2010 Fairylands B&B Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup

Entries are now being taken for this years renewal of the Fairylands B&B, Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup at the Navan. The format will yet again be 3 Grades with an overall Final to decide the outright winner. Defending champion, Stephen Smith will be going all out to defend his title this year. However, he faces stiff opposition with the likes of Hugh Mc Coy, Cormac Garvey and the Mc Keown Brothers looking to win the "Big One". However, the smart money might be on the recent Ring Cup winner, Kieran Mc Creesh who will be facing a rise in the weights following his recent win in the Ring Cup Tournament. Entries are currently being taken and please see local press for details or alternatively, contact any member of the Committee.

Frankie Hannon RIP

The Navan Road Bowls Association wish to express their deepest sympathies to the Hannon family on the passing of our former Chairman Frankie. Frankie was ever present at the Navan throughout the 90's and represented the club with distinction throughout this period. His loss is felt by all at NRBA and we forward our sincerest condolences to his family at this sad time. NRBA. 15-07-10

Success Breeds Success

A little piece of history was made on the Navan Road last Sunday as a 3rd Grade Bowler won an overall Competition for the first time in the Clubs 20 year History. The bowler was 13 year old Kieran Mc Creesh and the Competition was the Smith Family sponsored Ring Cup. The achievement was made all the more incredible as young Mc Creesh did not require the various bowls of odds given by the more illustrious and experienced competitors in Eamon O'Neill and John Quigley. Quite simply, this was a performance to savour. Even the favorite backers who followed O'Neill and Quigley, could not have been more impressed with a display of accurate and consistent bowling well beyond his years. Undaunted by O'Neill's five pile drivers to almost open the "Ring Corner", Mc Creesh set about improving his position and with huge efforts at the "Fort Gates" and again at the "Bull Track", an upset was very much on the cards. John Quigely never quite found his range apart from a fleeting glimpse of an opening at "Cross's Lane". The City Man appeared to struggle throughout but had no answer to the U-14's persistence. With O'Neill failing to take advantage at "Tommy's", Mc Creesh simply bowled away and when the "Cap" was reached at "Loughrans" the cup was his. Kieran is a son of former All-Ireland Novice Champion and Ulster Junior A Champion, Fergal Mc Creesh and his Father was quite rightly, extremely proud of Kieran's first win on home turf. Based on Kieran's youth and limited experience to date, one must look fondly to the future and hope that we at the Navan Road have unearthed a potential star of the future. Picture above is Kieran being presented with "The Ring Cup" by tournament sponsors and NRBA Committee members, Stephen and Niall Smith. Well done Kieran from all at the NRBA on a fantastic win.

Harry Morgan RIP

It is with deep regret that we at the NRBA learn of the passing of our dear friend and former esteemed member Harry Morgan. The Morgan and Mullan families are synonymous with Road Bowling in the County and indeed Harry and his family are interwoven in the fabric of our great sport at the Navan. Harry was a man of great integrity, credibility and honour and served our Club for many years. Furthermore, Harry was an integral part of the forming of the NRBA over 20 years ago. Harry is pictured above in more happier times amid the joyous occasion of welcoming our 2008 All-Ireland Novice Champion, Niall Smith, home to the Navan. He will be sadly missed by us all at the NRBA. However, his legacy of credibility and respect will live on through his Son In Law and our esteemed members Tom Mullan and Grandchildren Thomas and Darren. To the Morgan & Mullan families and wider family circle, we at the NRBA wish to forward our sincerest sympathies to you at this time. May he Rest In Peace. NRBA Committee. 19-06-10

Ulster U-12 Championship 2010

The Navan Road was the setting for the stars of the future as the U-12 Championship took centre stage on Sunday past. First up was our own Ulster U-14 Champion, David Devlin who took on the young Madden debutant, Sean Mc Guinness. The Madden lad started impressively and raced into an early advantage at the Ring Corner. However, Devlin's experience on the bigger stage started to come into play and readily "opened up" with a number of big efforts to the "Bull Track". At the line, a bowl of odds seperated the poor and it was a good start for Devlin as he embarks on another Championship year.

Down the road, the young Grange man, Oran Rafferty overcame the Navan's Eoghan Hughes in a most exciting battle. It was Rafferty that made impressive strides early on and quickly raced into a good lead after three fantastic efforts to beat "Cross's Lane". However, Hughes only started to get into his stride at this point and with three great efforts, reduced the arrears to just a few yards on the final shot. Hughes unleashed a tremendous final effort that almost scored the line and which installed him as favorite for the "score". However, putting a number of dismal efforts behind him, young Rafferty played an almighty bowl to unbelievably "score" the line and snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat. Young Hughes can take great comfort from this score as he bowled admirably after a shaky start whilst Rafferty moves forward to the next round of the U-12. Well done to all bowlers on the day.

Conor's Crusade

Conor Mc Creesh certainly likes to live dangerously and he had his fellow NRBA supporters going for the Rosary Beads when taking on the young Keady-Tassagh debutant Conor Grimley in the Ulster U-18 Championship. From the "Limekilns", it was all Grimley and the young Banbridge man raced into a significant lead up to "Brannigans". McCreesh gave his supporters some hope with a number of good efforts that forced him into contention at "Mc Grath's". Gradually, Mc Creesh ate into Grimley's lead and eventually forced the issue with good efforts from the "Crossing Gates" that secured the score by a bowl of odds. Conor will no doubt need to improve during the Championship and we at the NRBA believe he can and will grow with confidence throughout the 2010 season. Well done Conor!

Eilish Mallon RIP

The Navan Road Bowls Association wish to express their deepest sympathies to our former esteemed member, Terry Mallon on the passing of his Mother, Eilish. Although working and living in Kerry for the past few years, Terry continues to be a superb ambassador for the Navan Road Bowls Association. His loss is felt by all at NRBA and we forward our sincerest condolences to Terry, Declan and Mary and the wider family circle. NRBA. 03-04-10

Devlin lays down a marker!

The 2010 renewal of The Ring Cup continues to throw up intriguing clashes and one such score paired James Devlin against the former All-Ireland Novice Champion Niall Smith. It really was a case of youth and against experience in this Grade 1 contest at the Navan Road. Perfect bowling conditions produced almost the perfect performance from young Devlin as he quickly raced into an early advantage at the Ring Gates. However Smith, who has been dogged with injury since his All-Ireland triumph in 2008, certainly was not going to be intimidated by his younger rivals speed, agility and accuracy. Indeed it was Smith who raced back into the lead at the "Bull Track" when lining one from before "Cross's Lane". However, from here the young Armagh Student played four devastating bowls to almost reach Loughrans. Unfortunately, the party was almost spoiled with a misplaced effort at the line but with Smith not taking advantage, the score was effectively over. Young James' win here certainly lays down a marker in the Grade 1 and he appears to be the man to beat in the Grade!

Introducing the new NRBA Club Jacket!

The NRBA committee have received very positive feedback on the new NRBA Club Jackets. Our Assistant Chairman, Fergal Mc Creesh is seen modelling the new attire to good affect. The NRBA Committee look forward to more members and friends availing of the Club Jacket initiative. All Club Members wishing to purchase the NRBA Club Jacket should note that new bookings will be taking place over the next number of weeks. Each jacket costs just £23 for adults and £20 for all child sizes. For further information, please feel free to contact any committee member.

Charity Day benefits Musgrave Park Hospital - Spinal Injury Unit

NRBA were delighted to witness the return of their esteemed club member, John Garvey to the Navan Road on Sunday past. John, who has been off the road since incurring a serious work injury back in October '09, was on hand to accept a cheque on behalf of the Spinal Injuries Unit at Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast. John has seen at first hand the tremendous work that takes place here and was humbled by the donation from the club. In late February, NRBA and the local Rock Road Club, joined forces to undertake a Charity Bowling Day. The NRBA would also like to take this opportunity in thanking the Rock Road Club for their co-operation in organising the event. Pictured above is the NRBA Secretary, Stephen Smith presenting a cheque to Club Member John Garvey with fellow NRBA Club Members looking on.

Following on from our presentation, Musgrave Park Hospital has been in touch with NRBA. In a letter dated, 19-03-10, the Hospital writes, " Please Pass on our sincere thanks to Navan Road & Rock Road Bowling Clubs for their very generous donation. It is really, really appreciated & will be used for the patients of the Spinal Cord Injury Unit. Thank you for your generosity & thoughtfulness Shiela Nevin, Manager, SCIU, MPH"

"Big Bird" home to roost

This week at the Navan Rd. saw the triumphant return of our former member and long time supporter of NRBA, Terry Mallon. The Kerry Chef made the surprise appearance at a well attended Navan Rd and proceeded to continue as he left off by producing a superb performance of accurate and powerful bowling to overcome good opposition in a number of challenge scores. "Big Bird" as he is affectionately known, "mixes it" with the best of the Munster bowlers and he appears to be in tip-top shape as yet another Championship approaches.

Navan/Rock Inter-Club Challange Day!

NRBA is delighted to announce an Inter-Club Challenge Day on Sunday 28 February 2010. The Rock Road Club will be the competition in what is sure to be a most competitive days bowling. NRBA will host 4 No. partner scores in the morning session with the afternoon session moving to the Rock Road course. The day will culminate in a competitive "Single-Hand Score". As well as a feast of competitive bowling, there will be raffles throughout the day. All proceeds from the event will go to a worthwhile charity. More details are to follow shortly and check local press for further details.

The "Real Mc Coy"

Tony Mc Coy rocked the Grade 3 section of the 2010 Ring Cup with a devastating display of accurate and fast bowling to dismiss Donal Johnston by two bowls of odds at a well attended Navan Road. Mc Coy was a treat to watch as he sent his opening three bowls to "Tommy's" to raise a shot in the score. The young Lislea Man could never get on terms after yet another piledriver from McCoy that amazingly took him to the "Bull Track" in five! The pressure never dissipated from Mc Coy's performance as he raced into the Ring Corner to leave the contest beyond any doubt. It's been quite a while since our esteemed Treasurer pulled out a performance such as this and the shrewd judges will have taken note of these events that have already installed McCoy as favorite for the Grade 3. Well done Tony!

King rolls back the years!

Austin Mc Keown rolled back the years at a well attended Navan Rd on Sunday past, as he overcame the formidable Jarleth Devlin in the first round of the 2010 Ring Cup. Both bowlers took time to warm to their task and Devlin sent a huge effort from the "Ring Gates" to the "Bull Track" straight. Undaunted, Mc Keown unleashed his next three to beat "Ted's Lane" to go half a bowl of odds in front. However, it was still level pegging at the "Brown Gate" and facing "Loughrans" only a few yards separated the pair. Devlin's last bowl was played to perfection leaving Mc Keown a tricky bowl to win the day. Playing the sensible shot, Mc Keown beat the tip to roar into the next round. Mc Keown's performance to beat a fancied Jarleth Devlin may install him as one of the favorites for the Grade 1 and a "Dark Horse" for the overall tournament. In other tournament scores, David Devlin overcame Eoin Hughes in a repeat of the 2009 U-12 Ulster Final and James Devlin overwhelmed Chris Fields in the other Grade 1 encounter.

The 2010 Ring Cup

The 2010 Ring Cup will yet again be proudly sponsored by the Smith Family and the draws have been made for this fantastic competition. The tournament will be run on a "single hand" basis over three grades and are as follow;-
Grade 1:
Chris Fields v James Devlin; Michael Quigley v Darren Donnelly; Harry Toal v Niall Smith; Barry Mallon v Eamon O'Neill; Thomas Mullen v Hugh Mc Coy; Declan Mallon v Frank Oliver; Cormac Garvey v Gerard Mc Closkey; Seamus Mc Kee (Holder) v Mark Mc Keown; Conor Mc Creesh v Stephen Smith; Austin Mc Keown v Jarleth Devlin
Grade 2:
Declan Hughes v Gerald Mc Kee; Sid Donnelly v John Joe O'Neill; Oliver Gribben v Brian O'Rourke; John Quigley v Ciaran Mallon; Ryan Quigley v Fergal Mc Creesh; Cormac Gribben v Tom Mullen; Martin Hughes v Francie Mallon
Grade 3:
Kevin Smith v Ciaran Mc Creesh; Tony Mc Coy v Donal Johnston; Raymond Finnegan v v Pat Hagan; Owen Hughes v David Devlin.
Note: Scores to commence from 17 January 2010: All U-14's to use 24' Bowl with all Grade 3's to compete from "Loughran's" down the road.

2010 NRBA Committee Formed

The 2010 NRBA Committee was formed at a well attended Annual General Meeting. Mark Mc Keown has been appointed as Chairman of the Club and will be ably assisted by the former Chair, Fergal Mc Creesh. The treasurer's post will again be held by the highly respected Tony Mc Coy and assisted by Niall Smith. However, Declan Hughes has decided to step down from his post as Secretary after 12 months of fantastic work for the Club. The new Secretary will be Stephen Smith (pictured) and will be assisted by Hugh Mc Coy. We wish the new committee the very best of luck going forward.

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!