NRBA Annual General Meeting 2010

The 2010 NRBA Annual General Meeting will be held at the NRBA Conference Centre (AKA Declan Hughes' Garage) on Sunday 10th January 2010 at 1500 Hrs. All members are urged to attend to discuss the Club's strategy going forward. The club would also like to attract new members to the club and prospective members would be warmly welcomed. We look forward to seeing a good turnout from all our members and friends.

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.

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.

It's a family affair!

It will be a real family affair at the Navan Road on Sunday 1st November 2009 when Niall (pictured) and Stephen Smith go head to head in the Final of the 2009 Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup. The Final also sees local Publican, Paul Donnelly in his first final as he represents the Grade 3 section. It will be an intriguing battle as Niall attempts to give a bowl of odds to his older sibling Stephen and a further bowl to Paul in the Final from the Strand Corner.

Niall will start at restricted odds mainly due to his All-Ireland credentials from the 2008 season. However, who would bet against Stephen or Paul upsetting the odds. All roads lead to the Navan Rd. next Sunday morning to see sibling rivalry at its best!

No luck for David in National Final

Commiserations to young David Devlin who lost his All-Ireland U-12 Final against Cork man Shane Shannon at Sally's Cross, Kanturk. Devlin had done tremendously well to reach the National decider in his first year of competitive bowling but it was Shannon, from Beahlish, Durrus who overcame the Navan man on the day. The reports from Cork were very positive as Shannon had won a very competitive Carbery championship, narrowly defeating Brendan Crowley in the final, before undertaking a tough county campaign that included scores against regional winners from South-West, Mid, North-East and North Cork. David Devlins Ulster win was the Navan Club's win at this grade and ironically Shannon's Munster win was also his Carbery Clubs first county winner since the grade’s inception.
This experience of bowling in the pressure cooker that is an All-Ireland Final will stand David in good stead in the future and copper fastens the potential that we have at the Navan Road Bowls Association.

All Roads Lead To The "Rebel County"

All roads lead to the "Rebel County" this week and we are pleased to report that the Navan Road Bowls Association will be represented yet again this year. This time David Devlin (Pictured Left) will represent the "Navan" at the U-12 grade. Interestingly, this is the Navan's first provincial champion at this grade and this bodes well for the future of bowling at the club. David's opponent in the All-Ireland Final has yet to be confirmed. However, what we do know is that David will be ably assisted by his Father and current Northern Secretary of Bol Chumann na hEireann, Jarleth Devlin. Indeed it was a real club affair in the provincial decider as Eoghan Hughes (Pictured Right) and David Devlin went head to head. Both bowlers have improved extremely well throughout the year and no doubt this level of competition will undoubtebly stand them in good stead in the future. Well done Eoghan and good luck to David in his All-Ireland decider next weekend!

Poll Result!

So, who does hold the record for the least number of shots "up the road" at the Navan. Well, there did appear to be a lot of interest in this particular poll, with many thinking that it might have been our top bowlers of recent years in Darren Oliver or Terry Mallon. From memory it was one our 80's All-Ireland winners in Patrick Mc Creesh who set the record of 10 shots to score the line at "Loughran's". This record does however require some clarification. Those with longer memories than most will remember that the "break off" line was some 100 Metres further up the road from the current line. However, a record is a record and it still stands since the early 90's. Anorak's off!

Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup - News

The Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup

has in recent years thrown up the odd shock along the way and this years renewal appears to be no different. One of the leading favorites for the Cup was Hugh Mc Coy who had been bowling particularly well on the run up to the tournament. However, young Mc Coy was unceremoniously dumped out of the tournament by the Drumcairn man, Frances Oliver (pictured left). Oliver was not expected to trouble the fancied Mc Coy in this Round One score but perhaps underestimated his opponents tenacity and determination in what can only be described as a convincing win over the Navan Man. With recent sterling performances being noted, Oliver has now found himself as a lively outsider for the Tournament. More Tournament News to follow..........

2009 Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup

Entries are now being taken for the 2009 renewel of the Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup that will kick off the bowling year on the Navan Road. The prestigious event will be run in "single hand" format with three grades with an overall Final taking place over the extended course from the Strand Corner. The current Cup holder, Seamus Mc Kee (Pictured last year with the NRBA Committee) will again be a strong favourite to take the Cup back to the City. However, there will be a strong home contingent who will feel confident that it will reside back at the Navan in 2009. The scene is set for what promises to be an exciting tournament. Entries from all Clubs would be gratefully accepted and a warm welcome awaits "up the tracks". Entries can be forwarded to the following Committee Members: Declan Hughes (07843673764), Hugh Mc Coy (07843624007), Fergal Mc Creesh (07761156312), Niall Smith or Tony Mc Coy. Alternatively, you can E:Mail your entry to navanroadbowls@yahoo.co.uk

NRBA Presentation Night

A presentation evening was held on the 20th December 2008 in Devlin's Lounge, Armagh for prize winners of the Ring Cup and Turkey Tournaments. Other special awards given on the night was the Hall of Fame Award which was awarded to longstanding member and supporter, Mr Joe Devlin. Joe accepted the award from his Nephew and Secretary of An Bol Cumman, Jarleth Devlin who expressed the Club's sincere thanks and appreciation for Joe's commitment and dedication to the Navan Club over the years. Other awards on the night included the most improved bowler that went to Thomas Mullen and finally a token of appreciation was awarded to Mr John Garvey (pictured below) for the level of commitment that he continues to show to the Club.

The Star's of Tomorrow?

TheNavan Road's "Star's of the Future" took to the "Track's" in a series of exciting challenges on 14th December 2008. The event, kindly sponsored by Declan Hughes was a great success. Pictured left are the prize winners from the day. Back Row: L-R Rory Hughes, Pat Quigley, David Devlin, Eoghen Hughes and Ryan Mc Creesh. Front Row: ; L-R Aaron Hughes, Darragh Forde, Caoilin Smith and Rhys McKeown.

Devlin & Mullen in Turkey Shoot-Out win!

Not for the first time, Jarlath Devlin showed nerves of steel on the last shot to claim the 2008 Turkey Tournament with his partner Tom Mullen in front of a large attendance on Sunday 14th December. Their opponents in the Final were the fancied pair of 2008 All-Ireland Novice Champion, Niall Smith and 2008 Ulster U-16 Runner ;Up, Conor Mc Creesh.
It was shot for shot up the tracks, right up to the "Street", when perhaps nerves got to Devlin and Smith when scattering their respective bowls over the road. Mc Creesh and Mullen both threw respectible penultimate shots to before "Loughran's", which left it to a last shot shoot-out between Jarleth and Niall. Smith, throwing first, lofted his bowl off him to just score the line. However, the experienced Devlin made no mistake by delivering a superbly played bowl that beat the mark well. So the Turkey's go to the Mullen and Devlin household's this year and brings to a close a most enjoyable renewal of the event, kindly sponsored by AA Plastering.

Horses for Courses!

Not for the first time, Seamus Mc Kee lifted silverware at the Navan Road when winning the prestigious Ring Cup proudly sponsored by the Smith Family. The Grade 1 City man prevailed over the Navan duo of Thomas Mullen and Kevin Smith representing Grades 2 & 3 respectively. It was all going extremely well for Mc Kee at "Leeman's", when pulling his first shot back from Kevin Smith and extended the advantage over the sponsor by sailing into the Ring corner with a rasping bowl from the top of the rise. Mc Kee bowled steadily with Mullen making little impact into the City mans lead. However, all changed at the "Street" when Mullen hit the "Brown Gate" after an average bowl from Mc Kee. Thomas Mullen was to falter here with a poor effort that failed to reach Loughrans. With Smith's chance gone and Mullen making heavy weather of laying down a challenge, it was down to Mc Kee to score the line to lift the Ring cup. McKee left his supporters a little apprehensive by falling short of the line, but made no mistake with his next. Beating Mullen's tip with ease. Mc Kee lifted the Ring Cup and creating a little piece of history with back to back Cup success at the Navan. Congratulations to Seamus! Seamus is pictured (fourth from the left) receiving plaudits from NRBA Committee Members. Also included is Kevin Smith (G3 Winner) and Thomas Mullen (G2 Winner and Tournament Runner-Up).

Young Guns keep the flag flying!

Ciaran Mc Creesh and Eoin Hughes (Pictured left with his Father Declan)) rounded off a memorable Championship Year for NRBA by winning the Ulster U-12 & U-10 respectively. Both young bowlers hail from fine bowling families and did our club proud by performing fantastically well throughout the championship. Both Ciaran and Eoin are relatively inexperienced. However, both kept their heads to overcome their respective opponents to land yet two more Ulster Titles for the Navan Club. This takes the NRBA toll for 2008 to 1 All-Ireland Championship, 4 Ulster Championships and 1 Ulster Runner-Up. Well done to all our bowlers on their Championship haul.

All-Ireland Champion - Niall Smith

Our own Niall Smith from the Navan Road Bowls Association is the new All-Ireland Novice 1 Champion for 2008. Niall overcame tough opposition in the London based Pat O'Neill on the Saturday to book his place in the Sunday finale. In poor weather conditions Niall faced the Munster Champion of John Hurley from Dunmanway. However, Niall's start would have seen off most opponents in higher grades. The pressure on Niall was eased when Hurley missed with his opening shot and the end result was a two bowl deficit after those three. The Ulster champion, a junior B All-Ireland finalist against the emerging Philip O’Donovan in Ballingeary in 1993, hit three huge efforts early on. Cheered on by a large group of travelling Clubmen, Niall, continued to extend his advantage. The Dunmanway man, to his credit, plugged on, but crucially missed a few opportunities later on to close the gap to a shot. Hurley's huge effort off the netting brought the odds well under the two shots. However, at this stage the result was not in doubt and Niall scored the line to a rapturous ovation from his Clubmen.

The Smith Household has been a hive of activity this week in preparation for a reception for our new All-Ireland Champion. Pictured with Niall at the event are;- Back Row L-R. Kevin Smith, Declan Hughes (NRBA), Tony Mc Coy (NRBA), Michelle Smith, Stephen Smith. Front Row L-R. Fergal Mc Creesh (NRBA), Niall Smith (All-Ireland Novice Champion 2008 & Jarleth Devlin (NRBA & Secretary, An Bol Chumann na hEireann)

Delight for Niall!

The Navan Road Bowls Association have added yet another Ulster Title for 2008 after Niall Smith overcame a valiant opponent in Mark Mc Parland to secure the Ulster Novice Championship at Tullysaran. Niall bowled superbly throughout the score and showed glimpse's of old. This is Niall's second Ulster Title and his first since 1993 when he secured the Ulster Junior B Championship. Niall then contested the All-Ireland Title at Gougan Barra, Ballingeary but lost out to an emerging talent in Phillip O'Donovan. This is a popular success for the Navan Man and all roads now lead to Westport in a few weeks time were it is hoped Niall can rightfully claim that elusive All-Ireland Title. Well done Niall and the best of luck in the Final from all your fellow Clubmen.

Heartbreak for Darren

Navan Man Darren Oliver just failed in his attempt to land the All-Ireland Junior A Title to his Munster Junior A Championship after being beaten by Martin Toal on the last shot in the All-Ireland decider at Tassagh. Darren, roared on by his Navan followers, made a steady start to the score and raised a bowl of odds at the Creamery Lane. It even looked like the Ballycrummy man would raise a second bowl until Toal threw two mighty bowls that took him to the hollow below the garage which effectively levelled the score. However, Darren had his opponent back on the ropes with two great efforts to the Bridge. Darren's penultimate shot was average and when Toal scored the line with a great shot from his "mark" Darren was left a tricky shot to beat. Unfortunately, Darren's bowl fell short handing the score to the fortunate Toal. An Armagh man's win in the Munster Championship will remain long in the memory and all at the Navan are very proud of his efforts this Championship Summer of 2008. Well Done Darren.

Darren's coming home!

All at the Navan Road are extremely proud to hear that the former Navan Road man Darren Oliver is the Munster Junior A Champion 2008. The Killarney Chef beat Corkman, Michael Bohane by 1 bowl of odds for a purse of €2,000 in Dunmanway, West Cork last Saturday evening. The news has been greeted with delight here at the Navan as our ex-Clubman makes his way home to "Tin Town", for his All-Ireland final on Saturday 2nd August 2008. It is hoped that the Ballycrummy native can "cook up a treat" for all his friend and followers when he faces Martin Toal in the Junior A Final at 3:00pm on the Markethill Rd. Tassagh. Congratulations Darren and good luck in the All-Ireland Final from all your friends at the Navan Road.

Cormac falls just short in All-Ireland decider

Our own Cormac Garvey fell at the final hurdle in his quest for the Junior B All-Ireland title at Skibereen on Saturday 12th July 2008. Cormac was facing the experienced Michael Hurley (pictured left) who had previously gained National Honours at Novice 2 level. However, it was no Novice performance that snatched the victory from the jaws of defeat in front of a large crowd on the Marsh Rd. course.
It was a dream start from Cormac that had his supporters from the Navan in raptures as his first five bowls surged him into a two bowl advantage. It was here that the wheels started to come off the bike as Hurley unleashed a massive bowl from a poor corner that went "Out" in one. Here, Cormac had four average bowls that conceded the lead as Hurley found his range. From here on, Hurley bowled superbly and finished the score extremely strongly to take the contest by a bowl of odds. For Cormac, this was a spirited and gutsy performance and one which attracted many admirers to our man from the Navan. So, it wasn't to be for Cormac and his legion of supporters from the "tracks" who made the long journey from Armagh. A journey which will hopefully be retraced in the not too distant future. Well done Cormac, from all at the Navan.

Cormac goes for Gold

This forthcoming weekend sees our own Navan Clubman, Cormac Garvey go for the ultimate accolade in Road Bowling, All-Ireland Champion! Cormac faces the Cork man, Michael Hurley on the Marsh Rd. Skibereen on Saturday afternoon at 1400Hrs. All-Ireland Finals are nothing new to Cormac as he was crowned U-18 All-Ireland Champion in previous years. However, reports from Cork suggest Cormac will have to be at his very best on Saturday afternoon if he is to bring home the All-Ireland Junior B Championship Cup to the Navan Rd. outside Armagh.
Cormac's journey through the Ulster Championship has not been without mishap. However, sterling performances against Thomas Mullan and Declan Mallon, together with his experience on the big stage would suggest that Cormac could indeed overcome the Cork man and bring the cup back to the "tracks". Good Luck Cormac from all your fellow Clubman and safe journeys for all those travelling to Cork this weekend.