Cobh claims the title for holding the world’s most unique and fun lottery. There are events around the world such as the Bull Running in Pamplona or the final stage of the Tour de France in Paris that are unique. This is a lottery like no other that uses over 6,000 numbered balls that are released at the top of a steep hill nicknamed the Deck of Cards. The hill has 25 houses stacked up against each other on the hillside. Once released the thousands and thousands of numbered coloured balls cascade and bounce their way down the ridged surface of the roadway.
This event is something uniquely Cobh, uniquely Irish and something that will remain in your memory forever. It happens just once a year so planning to see it is essential. Be a part of it. Come to Cobh, buy your ball for just €2 and hope that your ball is one of the first four balls past the post to win a cash prize.
This year’s Barrack Hill Ball Roll takes place on Monday, August 1st. At 4pm, Barrack Hill or as it’s fondly termed, the ‘Deck of Cards’, will once again be transformed into a carnival of colour as thousands of numbered balls race their way downhill to raise much needed funds for Cobh GAA and Epilepsy Ireland. The hugely entertaining Big Ball Uphill challenge will take place before the main event, where teams of three will have to roll a big exercise ball UP THE HILL in a relay.
For just €2 per ball, participants are in with a chance to win cash prizes while participating in one of Cobh’s most exhilarating events of the summer. The first five balls over the finish line will win cash prizes. Tickets to sponsor a ball can be purchased on the day or before at any participating retail outlet in Cobh.
An added bonus this year is that a full programme of entertainment is being provided. There will free crab fishing and a Teddy Bear’s picnic in The Promenade from 1 to 3 pm. So Come to Cobh this Bank Holiday Monday enjoy the spectacle of the Barrack Hill Ball Roll and the kaleidoscope of colour on West View as well as the myriad other attractions that Cobh has to offer.
Will it be the excitement of the children intent on propelling the balls even faster down the hill, the unique sound of the clinking of balls or the bustle of the gatherers at the finish line intent on saving as many balls as possible for next year that becomes your abiding memory?
