The Poc Fada na hÉireann is the All-Ireland final for the ancient sport of the poc fada. This involves hitting a ball (slíotar) around a mountain course in the fewest strikes (poc) possible. There are qualifiers held around the country throughout the year to select the best athletes. On the big day, men, women and children all take part in their separate competitions. The course runs around part of the Cooley Mountains, which are steeped in myth and legend and were playground to the famed warrior, Cúchulainn.

For visitors to the area, or to Ireland, the Poc Fada is a great place to get a sense of true Ireland. There are few places where you will get to see a marching band on the side of a mountain with a piper leading the athletes to their starting point. Spectators can chose one participant and follow them around, much as they do in golf. Many would describe the Poc Fada as off-piste golfing.

But whether or not you appreciate the game that Mark Twain allegedly described thus: Golf is a good walk spoiled, it will be found that the Irish version is much more enjoyable. So take a scally at the following video to get a sense of what Rebel Voice feels is perhaps the most enjoyable and underrated sporting occasion in all of Ireland.

https://youtu.be/C0temjLWgaI

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