Fergal Fantastic!

Not for the first time, the NRBA's Fergal McCreesh bowled superbly to defeat Inter-County opposition. This time, Fergal and Shane O'Neill defeated the Louth and Mayo pairing of Gary Shevlin and Gerard Kennedy. This score was the second score at the Annual Bol Fada event held at Tassagh, Co. Armagh on Friday 6th April. Fergal and Shane got off to a terrific start and built on this lead throughout the event. At the end, there was a three bowls of odds deficit and the Armagh men taking the plaudits from the large crowd in attendance. Well done boys!

NRBA Annual Presentation Night

Our Annual Presentation Evening took place last weekend in Devlin's Bar, Armagh. In front of a large audience, the Harry Morgan Memorial Cup was presented by Collette O'Reilly to Jarlath Devlin (representing Winner, James Devlin) with Runner's Up Mark Mc Keown and Kevin Smith. Other presentations included the McCoy Transport Phantom Cup and Kevin Smith took great pleasure in accepting the Cup from Tony McCoy on behalf of McCoy Transport. Vivian Oliver was presented with the Smith Family Sponsored Ring Cup with Niall Smith doing the honours. The popular Lislea man, Chris Hart took 3rd Place in the event with Madden Man, Michael Rafferty accepting the Runner-Up spot. The last two presentations went to our long standing supporter and former Treasurer, Mr Michael Callaghan and Jarlath Devlin had the honour of making the presentation to Michael. Finally, following his success in 2011, our Ulster Novice Champion (pictured)Fergal McCreesh accepted a small token of our appreciation from Club Secretary, Mr Hugh McCoy. A special word of thanks to Devlin's Bar on the food and entertainment. This was very much appreciated and thank you to all those who attended. NRBA. 20-02-12.

The Fairylands B&B Martin McKeown Memorial Cup 2012

The next tournament at the NRBA will be the Fairylands B&B sponsored Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup. As in previous years, this will be a 3 Grade, Single Hand Tournament with a £200 Prize Fund. The full draw is as follows;-
Grade 1: Kieran Morgan v Conor McGuigan, Johnny Kelly v Austin McKeown, Jarlath Devlin v Fergal McCreesh, Josh Cullen v Kevin McQuade, Cormac Garvey v Stephen McCann, Thomas Mullen v James Devlin, Darren Donnelly v Chris Fields, Niall Smith v Hugh McCoy, Davey Clarke v Michael Quigley, Eamon O'Neill v Martin Cullen, Vivian Oliver v Michael Rafferty, Seamus McKee v Sean O'Reilly, Fergal Donnelly v Mark McKeown, Philly McKeever v Brian Kinchin, James Oliver v Phillip Corrigan, Franko Oliver (Holder) v Gerry Boylan v Paul Harte.
Grade 2: Marty Donnelly v Barry Mallon , Cormac Gribben v Paddy Cullen, Darren Mullen v Conor McCreesh, Kevin Cullen v Kevin Smith, Paul Hagan v Oliver O'Neill, Ciaran Donnelly v Kieran McCreesh, Stephen Smith(Pictured in 2009) v Paul Doran, Ryan Quigely v Francie Mallon, John Quigely v Oliver Gribben, Dermot Oliver v John Joe O'Neill, Nico Kelly v Chris Harte v Hugh McSorley.
Grade 3: Malachy Quigely v Eoin Hughes, Tom Mullen v Tony McCoy, Donal Johnston v David Devlin, Jane O'Neill v Martin Cullinane, Patsy McQuade v Raymond Finnegan, Larry Corr v Paul Shannon, Pat Hagan v Rhys McKeown

The McCoy Transport Turkey Tournament 2011

The weather is cooler, nights are longer and the Turkeys are getting fat so it must be time for the Turkey Tournament at the Navan Road Bowls Association. This years event is yet again generously sponsored by Paddy McCoy of McCoy Transport. Darren Mullen is pictured being presented with the Phantom Cup from fellow Clubman Stephen Smith following his success in last years renewal. The Turkey Tournament is ongoing at present with the conclusion in the 2nd weekend of December. See local press for details.

Oliver Takes the Title!

Vivian Oliver rolled back the years as he took the 2011 Ring Cup at the Navan on Sunday 20th November. Oliver, who learned his trade here at the Navan overcame Michael Rafferty and Chris Hart on the last shot to win this years Ring Cup. However, it wasn't plain sailing as Oliver just held on to beat the most consistent of Bowlers in Michael Rafferty with Chris Hart an admirable third. Oliver has been a model of consistency himself. In this years Tournament he overcame Ciaran Donnelly, Paddy Cullen ans Ryan Quigley in the Grade 2 Final. Vivian now follows in the footsteps of his younger sibling Darren in achieving Silverware on the Navan Road.

Ulster Championships - Presentation Night

The Norther Branch of An Bol Chummann held their Annual Presentation night on Saturday 29 October at the Madden Centre. The NRBA had 3 Prizewinners on the night, Fergal McCreesh (Ulster Novice 2 Champion), David Devlin (Ulster U-14 Runner-Up) and Rhys McKeown (Ulster U-12 Runner-Up). Rhys is pictured being presented with his award by Phillip White (Sponsor). Congratulations to all the Prizewinners on the night and we wish our NRBA Clubmen our very best wishes for the 2012 Bowling Year.

Franko Marches On!

Franko Oliver brightened up a dull and miserable morning at the Navan when he took on NRBA Kingpin and current Ulster Novice Champion, Fergal McCreesh in the second round of this years Smith Family Ring Cup. At the off, it was McCreesh who was red hot favourite but didn't live up to that billing with a very poor opener that fell behind a similar effort from Oliver. McCreesh began to pile the early pressure onto Oliver but to his credit, Oliver bowled extremely consistently throughout the contest. This paid dividends when McCreesh uncharacteristically missed at the "Ring Gates". This was all the opening that Oliver required and the current 2011 McKeown Cup Winner, surged into a lead and deservedly raised the bowl of odds advantage at the "Street". McCreesh, nursing a career threatening injury, soldiered on but was never able to eat into Olivers well deserved lead. This is the second impressive victory of Olivers after ending Seamus McKee's interest in this tournament. Furthermore, Oliver has only been recently promoted into this Grade following his Grade 2 and overall success in the McKeown Cup earlier this year. Franko's amazing run of form at the NRBA continues.

No Luck for Fergal in National Finals

Hard luck to NRBA's Fergal McCreesh who fell at the penultimate hurdle last weekend in the All-Ireland Novice Semi-Final in Westport. Co.Mayo. On a tricky road which was heavily "chipped", Fergal got off to an unlucky start and could never peg back the pace setters and was beaten by a bowl of odds at the end. However, Fergal can be extremely proud of his haul in 2011 as a Ulster Novice Title is a real lift for the Association. We look forward to 2012 with great anticipation. NRBA.

The NRBA have been kindly invited to participate in a partner score on Friday 09 September'11 in Westport, Co. Mayo. This may suit those NRBA members planning on travelling to support our Ulster Champion, Fergal McCreesh who will compete in the All-Ireland Novice 2 Semi Final the following day. Would all interested members please contact our Committee Member, Niall Smith to express their interest before Monday 03 September'11. Thank you. NRBA 31-08-11

2011 Ulster Novice Champion - Fergal McCreesh

It gives us great pleasure to report yet another Ulster Title for the Navan Road Bowls Association. This evening, Fergal McCreesh overcame Seamus O'Neill in the Final of the Ulster Novice Championship. Although the overall standard of bowling was not what one would expect of a Provincial Final, nevertheless, a win and an Ulster Title was the goal. Hard luck to Seamus who can take great heart with his 2011 Championship Year. As for the NRBA, we look forward to supporting Fergal in Westport, Co.Mayo in the All-Ireland Semi-Final and Finals in two weeks time. Well done Fergal from all your fellow NRBA Members.

NRBA Youth Tournament

The NRBA Youth Tournament will be kicking off in the next couple of weeks. The tournament is designed to cater for our younger bowlers in the County and has been generously sponsored by our NRBA Secretary, Hugh McCoy. Among those taking part in the event will be the NRBA's own Ulster U-12 Finalist, Rhys McKeown. Rhys is pictured prior to the start of the Ulster Final earlier this Summer at Tassagh. Good luck to all those taking part and check local press for details. NRBA.

"Unlimited Bowling" Charity Day

The finishing touches are being made to our NRBA Charity Day that takes place on Sunday 28th August 2011. This years event will raise much needed funds for the "Unlimited Bowling" Charity. The event, which is in it's fourth year has created much excitement amongst the Road Bowling Clubs of Navan, Blackwatertown and the current Holders of the Cup, Drumcairn. The format of the event will be 3-Corner partnered challenges with the Club winning the most "Scores" taking the title. All available club members will be participating including young David Devlin (pictured) who was runner up in this years Ulster-U-14 Championship. Our Club Captain on the day will be Tom Mullen. A reception and presentation will be held in Devlin's Bar, Lower English St. Armagh from 1930Hrs. Action on the Road gets underway from 1030Hrs right through to mid afternoon. Good Luck to all concerned and let's hope we can take the Cup back to the Navan! NRBA. 22-08-11

Club Sponsors

Every Club requires some form of funding and support to function and we at the NRBA are no different. The Association are indebted to our local Sponsors Fairylands B&B, McCoy Transport and The Smith Family for their continued and generous sponsorship of Club Tournaments throughout the Bowling Year. We thank you for your continued support to Road Bowling at the Navan. NRBA. 24-07-11.

Devlin Digs Deep!

James Devlin won the first running of the Harry Morgan Memorial Cup on Sunday 17th July 2011. Devlin overcame the challenge of Grade 2 Winner, Mark Mc Keown and Grade 3 Winner, Kevin Smith. It was Devlin who set the pace with four massive bowls to take him from the Strand Corner to "Leeman's Gates". Mc Keown was having great difficulty keeping apace with the youngster whilst Smith was slow into his stride. However, to his credit, Kevin Smith never gave up and bowled admirably throughout the contest. McKeown was left to rue his luck as he had two gilt edged chances to level the score at the "Postman's" and again above the "Street". So, to the last shot and McKeown attempted to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat as he delivered what was arguably his best bowl of the day to almost "Elsie's". However, un-nerved by this, James Devlin delivered a rasping shot that just beat the "mark" with a winning 1m margin of victory. Congratulations James from the NRBA on a well earned win. Many thanks also to the Morgan & Mullen Families for organising such a great tournament in memory of a man who will live long in the hearts of the NRBA faithful. NRBA. 18-07-11.

Road Bowling Lecture

Local Bowling Historian, Brian Toal recently held a lecture in St.Patrick's Trian, Armagh on the History of Road Bowling in the local Area. Pictured with Brian Toal after the lecture are NRBA Club Members, Jarlath Devlin, Mark Mc Keown and Stephen Smith. Also in attendance were our Junior Club members in Tilly Mc Keown and Alisha Smith.

NRBA Presentation Night

Pictured are the prizewinners from the NRBA Presentation Night held in Devlin's Lounge. Armagh on Saturday 26th February 2011. A good night was had by all those who attended and many thanks to everyone for their support on the night. NRBA.

The Harry Morgan Memorial Cup 2011

The Harry Morgan Memorial Cup is up and running! Indeed, who better to get this eagerly anticipated tournament up and running than his own Grandson, Darren Mullen. Darren faced fellow Clubman, Conor Mc Creesh and it was McCreesh's experience that won the day on the last shot. It was average bowling from both men with neither man taking the initiative. However, the door was left open for McCreesh at the Ring Corner and he duly obliged with two good bowls to the line. Well done Conor and he will be a force to contend with in the Grade 2 of this tournament. NRBA. 13-02-11.

Franko "Frank's the Form"

Frank Oliver won his first tournament on the Navan Road when easily overcoming Kevin Mc Quade and Jane O'Neill in the overall Final of the Fairylands B&B Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup. Conditions were excellent for the final with bright winter sunshine and blue skies. It was Oliver who laid down a marker from the off and quickly pulled his bowl with Jane O'Neill and racing further ahead from the Madden Man, Kevin Mc Quade. Indeed, it was a frustrating morning for young McQuade as not only was he slow to get going but had no answer to the accurate bowling of Oliver. Young O'Neill raised her game to contest the second place. However, it was only then that McQuade stepped up a gear and to put paid to any challenge from the Eglish bowler. So, by Tommy Mc Creesh's, it was all over "bar the shouting". A devastating performance by Oliver. Pictured before the Final are from L-R: Mark Mc Keown (NRBA), Kevin McQuade (Madden), Jane O'Neill (Eglish), Franko Oliver (Port Mor) and Stephen smith (NRBA).

"Bowling in a Winter Wonderland"

After two weeks off, all our NRBA members are "chomping at the bit" and hoping that we can get back to normal service this coming Sunday morning. The inclement weather conditions have really put pay to a lot of Bowling Plans. Not only at the Navan but across Ulster in general. We are pleased to report that we will have a Turkey Tournament in some shape or form. We can't let the old traditions die out!

Cassie Devlin R.I.P.

The Navan Road Bowls Association wish to express their deepest sympathies to the Devlin family on the passing of Cassie. Cassie was a sister to esteemed club members Joe and Terry and the late Jim Devlin RIP. Furthermore, Cassie was an Aunt to our club member and former Secretary of An Bol Chumann, Jarlath Devlin and former member Paul Devlin. Their loss is felt by us all at NRBA and we forward our sincerest condolences to the Devlin family at this sad time. NRBA. 09-11-10

The Henry Morgan Memorial Cup

On behalf of the NRBA committee and Club Members, it gives us great pleasure in announcing that the NRBA will be running the inaugural Henry Morgan Memorial Cup in 2011. It is a great honour for NRBA to be approached by the Family who wish to donate a Cup in Henry's Honour. As stated previously on this blog, Henry Morgan was a long standing stalwart of the Club and indeed one of the founding members of our Association. He is sadly missed by us all at the NRBA. However, his memory will live long at the Navan through this new and exciting Cup. Further details of what promises to be an eagerly awaited event, will come through over the next couple of months. In the meantime, see local Press and checkout our Facebook Page to keep up to date with news, views and notes. NRBA. 24-10-10.

The 2010 McKeown Cup is "Hotting Up"

This years renewal of the Fairylands B&B Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup is really reaching a crescendos. We are already well into the second round and the exciting scores keep coming. Already making his mark is City Man, John Quigley who overcame stiff opposition in Port Mor man, Gareth Corr. John is no stranger to the Winners Enclosure at the Navan after reaching this years Ring Cup Final. A steady bowler, John will no doubt take a lot of beating on a road which definitely suits his style. See local Press for up to date fixtures and reports. Did you know we are also on Facebook? Check us out to be kept informed of news, views, action shots and stories. NRBA. 24-10-10.

McCoy Triumph's!

Young Hugh McCoy defied the odds at the Navan Road when overcoming hot favourite, Jarlath Devlin in the 2010 Fairylands B&B Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup. It was Devlin that started the brighter and had the advantage in the early stages. However, some misled bowls from both players left things "neck and neck" at "Ted's Lane". It was shot for shot all the way to "Loughrans". However, a superb last shot from McCoy won the day. It's fair to say that young McCoy was not at his brilliant best today but will in no doubt be in better fettle come the latter stages of this prestigious tournament. NRBA. 19-09-10.

2010 Fairylands B&B Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup

The Fairylands B&B, Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup continues apace and Vivian Oliver rolled back the years last Sunday. Vivian returned to the "tracks" after a number of years in the wilderness to upset the odds and "dump" the Navan's Conor Mc Creesh out of the Mc Keown Cup. Oliver started the stronger and had his opponent on the ropes with big efforts to, "the street" and again around the "Bull Track" Corner. Here, Oliver piled on the pressure. However, although well behind, McCreesh was unlucky to have his bowl capped at the Ring Gates and this was the start of the end for the gallant runner-up. As for Oliver, it was a very impressive comeback to the Navan Road and one which installs him as one of the favorites for the Grade 2 of this tournament. Other's beware!!!

Heartbreak for David

Our Ulster U-12 Champion, David Devlin lost out in his bid to capture the All-Ireland U-12 title on Sunday 1st August 2010. After an average start, young Devlin rocked his Cork opponent back on his heels with a fantastic third effort. This obviously had an affect on the Corkman as he misplayed his next few efforts and the Navan man hit the front for the first time. David maintained a good advantage with a great effort past the "Creamery Lane" and certainly deserved more with his seventh bowl. Only a few yards separated the pair heading to the Piggery and up into the corner, David made his only error of the score as he agonisingly misplaced his bowl. However, the Corkman failed to take full advantage and Devlin raced back with a fantastic effort onto the home straight. However, all was lost when the Corkman unleashed an exquisite bowl from a "bare" corner that just scored the line. It was an anti-climax to a score that we all at NRBA believed was there for the taking. However, David and his Father Jarlath can take great credit on a fantastic performance that eventually fell just short. Hard luck David from all at NRBA and we look forward to the 2011 Championship year.