Road Bowling: When there's €82,000 riding on it, it's harder to block the outside noise

External advisers trying to be helpful has value, but swamping a player is not the wisest tactic. Ulster bowling culture also has plenty of fans offering their views, but from a safer distance. Munster fans are more insistent

CROWD CONTROL: Munster junior A champion, Darragh Dempsey sends the bowl over the sop towards his father Noel in the All-Ireland final last weekend in Ballinagree, Co. Cork. Pic: Greta Cormican championships in Ballinagree, Co Cork

A line from the Boy’s of Fairhill says. ‘When you hear the Shea Boy say Timmy Delaney has won the day” – Cork bowling fans could do worse than distil the significance of that line.

Timmy Delaney was the bowling superstar of the day. The Shea Boy was none other than Jack O’Shea, the most famous road shower of the 20th century. He always ‘stood road’ for Delaney. Bowlers of that vintage were particular about whose advice they sought and to whom they listened.