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Radio Ulster brings together radio documentaries from UK and Irish broadcasters.

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Stories in Sound: Split the Sap

The Bullet Thrower

12/02/2017

Split the Sap

BBC Radio Ulster - Stories in Sound, Split the Sap

Marty Cullen writes a traditional song for the Armagh sport of bullets.

Since he could walk, Marty Cullen has grown up with the Armagh sport of bullets. The yarns and tales of this world inspire him to pen a song in favour of an unlikely champion.

Marty Cullen has grown up within the Armagh sport of bullets since he could walk. It is a world full of burly men, headstrong champions and unhappy wives. The yarns and tales of this pastime inspires him to pen a song bearing the dirt, grit and spit of a sport that sparks iron and tar.

Bullets is a traditional Irish sport played primarily in the counties Armagh and Cork. The game is formally known as 'road bowls' and involves two competitors hurling a 28-ounce metal cannon ball or 'bullet' down a country road. Whoever crosses the finish line in the least amount of shots wins the match, or 'score' as it's called locally. The Armagh style involves a mighty jump and a swift under arm jerk to propel the bullet forwards. The cork men 'hynch' the bullet, this involves a full rotation of the arm over the head.

Marty comes from a devoted family of bullet throwers, they make up one of the stronghold bullet throwing families in Armagh. He has won one of the highest honours in the game, an All-Ireland title. Now that he has grown and became a vibrant member of the traditional singing scene, Marty wants to write a song for the men he spent his childhood following along the roads.

Producer: Marty Cullen

Final Recording: 'Big Bridie the Bowler'

Vocals: Eileen McKee, Marty Cullen.

Flute: Marty Meehan

Guitar: Paul Meehan.

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