Road Bowling: Mallon and Tulk have put Queen centre stage

On the eve of the 30th playing of Queen of the Roads it is clear that these two amazing athletes have projected the game far beyond its normal reach.

Kelly Mallon (Ulster) in action at Ballincurrig. Picture Dan Linehan

Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 - 13:00

Seamus O’Tuama

In a conversation recently among a group of sports fans, King and Queen of the Roads was suddenly the main topic. The surprising thing was that the Queen was getting far more attention than the King. The reason primarily was the name recognition of both Kelly Mallon and Silke Tulk.

On the eve of the 30th playing of Queen of the Roads it is clear that these two amazing athletes have projected the game far beyond its normal reach. That should hardly be surprising given they jointly lead the roll of honour with eight crowns each and one or both of them has contested every single Queen of the Roads final since 2009. A testament not just to the endurance of class but also their singular focus.