bring communities together today.

“I have seen first-hand the strength of this tradition and the passion that exists for road bowling in our communities. I was delighted to attend the All-Ireland Bowling Championships in Ballinagree, near Macroom, in Cork North-West this year, and I also attended the championships in Castletown last year.

“These events are a wonderful demonstration of the community spirit surrounding road bowling and the important role it continues to play in bringing people together. They also showcase the significant work carried out by Bol Chumann na hÉireann and its members in preserving and promoting this unique Irish tradition.

“I was therefore pleased to receive confirmation from the Minister that there is a clear process available to Bol Chumann na hÉireann to seek recognition for road bowling on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

“The Department has specifically indicated that officials are available to discuss the application process, and I would encourage Bol Chumann na hÉireann to engage with the Department and take the next steps in pursuing this recognition.

“Securing a place on the National Inventory would be an important first step. As the Minister has outlined, cultural practices included on Ireland’s National Inventory can subsequently seek international recognition on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“We have already seen the international recognition achieved for traditions such as hurling, uilleann piping, Irish harping and dry stone construction. Road bowling is another wonderful example of Ireland’s unique living cultural heritage and deserves to be given the opportunity to pursue similar recognition.

“I would be very happy to continue supporting Bol Chumann na hÉireann in this process and to see the organisation engage with Department officials to explore the application process in more detail.

“This is a great opportunity to promote road bowling, the communities that keep the tradition alive and the important role it continues to play in our cultural heritage.”»

The Department has advised that queries regarding the application process can be directed to nationalich@ccs.gov.ie and has welcomed the opportunity to discuss the process with Bol Chumann na hÉireann.