Split the Sap

Stories in Sound

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.