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.