by Ross Barnett and Courtney Groom

This video shows the moment that Royal Shrovetide Football 2019 got underway in Ashbourne – with the annual event getting off to a lively start.

It did not take long for the ball to disappear from view after the turn-up took place at the stone plinth in the town’s Shaw Croft car park, after hundreds turned out for the event.

It was local Paul Harrison, owner of a large family-run commercial vehicle business and respected farmer and landowner who got the game underway at 2pm, following renditions of the National Anthem and Auld Lang Syne.

The moment the Shrovetide event got under way. Photo: Giancarlo Canto.
The moment the Shrovetide event got under way. Photo: Giancarlo Canto.
The turn-up took place in Ashbourne's Shaw Croft car park. Photo: Caitlin Magee
The turn-up took place in Ashbourne’s Shaw Croft car park. Photo: Caitlin Magee
The crowd gathered in Ashbourne for the start of Shrovetide. Photo: Sophie Arnold
The crowd gathered in Ashbourne for the start of Shrovetide. Photo: Sophie Arnold
Ashbourne is always packed for Shrovetide. Photo: Giancarlo Canto.
Ashbourne is always packed for Shrovetide. Photo: Giancarlo Canto.

The Up’ards immediately got control of the ball but the Down’ards fought back and, within minutes, started the run to their goal post. Our Storyhub reporters on the ground say the game already seems a much quicker one than last year.

Follow our live blog on the Storyhub homepage for all the latest updates from Ashbourne.