Skittles itself is not a new game but has an ancient tradition going back to the middle ages. It was first played in Ireland at the local Crossroads for many years but was developed into organized competitions in the last half-century.

The major change was the transfer from a crossroads game to a modern game, with concrete pitches, standardized rules and organized competitions. In 1976 a formalized constitution was introduced into the Cavan area and in 1978 became an All Ireland constitution with an All Ireland committee in charge of the organization. Local county League and county championships have been held in Co Cavan since 1972 and the All Ireland series commenced in Mitchlestown in 1976 and have been running annually ever since.

This transition of the Skittles game from a rural crossroads entertainment to a modern competitor sport has not been easy. Unfortunately the game is slowing dying out. We believe the only way to keep the game alive is to introduce it to the young people in the country and the obvious way to do this is through the Community Games.

We are delighted to say that we received a very positive response from both county and national committees involved in the Community Games. Following is the motion, which was approved at the recent AGM of the National Executive.

“Skittles

That Skittles mixed (all boys /all girls / mixed) team under 14 and girls under 12 be introduced to the Community Games Programme of Activities. The rules of the Irish Skittles Association to apply except where amended by Community Games.” 

As a result skittles will be played at a national level in the Community Games in 2008. However, as the motion had been passed at county AGMs’ in Cavan, Kilkenny and Tipperary skittles can be played at a county level in 2007 in these three counties.

Skittles does generate a Community spirit at a local level among participating teams. And we trust that its inclusion in this national organisation will make a small contribution to that community spirit which is the hallmark of our Community Games.

Skittles is a skilful game with some few players having legendary status. It is an entreating game and one that is relatively easy to organize on a local scale and it is open to a wide range of participation, male and female, from the very young to our senior citizens.

We have been invited by the National Executive to demonstrate the game at a skills weekend to be held in Mosney on 12^th May.  Following that we will also be present at the County athletics meeting to be held in the CBS Nenagh, Co. Tipperary on the 27^th May.