'It was quite humorous when one soldier reported scores he referred to traps, instead of rinks.'

'It was quite humorous when one soldier reported scores he referred to traps, instead of rinks.'

Tom remembers Ireland hosting the bowling Internationals and how the army helped out.

Tom Sutton

Trinity College Dublin

1988

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Tom Sutton

Marriage and Family

Life Story

Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim

1980s

In 1988, it was Ireland's turn to stage the international series and two greens were required to stage them. As very few clubs had two greens, we considered using two greens close by -Carrickfergus and Ulster Transport at Jordanstown. However, whilst both have clubhouses, extra accommodation was required for meals etc., for both players and spectators. I approached Major Evans of the 9th (County Antrim) Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment, based in Carrickfergus, to see if they could help. Well, they did a terrific job erecting marquees, conveying scores from one green to the other and generally being helpful. It was quite humorous when one soldier reported scores he referred to traps, instead of rinks. However, everything went well and Major Evans felt it was good experience for new recruits to the army!

Irish Research Council for Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (IRCHSS)

Dr Kathleen McTiernan (Trinity College Dublin)

Dr Deirdre O'Donnell (Trinity College Dublin)