A Unique Tradition in St. Patrick, Missouri
In the heart of St. Patrick, Missouri – a town with a population of just 23 – an exciting and unconventional event draws participants from near and far. Clancy’s Irish Road Bowling, now entering its 13th year in 2025, has become a beloved annual tradition. Scheduled for Saturday, March 22nd, this quirky and competitive event blends Irish heritage with a fun, community-centered atmosphere while raising thousands of dollars for local causes.
Irish road bowling is as unusual as it sounds. Teams of four compete by rolling a 28-ounce steel ball along a 1.5-mile stretch of road. The goal? To reach the town center with the fewest throws. Each team member throws from where the previous one landed in a relay-style competition. Adding a playful twist, bowlers must have a beverage in hand while throwing, and many teams bring wagons to carry drinks and snacks.
With a 100-team limit, each team of 4 pays $100 to enter, along with a $15 deposit for the ball – a small price for the fun, though losing your ball means elimination. Participants are released in heats, keeping the competition organized and energetic.
Winners aren’t just measured by skill – creativity counts too. Prizes are awarded for 1st place, last place, and best costume, with each winning team receiving a painted bowling pin. A designated driver contest adds to the fun with a random drawing for $50, promoting safety while keeping the festivities lively as well.
The event kicks off at 11:00 AM and lasts only a few hours, but the excitement continues throughout the day. At 1:30 PM, the River Land Jam Band takes the stage, offering live music until 4:30 PM.
A highlight of the afternoon is Egg Roulette, a free-to-enter game at 3:00 PM. Participants face off in groups of 10, cracking eggs on their heads – half are hard-boiled, half raw. The last person standing in each round wins $50, and with 5 dozen eggs in play, the fun (and mess) is guaranteed.
The St. Patrick Knights of Columbus will also host a food tent, offering delicious items for purchase to keep attendees fueled throughout the day.
A Legacy of Community Support
More than just a day of fun, Clancy’s Irish Road Bowling is a significant fundraiser for the St. Patrick Betterment Group, a local organization with just four committee members. Each year, the event raises approximately $4,000-$5,000, all of which is reinvested into the community.
Beneficiaries include the Canton R5 School, Running Fox PTO, Clark County R-1 Band, the Shrine of St. Patrick cemetery restoration project, and the Shrine of St. Patrick Park restoration and maintenance. Funds also support local infrastructure, such as street signs and village welcome signs, in addition to street maintenance expenses.
One particularly meaningful initiative is their support of Wreaths Across America, which ensures that all 100 veterans’ graves at St. Patrick Cemetery are honored with a wreath annually at Christmas time. Funds raised also support Forest Grove Cemetery in Canton, MO, to provide wreaths for the 550 veterans laid to rest in their cemetery. This year, the program will expand to Frazee Cemetery in Wayland, MO, furthering the group’s commitment to remembering and honoring veterans.
A Tradition Rooted in History
The name “Clancy’s Irish Road Bowling” pays homage to Clarence and Nancy Kirchner, the parents of two of the event’s founders.
Organized by Myrna (Kirchner) Daughtry and sister Marcia (Kirchner) Hardin, whose families have deep roots in the area, the event is a testament to St. Patrick’s rich history. The Kirchner family has lived in the area since the 1890s. Their great-grandfather, John N. Kirchner, established the town’s General Store in 1914 and operated it for 34 years. You can still visit the original general store building as Myrna and Marcia own and operate The Old Irish Gift Store year-round in this historic building.
This event has grown to become the second-largest Irish road bowling competition in the United States, a remarkable feat for such a small community.
Despite the physical nature of the game, no injuries have been reported, thanks to thoughtful safety measures. Myrna stated they use hay bales to block deep ditches to prevent accidents, and metal detectors are available to recover lost balls.
Participants and spectators can enjoy the day knowing that safety is a priority while the event’s lighthearted spirit remains at the forefront.
How to Participate
Those interested in joining the fun can find more information and register via the event’s Facebook page, Clancy’s Irish Road Bowling, or by mailing a request to PO Box 14, St. Patrick, Missouri.
If spots remain available, the day of registration is also accepted. However, early registration is encouraged.
Whether you’re a competitor, a volunteer, or simply a fan of unique traditions, Clancy’s Irish Road Bowling promises an unforgettable day filled with laughter, competition, and community spirit – all while giving back to a town that holds tight to its heritage.
Submitted by Allison Housewright