Tag: Medieval Sports

Manx Cammag at St. John’s on St. Stephens’ Day 2015

Result

Manx Cammag at St. John's on St. Stephens' Day 2015
Match Day St. Stephens' Day 2015
(St. Stephens' Day 2015)
7 - 1
Manx Cammag St. Stephens' Day at St. John's

North vs South

Result compiled from Result in the NAMA website [Please visit the NAMA website in Reference 1 for more Information]

Report

North scored a resounding 7-1 victory over South in the Annual Manx Cammag game in persistent rain on St. Stephens’ Day 2015. Following the game a Music Session was held at Tynwald Hill Inn, and beforehand the “Hunting of the Wren” took place, although nowadays it is merely symbolic, with no actual Wren killed. [References: 1]

ABOUT Manx Cammag

Manx Cammag is a version of Hurling (or Caman in Irish) played in the Isle of Man, where Manx Gaelic was traditionally spoken. It is also very similar to the Scottish game of Shinty or Camanachd. The earliest mention of Hurling or Caman is in the Irish ‘Book of Leinster’ in the 12th Century AD. It played with a small ball and hooked stick. Kit Gawne, writing in his book, ‘Isle of Man Hockey’ suggests the game may have been introduced by missionaries, although the earliest mention in the Isle of Man records is not until 1760. [References: 2-3]

It is a Winter Sport, with special matches arranged on St. Stephen’s Day (such as the one between North & South of the Island. There are few rules, and any number of players can play on either side, with coats or sticks marking goalposts. The ball is known as the “Crick” [References: 2-3]

The match on St. Stephen’s Day between North & South is played in conjunction with the Festivities associated with the day, such as ‘Hunting the Wren’, although these days no wren is killed, and those making donations to charity are given a coloured ribbon, rather than a wren’s feather, supposed to bring good luck for the following year, thought to be particularly efficacious in the event of a shipwreck or witchcraft. [References: 2-3]

Isle of Man Flag

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Isle-of-Man-Flag-Shutterstock_272714558-1024x512.jpg
Isle of Man flag texture creased and crumpled up with light and shadows [References: 4] Text by Enda Mulcahy for gaa.world (Eirball)

[4] Illustration Contributor: MarkUK97 on Shutterstock (2022) Isle of Man flag texture creased and crumpled up with light and shadows Stock Illustration ID: 272714558 [Internet] Available from: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/isle-man-flag-texture-creased-crumpled-272714558 [Accessed 10 July 2022][Additional Text on Illustration by Enda Mulcahy for gaa.world (Eirball)

REFERENCES (About)

WEBSITES

[1] North American Manx Association, Valerie Caine (2013) Cammag [Internet] Available from: https://namanx.org/cammag [Accessed 10 July 2022]

[2] North American Manx Association (2015) “Rain doesn’t stop play on St. Stephen’s Day” [Internat] Available from: http://namanx.org/rain-doesnt-stop-play-on-st-stephens-day-2 [Accessed 5 March 2017]

[3] isleofman.com (2017) “Work off your Christmas Turkey with a game of Cammag!” [Internet] Available from: https://www.isleofman.com/lifestyle/health-sports/cammag/ [Accessed 13 October 2017]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Stephen Fitzpatrick

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, Compiled and Written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | GAA World Archive

Last Updated: 10 July 2022

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2022

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved. The Logos and Photos used in this article remain the property of the organisations and individuals which own the copyright and are used here for educational and information purposes only.

Manx Cammag at St. John’s on St. Stephens’ Day 2021

Result

Manx Cammag at St. John's on St. Stephens' Day 2021
Match Day St. Stephens' Day 2021
(St. Stephens' Day 2021)
3 - 2
Manx Cammag St. Stephens' Day at St. John's

South vs North

Result compiled from Result in St. John’s You Tube Channel (please visit the St. John’s You Tube Channel at References [4] for a Video of the Game)

Report

South won 3-2 in cloudy conditions on St. Stephens’ Day 2021 in the Manx Cammag match between the North and South teams on the Isle of Man. The match consisted of three halves with each team taking a drink of whisky during a break at the end of each half. [References: 4][0:00 to 0:30](please visit the St. John’s You Tube Channel at References [4] for a Video of the Game)

ABOUT Manx Cammag

Manx Cammag is a version of Hurling (or Caman in Irish) played in the Isle of Man, where Manx Gaelic was traditionally spoken. It is also very similar to the Scottish game of Shinty or Camanachd. The earliest mention of Hurling or Caman is in the Irish ‘Book of Leinster’ in the 12th Century AD. It played with a small ball and hooked stick. Kit Gawne, writing in his book, ‘Isle of Man Hockey’ suggests the game may have been introduced by missionaries, although the earliest mention in the Isle of Man records is not until 1760. [References: 2-3]

It is a Winter Sport, with special matches arranged on St. Stephen’s Day (such as the one between North & South of the Island. There are few rules, and any number of players can play on either side, with coats or sticks marking goalposts. [References: 2-3]

The match on St. Stephen’s Day between North & South is played in conjunction with the Festivities associated with the day, such as ‘Hunting the Wren’, although these days no wren is killed, and those making donations to charity are given a coloured ribbon, rather than a wren’s feather, supposed to bring good luck for the following year, thought to be particularly efficacious in the event of a shipwreck or witchcraft. [References: 2-3]

Isle of Man Flag

Isle of Man flag texture creased and crumpled up with light and shadows [References: 4] Text by Enda Mulcahy for gaa.world (Eirball)

[5] Illustration Contributor: MarkUK97 on Shutterstock (2022) Isle of Man flag texture creased and crumpled up with light and shadows Stock Illustration ID: 272714558 [Internet] Available from: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/isle-man-flag-texture-creased-crumpled-272714558 [Accessed 10 July 2022][Additional Text on Illustration by Enda Mulcahy for gaa.world (Eirball)

References (2021 Result)

[4] St. John’s You Tube Channel (2021) Cammag Isle of Man 2021 [Internet] Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEtSqmNdnfs [Accessed 10 July 2022]

REFERENCES (About)

WEBSITES:

[1] North American Manx Association (2015) “Rain doesn’t stop play on St. Stephen’s Day” [Internat] Available from: http://namanx.org/rain-doesnt-stop-play-on-st-stephens-day-2 [Accessed 5 March 2017]

[2] isleofman.com (2017) “Work off your Christmas Turkey with a game of Cammag!” [Internet] Available from: https://www.isleofman.com/lifestyle/health-sports/cammag/ [Accessed 13 October 2017]

[3] North American Manx Association, Valerie Caine (2013) Cammag [Internet] Available from: https://namanx.org/cammag [Accessed 10 July 2022]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Stephen Fitzpatrick

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, Compiled and Written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | GAA World Archive

Last Updated: 10 July 2022

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2022

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved. The Logos and Photos used in this article remain the property of the organisations and individuals which own the copyright and are used here for educational and information purposes only.

Manx Cammag at St. John’s on St. Stephens’ Day 2012

Result

Manx Cammag St. Stephens' Day at St. John's 2012
Match Day St. Stephens' Day 2012
(St. Stephens' Day 2012)
9 - 4
Manx Cammag St. Stephens' Day at St. John's

North vs South

Result compiled from Result in the NAMA website [Please visit the NAMA website in Reference 1 for more Information]

Report

North defeated South 9-4 in “atrocious conditions” on St. Stephens’ Day 2012 in the Traditional Manx Cammag match played between the two halves of the Isle of Man at the Green on Tynwald Hill in St. John’s. [References: 1] Please click on the Result above for more information on the day and also please visit the NAMA website.

ABOUT Manx Cammag

Manx Cammag is a version of Hurling (or Caman in Irish) played in the Isle of Man, where Manx Gaelic was traditionally spoken. It is also very similar to the Scottish game of Shinty or Camanachd. The earliest mention of Hurling or Caman is in the Irish ‘Book of Leinster’ in the 12th Century AD. It played with a small ball and hooked stick. Kit Gawne, writing in his book, ‘Isle of Man Hockey’ suggests the game may have been introduced by missionaries, although the earliest mention in the Isle of Man records is not until 1760. [References: 2-3]

It is a Winter Sport, with special matches arranged on St. Stephen’s Day (such as the one between North & South of the Island. There are few rules, and any number of players can play on either side, with coats or sticks marking goalposts. [References: 2-3]

The match on St. Stephen’s Day between North & South is played in conjunction with the Festivities associated with the day, such as ‘Hunting the Wren’, although these days no wren is killed, and those making donations to charity are given a coloured ribbon, rather than a wren’s feather, supposed to bring good luck for the following year, thought to be particularly efficacious in the event of a shipwreck or witchcraft. [References: 2-3]

Isle of Man Flag

Isle of Man flag texture creased and crumpled up with light and shadows [References: 4] Text by Enda Mulcahy for gaa.world (Eirball)

[4] Illustration Contributor: MarkUK97 on Shutterstock (2022) Isle of Man flag texture creased and crumpled up with light and shadows Stock Illustration ID: 272714558 [Internet] Available from: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/isle-man-flag-texture-creased-crumpled-272714558 [Accessed 10 July 2022][Additional Text on Illustration by Enda Mulcahy for gaa.world (Eirball)

References (2012 Result)

[1] North American Manx Association, Valerie Caine (2013) Cammag [Internet] Available from: https://namanx.org/cammag [Accessed 10 July 2022]

REFERENCES (About)

WEBSITES:

[1] North American Manx Association (2015) “Rain doesn’t stop play on St. Stephen’s Day” [Internat] Available from: http://namanx.org/rain-doesnt-stop-play-on-st-stephens-day-2 [Accessed 5 March 2017]

[2] isleofman.com (2017) “Work off your Christmas Turkey with a game of Cammag!” [Internet] Available from: https://www.isleofman.com/lifestyle/health-sports/cammag/ [Accessed 13 October 2017]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Stephen Fitzpatrick

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, Compiled and Written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | GAA World Archive

Last Updated: 10 July 2022

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2022

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved. The Logos and Photos used in this article remain the property of the organisations and individuals which own the copyright and are used here for educational and information purposes only.

Jedburgh February 22nd 2018

Jedburgh Ba Game AD 1548-Present

Report

Jedburgh in the South of Scotland Borders region is one of a few towns where the Ba Game – a Street Handball Game – is played every February on the Thursday after Fastern Eve. There are no limits to the number of players on either of the two teams, which consist of those living North of Mercat Cross and those living South of Mercat Cross in the town.

The aim of the game is to guide a small leather ball – the size of a Gaelic Handball – to one of two “goals” situated at either end of the town. Injuries are common and shopkeepers board up windows in order to prevent damage. The tradition has been played since AD 1548 with the first verified record dating to 1704 according to BBC News Scotland.

The Leather Ball has ribbons attached to it, something which is common across Britain and Ireland in ancient custom, such as the ribbons put on trees in Ireland on St. Brigids Day. Those North of the Mercat Cross – the “Uppies” – try to take the ball to the Town Castle and those South of the Mercat Cross – the “Doonies” – try to take it to the Jedwater.

Jedburgh February 22nd 2018
Jedburgh Ba’ Game, February 22nd, 2018

Royalty-free stock photo ID: 1031964136

Jedburgh, Mercat Cross, UK. 22.Feb.2018. Jed Hand Ba’ The annual game of hand ball takes place every year the Thursday after Fastern Eve. The tradition derives from 1548

R

By Rob Gray Photo

References

Websites

[1] BBC South of Scotland (2016) In Pictures: Jedburgh’s Ba Game, 12th February 2016 [Internet] Available from: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-35558735 [Accessed 23 October 2021]

[2] BBC South of Scotland (2016) In Pictures: Jedburgh’s Ba Game, 8th February 2019 [Internet] Available from: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-47170409 [Accessed 23 October 2021]

[3] BBC South of Scotland (2016) In Pictures: Jedburgh’s Ba Game Battles, 27th February 2020 [Internet] Available from: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-51658789 [Accessed 23 October 2021]

Stock Images

[2] Shutterstock (2018) Royalty-free stock photo ID: 1031964136 Jedburgh, Mercat Cross, UK. 22.Feb.2018. Jed Hand Ba’ The annual game of hand ball takes place every year the Thursday after Fastern Eve. The tradition derives from 1548

R

By Rob Gray Photo

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Derek Walsh and Richard Mulcahy

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | GAA World Archive

Last Updated: 23 October 2021

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2021

You are may quote this document in whole or part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved. The Logos and Photos used in this article remain the property of the organisations and individuals which own the copyright and are used here for educational and information purposes only.

Lincolnshire Haxey Hood 14th Century-Present

About Haxey Hood

Haxey Hood is a traditional sport which dates back to the 14th Century (The Middle Ages) or over 700 years ago in Haxey, Lincolnshire. The official story is that in the 14th Century Lady de Mowbray, wife of an Isle Landowner (John de Mowbray) was riding towards Westwoodside on the hill away from Haxey when her Silk Riding Hood blew off. 13 Farm workers rushed to the field and chaed the hood all over the field. It was finally caught by one of the workers and as he was too shy to hand it back to her himself he handed it to one of the others to hand it back to the lady. She thanked the farm worker who handed her back the hood and said he acted like a lord and told the other farm worker he was a fool. She was so so amused by this act of chivalry and the chase that she donated 13 acres of land so that the chase would be re-enacted each year.

Before the Chase

During the preceeding week the Fool and the Boggins tour nearby pubs raising money for local charities (traditionally it was to pay for the event itself). All wear full festival costumes and sing traditional English songs.

The Day of the Chase

On the Day of the Chase, which happens twice a year on the 6th of January and 6th of June each year, coinciding with local festivities, At 12 noon the festivities start at the ale houses and the people of the village follow the festivities. They take in four pubs: Carpenters Arms, Kings Arms, the Loco and Duke William, singing folk songs as they go. Around 2:30 PM they leave the Duke William and head to the Church, with the fool leading the procession and having the right to kiss any woman along the way. He makes a speech and behind him a fire is lit with the smoke rising around him. Traditional words finish the speech : “Hoose agen hoose, toon agen toon, if a man meets a man nok ‘im doon, but doant ‘ot ‘im”

Description of the Children’s Game

The proceeding start with the rolling of twelve Hessian Sacks sewn up to prevent them unrolling – these are the hoods. This is a prequel to the main game whereby children race for them and if tackled must throw them in the air, unless the challenger is a “boggin” in which case the hood is returned to the lord who starts it off again. After a while the Boggins let the Hoods be taken off the field where they can be returned for a cash reward, which in 2018 was around St£2.00.

Description of The Main Game

After the fun of the Children’s Game, the Sway Hood is thrown in the air and the Sway (Rugby-type Scrum) begins. The idea is to sway the scrum towards one of the four pubs in the village. Each team attempts to sway it towards their own pub. The sway makes slow progress, often stopping when it collapses to let people out, safety being of paramount importance. The game ends when the Hood arrives at one of the Pubs and is touched by the landlord at the entrance. The Hood hangs behind the bar on one of two hooks for each Hood (6th January and 6th June) which are put there for this purpose. Beer is also ceremoniously poured over it. The Hood hangs in the winning bar until New Years Eve, when it is removed by a boggins for the next game. Despite the rough nature of the game most injuries come from too much beer being drunk rather than the scrum.

Lincolnshire Haxey Hood, January 5th, 2019

Royalty-free stock photo ID: 1275324475

Haxey,Lincolnshire,UK. January 05th 2019.The ancient game of Haxey hood took place today,two villages do battle for the leather hood,Ahead of the game the Haxey fool is smoked while giving speeches.

I

By Ian Francis

Dates

Ephinany (12th Day of Christmas new Calendar or Old Christmas Day old Calendar) – the 6th of January.

Etymology

The Boggins (players) probably refers to the Bogs (Scottish Celtic ‘Bogah’) which surrounds the village of Haxey.

Haxey is probably derived from ‘hock’ which in the local dialect is ‘hox’. Hood refers to the hood used. The Official story of the Hood in the 13th or 14th Century are unlikely, but there are parallels between the Hood and the Bog in Bog Burials throughout Western Europe from ancient Celtic times. If sacrifice in ancient times is to be believed one of the times for it was mid-winter, when the game takes place. The “Smoking of the Fool” described above is a watered-down variation of a previous tradition whereby the fool was tied up by ropes and suspended above a fire. Both the Game and sacrifices took part at the edge of the bogs. Several well-preserved bog bodies have been found with leather hoods tied around their heads.

Lincolnshire Haxey Hood, January 6th, 2012

Royalty-free stock photo ID: 260688128

The traditional and ancient Haxey Hood annual event at the town of Haxey, Yorkshire, UK, taken 6.01/2012

By david muscroft

References

BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1] Wojciech Liponski (2003) “Haxey Hood” World Sports Encyclopedia pg. 260-261. MBI Publishing, St. Paul. Minnesota, USA.

Websites

[2] Haxey Hood (2019) Haxey Hood: 700 Years of Tradition [Internet] Available from: https://www.wheewall.com/hood/ [Accessed 27 July 2019]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Derek Walsh.

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | GAA World Archive

Last Updated: 23 October 2021

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2021

You are may quote this document in whole or part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved. The Logos and Photos used in this article remain the property of the organisations and individuals which own the copyright and are used here for educational and information purposes only.

Kirkwall Ba’ Game (Orkney Uppies and Doonies)

About

The Orkney Ba’ game is played on Christmas Day and New Years’ Day each year in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, in the North sea off Scotland. It is a Medieval Football game played with a Ba’ (Ball made of cork and covered with leather). two opposing sides, the Uppies and Doonies (those born to the North of the Cathedral are Doonies and those born to the South of the Cathedral are Uppies).

The Uppie goal is to touch the Ba’ against a wall in the South end of the town. The Doonies have to get the ball into the water of Krkwall Bay to the North of the town. There are no official rules or limit to the number of players on each side although “inappropriate behaviour” is kept in check.

Usually a tight scrum develops around the Ba’ but when the scrum breaks chaos erupts as the team with possession tries to get to their goal as fast as they can. A game can last up to five hours, although there is only one goal scored and the game is up.

Orkney Ba’ Game in Progress
Orkney Ba’ Game in Progress [Reference: 2]

Winners

YearWinnersWinning Player
2017UppiesGregor Dowell
Orkney Ba’ Game Winners [Reference: 3

Reference

Websites

[1] Orkneyjar / Sigurd Towrie (2018) The Kirkwall Ba’ [Internet] Available from: http://www.orkneyjar.com/tradition/bagame [Accessed 25 October 2018]

Images

[2] Orkneyjar (2018) ba1 [Internet] Available from: http://www.orkneyjar.com/tradition/bagame/ba1.jpg [Accessed 25 October 2018]

Media

[3] You Tube (2019) Kirkwall Boys Ba Christmas Day 2017 (part 3 of 3) . Uploaded by tomf001 [Internet] Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjx9mt-OTGE [Accessed 8 September 2020]

Acknowledgements:

Thanks to Richard Mulcahy and Derek Walsh.

About this document

Researched, Compiled and Written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | GAA World Archive

Last Updated: 18 November 2020

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2020

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.

Ashbourne Shrovetide Football 217 AD-Present

Ashbourne Shrovetide Football, February 13th, 2018

Royalty-free stock photo ID: 1051548500

Ashbourne,Derbyshire,February 13th 2018.The ancient two day game of Shrovetide football gets underway Shrove Tuesday,2 teams of local lads do battle for the ball in a game that can last 8 hrs.

I

By Ian Francis

Report

According to historical sources, Roman Legions played their British counterparts in a game of Football on Shrove Tuesday in Derby in 217 AD, with the Britons winning. It is hard to believe that Ancient Britons, still Celtic, and before the arrival of both Ango-Saxon tribes in England, and also before the arrival of Christianity played a game on a day associated with Lent in the Christian calendar.

Maybe the game was played and later Christian legend ascribed it to Shrove Tuesday, or it was warfare which the Britons won, and was thus later made out to be a Football game by Christian scribes. Nevertheless, whether it was warfare or Football the Celtic Britons won that day.

It is interesting to note the game was played in Derby, given that this is the name given to local rivalries in English and Scottish Soccer (e.g. Liverpool v Everton, Manchester United v Manchester City), and that a game known as Shrovetide Football is still played in Derbyshire to this day, in Ashbourne, with no rules and the same Medieval mob aspect to the game as the other Medieval British Football games.

Ashbourne Shrovetide Football, February 10th, 2016

Royalty-free stock photo ID: 1302864832

Ashbourne,Derbyshire,UK February 10th 2016. Day 2 of Royal Ashbourne shrovetide football ‘Ash Wednesday’. Played over two days on the streets of Ashbourne a game can last up two 8hrs a day.

I

By Ian Francis

Results

DateWinnersRunners-Up
217 ADBrittaniaRoman Empire
Derbyshire Shrovetide Football [References: 1-2]

References

Bibliography

[1] Professional Football Researchers Association (2011) “A Freendly Kinde of Fight: The Origins of Football to 1633 The Early History of Professional Football. pg. 6-7. PFRA Publications. Connecticut.

Websites

[2] BBC (2020) The Strange Game of Shrovetide Football [Internet] Availble from: http://www.bbc.com.news/uk-england-derbyshire-35506927/the=strange-game-of-shrovetide-football [Accessed 9 September 2020]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Richard Mulcahy and Derek Walsh.

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | GAA World Archive

Last Updated: 23 October 2021

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2020-2021

You may quote this document in whole or part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.The Logos and Photos used in this article remain the property of the organisations and individuals which own the copyright and are used here for educational and information purposes only.

Manx Cammag North v South on St. Stephen’s Day 2015-Present

Results

YearWinnersRunners-Up
2015North7South1
Manx Cammag North v South on St. Stephen’s Day 2015-Present [Reference: 1-2]

About

Manx Cammag is a version of Hurling (or Caman in Irish) played in the Isle of Man, where Manx Gaelic was traditionally spoken. It is also very similar to the Scottish game of Shinty or Camanachd.

The earliest mention of Hurling or Caman is in the Irish ‘Book of Leinster’ in the 12th Century AD. It played with a small ball and hooked stick.

Kit Gawne, writing in his book, ‘Isle of Man Hockey’ suggests the game may have been introduced by missionaries, although the earliest mention in the Isle of Man records is not until 1760.

It is a Winter Sport, with special matches arranged on St. Stephen’s Day (such as the one between North & South of the Island.

There are few rules, and any number of players can play on either side, with coats or sticks marking goalposts.

The match on St. Stephen’s Day between North & South is played in conjunction with the Festivities associated with the day, such as ‘Hunting the Wren’, although these days no wren is killed, and those making donations to charity are given a coloured ribbon, rather than a wren’s feather, supposed to bring good luck for the following year, thought to be particularly efficacious in the event of a shipwreck or witchcraft.

Manx Cammag North v South on St. Stephen's Day 2015 in the Isle of Man
Manx Cammag North v South on St. Stephen’s Day 2015 in the Isle of Man [Reference: 3][Photo Credit: North American Manx Association]

Reference:

Websites:

[1] North American Manx Association (2015) “Rain doesn’t stop play on St. Stephen’s Day” [Internat] Available from: http://namanx.org/rain-doesnt-stop-play-on-st-stephens-day-2 [Accessed 5 March 2017]

[2] isleofman.com (2017) “Work off your Christmas Turkey with a game of Cammag!” [Internet] Available from: https://www.isleofman.com/lifestyle/health-sports/cammag/ [Accessed 13 October 2017]

Images

[1] North American Manx Association (2015) “DSCF2438” [Internat] Available from: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Yay0i0iKzc/VoK2Kbk6aOI/AAAAAAAABiU/19fGAhbeWwM/s1600/DSCF2438%2B%25282%2529.JPG [Accessed 11 November 2020]

Acknowledgements:

Thanks to Stephen Fitzpatrick & John Doody

About this document

Researched, Compiled and Written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | GAA World Archive

Last Updated: 11 November 2020

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2019-2020

You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.

Cornish Hurling Town v Country Shrove Tuesday at St Columb 1950-2005

Winners 1950-2005

YearShrove Tuesday Winning TeamWinning Player
1950CountryDenis Ellery
1951TownDesmond Stephens
1952TownPat Morris
1953CountryTony Williams
1954TownGeorge Roseveare
1955CountryGraham Wills
1956TownTony Hawkey
1957CountryMichael Weldhen
1958CountryMichael Weldhen
1959TownIvan Smith
1960CountryMichael Weldhen
1961TownTony Hawkey
1962TownMichael Tabb
1963Town & CountryLost Ball !
1964TownGary Hawken
1965CountryMichael Weldhen
1966TownRichard Rundle
1967TownIvan Smith
1968TownDavid Green
1969CountryMichael Weldhen
1970TownAllan Chapman
1971TownGeoffrey Cole
1972CountryMichael Weldhen
1973TownDavid Osborne
1974CountryRobert Weldhen
1975CountryRobert Weldhen
1976CountryRobert Weldhen
1977TownMike Hitchens
1978TownBrian Hellings
1979TownTony Parkin
1980TownTony Parkin
1981TownBill Scott
1982TownStuart Nicholas
1983TownDarren Austerfield
1984CountryRobert Weldhen
1985TownBill Scott
1986TownIain Robinson
1987TownDavid Rogers
1988CountryRobert Weldhen
1989CountryRundle Weldhen
1990CountrySean Johns
1991CountryRobert Weldhen
1992CountryRobert Weldhen
1993TownSid Bennett
1994TownMark Windebank
1995CountryPhilip Ellery
1996CountryAlex Cole
1997TownJamie Lomax
1998TownDarren Hawkey
1999TownSean Johns
2000TownMark Coleman
2001TownMark Coleman
2002TownPhil Morris
2003TownSean Johns
2004TownNick Gregory
2005CountryAdam Ellery

History

Every Shrove Tuesday in St. Columb’s, Cornwall, the game of Hurling is played between ‘Town’ and ‘Country’. The night before resembles a ghost town as all the shops are boarded up and shuttered before the game is played the next day. There are no limits to the numbers of players in the game, with each player playing for either the ‘Town’ or ‘Country’. The game kicks off with the words “Town and Country do your best. but in this parish I must rest.”.

Traditionally, the game was played between the men of St. Columb, but is now played by the children. [3]

The Game can last a few minutes or it can last hours depending on how quickly the winning team can get the ball to the goal. The winning player who carries the ball to the goal has the option of keeping the ball and paying for a new one by a local craftsman. On the 4th March 2003 Sean Johns won it for the ‘Town’, his third time winning it. In 2002 Scot Bennett became the youngest ever winner, at 11-years-of-age. After the match is over another tradition is partaken , when the silver ball is dipped in the winners drink. [1]

The ball is constructed traditionally, out of silver with an applewood core, taken from a local orchard.

References

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Websites

[1] BBC Cornwall (2003) Hurling at St. columb in the 21st Century [Internet] Available from; http://www.bbc.co.uk/cornwall/villages/stories/stcolumb_hurling.shtml [Accessed 7 March 2018]

[2] The Beehive | Internet Archive (2006) Hurling Winners 1950-2005 [Internet] Available from: https://web.archive.org/web/20060218093026/http://beehive.thisiscornwall.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=SiteHome&ID=661&PageID=73544 [Accessed 13 June 2019]

[3] St. Ives Web Community TV (2013) The St. Ives Feast and the Silver Ball [Internet] Available from: https://web.archive.org/web/20130819100810/http://stivestv.co.uk/whatson/feast_day_2013.htm [Accessed 13 June 2019]

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Ciaran Columb.

About this document

Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the

Eirball | Irish North American & World Sports Archive

Last Updated: 10 November 2020

(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2019-2020

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