The 40th anniversary of the King and Queen of the Roads festival in Ballincurrig, County Cork, is set to host a major road bowling championship this weekend, attracting top competitors from across Europe. Among the participants are Armagh GAA stars Ethan Rafferty and Kelly Mallon, both of whom have made significant marks in the sport. Rafferty, the current All-Ireland men’s senior road bowls champion, is also renowned as a formidable Gaelic footballer. Mallon, a standout Armagh footballer, has an impressive record in road bowling, having competed in Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. Road bowling, a sport with roots dating back to the 17th century, involves throwing a 737-gram metal ball along a country road, with the winner being the one who completes the course in the fewest throws. The sport is particularly popular in counties Armagh and Cork. A new initiative by the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council aims to introduce more people to the sport, offering historical insights and hands-on experiences. Chris Mallon, Kelly’s father, plays a key role in this initiative, sharing the sport’s rich history and teaching newcomers the art of road bowling.