The NRBA's Star's of Tomorrow, took to the "Track's" on the last Sunday before Christmas to display their talents. Although somewhat hampered by climatic conditions, there were some good performances. Pictured are the NRBA Juniors with their awards generously sponsored by our former All-Ireland Novice Champion, Niall Smith. L-R: Eoghan Hughes, Rory Hughes, Alesha Smith & Reece Mc Keown. Well done everyone!

Austin's frozen Turkey!

There was a surreal backdrop to the overall final of this years Smith Family sponsored Turkey Tournament at the Navan Road. This years finalists awoke to a blanket of snow and with the Mallon Family already guaranteed a Turkey & Ham, it was left to Austin Mc Keown and Thomas Mullen to decide where the Turkey was landing this year. With no margins for error, bowls had to be played to perfection on the day and Austin Mc Keown drew into an early advantage. With a fantastic effort from the "Bull's Track", Mc Keown started to open up and raised a bowl of odds advantage at "Tommy's Street". Here, young Mullen capitulated in the icy conditions leaving Mc Keown to lift the Turkey for 2009. Both bowlers bowled admirably under the conditions with Mc Keown just getting the "rub of the green" at the right times. Surprisingly, this was the former All-Ireland U-16's first win of the Turkey Tournament. However, Austin can now add this title to his illustrious bowling honours. Pictured above is, (L-R) Austin Mc Keown, Niall Smith (Sponsors) & Thomas Mullen. Well done to both men and special thanks to the Smith Family for their continued support and sponsorship to NRBA.

The "Rock" have bases covered in Turkey quest!

The Mallon Family from the Rock Road appear to have the Turkey & Ham well and truly wrapped for Christmas 2009. Not for the first time, the Lislea Men sent a successful raiding party to the Navan Road. Firstly, Kieran Mallon partnered with Austin Mc Keown overcame an "out of sorts", Niall Smith & Mark Mc Keown. After a poor start from Niall & Mark, they eventually warmed to the task and sent four fantastic efforts from before "Ted's Lane" to the "cap" at Loughrans. This rocked the Mallon/McKeown pairing back on their heels and with Austin Mc Keown's poor effort to "Loughran's", it left the score almost level. Alas, Niall Smith's final effort failed to score the line, thus leaving the former Ulster U-16 Champion, Kieran Mallon (Pictured) to score the line to the palpable relief of their supporters.
In the second Semi-Final, Francie Mallon and Thomas Mullen secured victory over Tom Mullen and Grange man Barry Mallon in an exciting tussle with the Lislea and Ballycrummy men coming out on top.
So, to next Sunday and an intriguing 2009 Turkey Tournament Final clash between Fancie Mallon & Thomas Mullen versus Kieran Mallon & Austin Mc Keown. The more experienced Mallon/Mullen combination will undoubtedly start favorite to bring home the Turkey this year.

Hope to see you back soon John.

Over the past month at the Navan Road Bowls Association, a familiar face has been missing on Sunday morning's. This man is a huge loss on the bowling roads throughout County Armagh and none more so on his beloved Navan Road. A quietly spoken gentleman. However, one of the most knowledgeable and nicest men you would care to meet. A priceless commodity to us all at the Navan Road with that rare knack of finding wayward bowls (even if he wasn't at the score!). We at the Navan Road Bowls Association, wish our esteemed member John Garvey, a quick and speedy recovery after a recent setback. Furthermore, we all look forward to seeing him back "up the track's" early in 2010. In the meantime John, best wishes to you and your family for Christams and the New Year.