Flooding of 2024 doesn’t sink AOH Road Bowling Classic in Allegany County
On Kilbane Road a culvert was washed out and has yet to be replaced or repaired. As a result, it looked like the Hibernians might have to cancel or move their Road Bowling event, throwing a wrench into the group’s charitable contributions. Funds from the tournament help to support food pantries across the county, as well as Little League teams and Hart Comfort House. It also helps to fund four new scholarships for area seniors headed to college.
So, the Irish descendants came up with a new plan without canceling or moving the popular event. They came up with an alternative to simply shorten the traditional 1.2-mile course to just over 1 mile long. Since winning the event depends on how many throws a team tosses to reach the end of the course, it will be interesting to see how the winners are impacted by a shorter course.
The Road Bowling tournament takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on Kilbane Road, off Davis Hill Road, east of Andover on Route 417. Signups once again take place in the tent at the intersection of Davis Hill Road and Trapping Brook Road. There, teams of two can register for $30 and pick up their bowls — the 4-inch, 28-ounce iron balls used to play the game.
There’s a $20 refundable deposit for the bowls.
Trophies will be awarded to the winning teams in five classes: Men’s., Women’s, Mixed Pairs, Under 16 and Over 60. The course takes about one to one and a half hours to complete.
Hibernian Brian Cannon, who helps organize the event, said, “We are expecting another great turnout for our AOH fundraising. We hope to have 70- to 80-plus two-person teams participate again and we will have this family-oriented event rain or shine.”
Over the years teams have come from Hornell and Olean and from all over Western and Central New York to compete.
Cannon reminds the contestants that although many will have their own snacks and drinks with them on the course, food and beverages will be available, including Sean Haggerty’ famous Irish barbecue at the Andover Rod and Gun Club, which is normally the halfway point on the course — but a little closer this year.
“This event takes place in the beautiful Hill Country of southeast Allegany County in Andover and is a fun event for the whole family,” Cannon emphasized.
