James Oliver RIP

The Navan Road Bowls Association wish to express their deepest sympathies to the Oliver Family on the passing of James. The Oliver Family have for many years supported the Navan Road Bowls Association with Francis, Seamus, Darren, James, Vivian and Dermot serving the club with honour down through the years. Their loss is felt by all at the NRBA and we forward our sincerest condolences at this time. NRBA. 21-11-09

Course Record Clarification

It's encouraging to hear that our NRBA Website is accessed far and wide to hear the latest news and views emanating from the Navan Road Bowls Association. Recently, a former member of our organisation contacted the Blog to clarify the holder of the course record on the Navan Rd.
Previously, we had stated that Paddy Mc Creesh had the title of course record holder. This is still the case. However, Patrick's record of seven incredible bowls was from Loughrans, "down the road" and not "up" as previously thought!
In terms of the course record holder, "up the road", there have been a number of bowlers who have scored the line at Loughrans in nine unbelievable bowls. One of those bowlers was our former member and National Champion, Darren Oliver (pictured), whilst another bowler in this category was our very own Austin Mc Keown.
We welcome other feedback and comments from members or well wishers on any topic that they wish to raise. We will do our utmost to get back to you in a timely manner.

A New Name On The Cup!!

There will be a new name on the Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup in 2009 after Stephen Smith won a nail-biting overall final at a wet and windy Navan Rd. on Sunday 1st November.

Not only had Stephen to deal with the elements on the day, but had to overcome stiff opposition in the form of his Brother and former All-Ireland Novice Champion, Niall and the inexperienced debutant, Donal Johnston.

It was always going to be difficult for Johnston who is having his first year of competitive bowling and so it proved as the Smith brothers pulled steadily clear of the Lislea man. However, the experience will stand him in good stead in the future.

Up the road, both Brothers bowled below par at times with Stephen just holding the advantage on the approach to "The Street". However, the younger and more experienced Niall produced a scintillating bowl from "Paddy's", that incredibly beat "The Pole". There was only a few metres between both bowlers and this was maintained right to the last shot at "Loughran's". With Stephen bowling first, he sent a great last shot over the line and down towards "Elsie's". Niall was left with the unenviable task of having to beat the mark to win the overall final. Alas, his bowl fell short and amid rapturous applause, Stephen Smith was presented with the Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup from Sponsor and former All-Ireland U-16 Champion, Austin Mc Keown.

The Mc Keown Family would like to thank all bowlers who participated in this years competition and would like to thank the NRBA Committee for their continued support of the Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup.