Slow bowlers

Okay, starter for 10 points: in what Dublin sport recently did a boy of 10 play seniors while a man of 94 played junior league? If there’s an outdoor sport that requires less exertion than lawn bowls, then we’re yet to find it. It’s the epitome of slow and graceful; with the curve of the solid wood against your hand, the sun and breeze on your back, and the carpet-soft grass underfoot, enjoy a game that can take anything up to three hours to complete.

The sport has been going for over 300 years in Dublin, when the first green was laid right in the city centre, just off College Green. Back then it was definitely a pastime for toffs but TV coverage and a conscious outreach effort have attracted a wider and younger participation in recent years. Down-to-earth Crumlin Bowling Club offers free open days from April to June.