Louth man shares his passion for Rings after being involved in the sport for nearly four decades

John Smyth is a dedicated rings player from Ardee, Co. Louth who has been immersed in the sport for nearly four decades.

Playing for a Louth team out of the Dunleer Inn, also known as Mullers, John has built an impressive career filled with victories, challenges, and an unwavering passion for the game. 

When speaking with the Dundalk Democrat, he said: “At the moment I am playing for a Louth team throwing out of a pub in Dunleer called the Dunleer Inn or also known as Mullers and I throw with my own team there.” 

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John’s journey in the sport began in 1986 when a close friend, Joe McDonnell, introduced him to rings by giving him his first set. That moment marked the start of a lifelong commitment to the game. 

“I first started throwing rings in 1986 when a friend of mine Joe McDonnell gave him his first ever set of rings. I started throwing with a team out of the Railway Bar in Ardee. I did it as a part-time sport at the weekend just to get out of the house.” 

But what started as a pastime soon became a passion. Over the years, John climbed the ranks and collected numerous titles along the way. His crowning achievement came in 2018 when he won the All-Ireland Cup, a victory that remains one of the highlights of his career. 

“It is one of the best feelings in the world to win. I won the All-Ireland, the actual All-Ireland Cup overall in 2018. From there I have been winning the Leinster’s, winning the Singles, and winning and runner-up in various cups.” 

John has witnessed firsthand how the sport has evolved over the years. What once was a casual pastime has grown into a fiercely competitive discipline with a dedicated following. 

“The sport has become more serious now than it was years ago. It was just for fun years ago and it wasn’t really a competitive sport but now it is.” 

“It has just become more and more popular now younger people are at it and the competition is getting harder. The sport is very serious and more competitive today than it was years ago.” 

His dedication to the game is evident in his relentless practice sessions. Playing with his neighbour, Tommy Dalton, helped him refine his skills and develop the confidence to take on bigger challenges. 

“I never miss throwing rings in my neighbour's house Tommy Dalton and that is where we got stronger and stronger.” 

Despite avoiding injuries throughout his career, John has faced tough losses, including finishing as runner-up in the Leinster Singles, the Leinster Over-65’s, and the All-Ireland Over-65’s two years ago. 

“I have had no injuries and no setbacks, but I have had some tough losses. Two years ago, getting runner-up in the Leinster Singles, runner-up in the Leinster Over-65's, and runner-up in the All-Ireland Over 65’s.” 

“It was very hard because obviously you want to win. I was determined to practice and keep practicing and throw my best for the team and get more confidence in myself.” 

That perseverance paid off. This year, John returned to the competition stronger than ever and managed to win those three titles. 

“Then I went out and won those three cups this year. So, it was very hard to get back out there knowing that you were runner-up, but I was delighted that I did.” 

Beyond the competition, John cherishes the bonding that sport brings. The social aspect keeps him motivated, and he enjoys the banter and friendships he has built over the years. 

“One of the things I enjoy most is getting out and socialising, that is what keeps me motivated. My friends are out there throwing against me and the craic is good.” 

“I just love the sport; I love the people involved. I throw against other regions like Meath and a couple of teams down the country. 

“Getting them all together at the All-Ireland is what keeps me motivated and keeps me going. The sport keeps me young, and it keeps me involved with the community.” 

John is grateful for the support he has received along the way, acknowledging his Louth team, his best friend Gerry McArdle, and his family. 

“People I would like to thank are the Louth team that I throw with, one of my best friends is Gerry McArdle, and my family.” 

He also believes the All-Ireland tournament deserves more recognition for the effort and organization that goes into the event each year. 

“The All-Ireland needs recognition for the event that they put together in the Green Isle every year.” 

His latest competition saw him once again finishing as runner-up in the All-Ireland Over-65’s, but he remains optimistic about the future. 

“I was at the All-Ireland's a couple of weekends ago and unfortunately; I got runner-up in the All-Ireland Over-65s again.

“But I went up and I competed, and I played my best, so I am happy to be runner-up again. Maybe next year I will go for the All-Ireland and win it with a bit of luck.”

Through victories and defeats, John’s passion for rings remains an important part of his week. For him, it’s more than just a sport - it’s a way of life. “Rings is a great winter sport; it gets me out and I enjoy it.”