Rapped knuckles are all part of childhood game revived in Carlow

EWING’S bar in Carlow town was the venue for the second annual Dudes Championship of Conkers recently when 16 eager participants put their pride (and knuckles) on the line in pursuit of glory.

“It is just a simple bit of fun between a group of friends and a bit of a throwback to our younger days,” explained David McDonald, one of the organisers.

Tommy Lennon was the eventual winner, overcoming Barry Broderick in the final, and received the trophy generously sponsored by Ivan Tucker of Douglas Jewellers while food on the night was provided by Ewing’s.

Those who played conkers in the schoolyard as children will remember the different performance enhancers used by those seeking to gain an edge over their opponents.

Various methods used to harden a conker and increase the chance of victory included soaking it in vinegar, baking it or painting it with nail polish, to name a few.

While such tactics were to be expected on the ruthless playground circuits, conker ‘doping’ has also appeared at the highest level of the game.

Last year’s world championship in Britain became a global story after it was alleged the winner, who was subsequently vindicated, had used a steel conker.

As it turned out, no allegations of foul play emerged from the Dudes championship; all conkers used on the day were collected from the same group of horse chestnut trees just off the Athy Road, Carlow and players then picked them at random before the competition.

“It is a bit of a trick to get conkers these days. The trees are not what they used to be but we know a little area so that’s where we go and get our stash. Everyone has a bit of fun,” said David.