History Of The Game
The game has been played for generations in Ireland. Back in the days before television or radio, nearly every house in Ireland had a ring board game hanging on the wall or the back of a door. They were still very common up to about 30 years ago. With the introduction of television in modern times, this game had almost died out.
As many Irish Emigrated to America during the famine, and were sent to Australia as convicts, the game travelled with them. Any Irish taking the game to the 4 corners of the world. This game is part of the rich heritage of the Irish People.
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In the 20th Century, Irish emigrating to England brought the game with them and played it competitively in the Irish Pubs and Clubs. The playing of the game was mainly concentrated around the Degham area, where many Irish found employment in the Ford car plant. This brought about the All England Rings Championship. Up until recent times, teams from the Essex area competed at All Ireland Level, as they took it in turns travelling across the Irish sea to compete in each others venues.
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Many times, when a hook would get broken on a board, the man of the house would borrow a cup hook from the kitchen dresser (traditional Irish kitchen furniture) and fix his ring board.
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Many Irish Americans, now in their 60’s of over, would remember playing this game as children in their own Irish homes. Ring, Bowls Skittles and Horseshoes (Meggars) had one thing in common, all games were played underhand with their own separate All Ireland competitions. Rings was considered a winter game played indoors, the rest were played during the summer session.
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Up to this day, the game of rings is still played competitively at All Ireland level on this All Ireland Standard Ring Board. In 1980, the All Ireland Rings Association was formed by J. Behan, D. Murphy, A. Moynihan & G. Cartwright. The next year, the first All Ireland competition was played in the ESB complex, Dublin. The final was between Dublin vs. Cork, Dublin won on that occasion. Currently, the game is still played in Ireland in Pubs around the country. It has become a traditional Irish Pub game which still live on.
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If you would like to keep this tradition alive and compete at All Ireland Championship level, then investing in the purchase of this board is your opportunity to partake in this competitive Irish sport on home turf. The All Ireland Final is hold in the Clare Inn Ennis, Co. Clare on the 1st & 2nd of March each year.
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