Franko Marches On!

Franko Oliver brightened up a dull and miserable morning at the Navan when he took on NRBA Kingpin and current Ulster Novice Champion, Fergal McCreesh in the second round of this years Smith Family Ring Cup. At the off, it was McCreesh who was red hot favourite but didn't live up to that billing with a very poor opener that fell behind a similar effort from Oliver. McCreesh began to pile the early pressure onto Oliver but to his credit, Oliver bowled extremely consistently throughout the contest. This paid dividends when McCreesh uncharacteristically missed at the "Ring Gates". This was all the opening that Oliver required and the current 2011 McKeown Cup Winner, surged into a lead and deservedly raised the bowl of odds advantage at the "Street". McCreesh, nursing a career threatening injury, soldiered on but was never able to eat into Olivers well deserved lead. This is the second impressive victory of Olivers after ending Seamus McKee's interest in this tournament. Furthermore, Oliver has only been recently promoted into this Grade following his Grade 2 and overall success in the McKeown Cup earlier this year. Franko's amazing run of form at the NRBA continues.

No Luck for Fergal in National Finals

Hard luck to NRBA's Fergal McCreesh who fell at the penultimate hurdle last weekend in the All-Ireland Novice Semi-Final in Westport. Co.Mayo. On a tricky road which was heavily "chipped", Fergal got off to an unlucky start and could never peg back the pace setters and was beaten by a bowl of odds at the end. However, Fergal can be extremely proud of his haul in 2011 as a Ulster Novice Title is a real lift for the Association. We look forward to 2012 with great anticipation. NRBA.

The NRBA have been kindly invited to participate in a partner score on Friday 09 September'11 in Westport, Co. Mayo. This may suit those NRBA members planning on travelling to support our Ulster Champion, Fergal McCreesh who will compete in the All-Ireland Novice 2 Semi Final the following day. Would all interested members please contact our Committee Member, Niall Smith to express their interest before Monday 03 September'11. Thank you. NRBA 31-08-11

2011 Ulster Novice Champion - Fergal McCreesh

It gives us great pleasure to report yet another Ulster Title for the Navan Road Bowls Association. This evening, Fergal McCreesh overcame Seamus O'Neill in the Final of the Ulster Novice Championship. Although the overall standard of bowling was not what one would expect of a Provincial Final, nevertheless, a win and an Ulster Title was the goal. Hard luck to Seamus who can take great heart with his 2011 Championship Year. As for the NRBA, we look forward to supporting Fergal in Westport, Co.Mayo in the All-Ireland Semi-Final and Finals in two weeks time. Well done Fergal from all your fellow NRBA Members.

NRBA Youth Tournament

The NRBA Youth Tournament will be kicking off in the next couple of weeks. The tournament is designed to cater for our younger bowlers in the County and has been generously sponsored by our NRBA Secretary, Hugh McCoy. Among those taking part in the event will be the NRBA's own Ulster U-12 Finalist, Rhys McKeown. Rhys is pictured prior to the start of the Ulster Final earlier this Summer at Tassagh. Good luck to all those taking part and check local press for details. NRBA.

"Unlimited Bowling" Charity Day

The finishing touches are being made to our NRBA Charity Day that takes place on Sunday 28th August 2011. This years event will raise much needed funds for the "Unlimited Bowling" Charity. The event, which is in it's fourth year has created much excitement amongst the Road Bowling Clubs of Navan, Blackwatertown and the current Holders of the Cup, Drumcairn. The format of the event will be 3-Corner partnered challenges with the Club winning the most "Scores" taking the title. All available club members will be participating including young David Devlin (pictured) who was runner up in this years Ulster-U-14 Championship. Our Club Captain on the day will be Tom Mullen. A reception and presentation will be held in Devlin's Bar, Lower English St. Armagh from 1930Hrs. Action on the Road gets underway from 1030Hrs right through to mid afternoon. Good Luck to all concerned and let's hope we can take the Cup back to the Navan! NRBA. 22-08-11

Club Sponsors

Every Club requires some form of funding and support to function and we at the NRBA are no different. The Association are indebted to our local Sponsors Fairylands B&B, McCoy Transport and The Smith Family for their continued and generous sponsorship of Club Tournaments throughout the Bowling Year. We thank you for your continued support to Road Bowling at the Navan. NRBA. 24-07-11.

Devlin Digs Deep!

James Devlin won the first running of the Harry Morgan Memorial Cup on Sunday 17th July 2011. Devlin overcame the challenge of Grade 2 Winner, Mark Mc Keown and Grade 3 Winner, Kevin Smith. It was Devlin who set the pace with four massive bowls to take him from the Strand Corner to "Leeman's Gates". Mc Keown was having great difficulty keeping apace with the youngster whilst Smith was slow into his stride. However, to his credit, Kevin Smith never gave up and bowled admirably throughout the contest. McKeown was left to rue his luck as he had two gilt edged chances to level the score at the "Postman's" and again above the "Street". So, to the last shot and McKeown attempted to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat as he delivered what was arguably his best bowl of the day to almost "Elsie's". However, un-nerved by this, James Devlin delivered a rasping shot that just beat the "mark" with a winning 1m margin of victory. Congratulations James from the NRBA on a well earned win. Many thanks also to the Morgan & Mullen Families for organising such a great tournament in memory of a man who will live long in the hearts of the NRBA faithful. NRBA. 18-07-11.

Road Bowling Lecture

Local Bowling Historian, Brian Toal recently held a lecture in St.Patrick's Trian, Armagh on the History of Road Bowling in the local Area. Pictured with Brian Toal after the lecture are NRBA Club Members, Jarlath Devlin, Mark Mc Keown and Stephen Smith. Also in attendance were our Junior Club members in Tilly Mc Keown and Alisha Smith.

NRBA Presentation Night

Pictured are the prizewinners from the NRBA Presentation Night held in Devlin's Lounge. Armagh on Saturday 26th February 2011. A good night was had by all those who attended and many thanks to everyone for their support on the night. NRBA.

The Harry Morgan Memorial Cup 2011

The Harry Morgan Memorial Cup is up and running! Indeed, who better to get this eagerly anticipated tournament up and running than his own Grandson, Darren Mullen. Darren faced fellow Clubman, Conor Mc Creesh and it was McCreesh's experience that won the day on the last shot. It was average bowling from both men with neither man taking the initiative. However, the door was left open for McCreesh at the Ring Corner and he duly obliged with two good bowls to the line. Well done Conor and he will be a force to contend with in the Grade 2 of this tournament. NRBA. 13-02-11.

Franko "Frank's the Form"

Frank Oliver won his first tournament on the Navan Road when easily overcoming Kevin Mc Quade and Jane O'Neill in the overall Final of the Fairylands B&B Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup. Conditions were excellent for the final with bright winter sunshine and blue skies. It was Oliver who laid down a marker from the off and quickly pulled his bowl with Jane O'Neill and racing further ahead from the Madden Man, Kevin Mc Quade. Indeed, it was a frustrating morning for young McQuade as not only was he slow to get going but had no answer to the accurate bowling of Oliver. Young O'Neill raised her game to contest the second place. However, it was only then that McQuade stepped up a gear and to put paid to any challenge from the Eglish bowler. So, by Tommy Mc Creesh's, it was all over "bar the shouting". A devastating performance by Oliver. Pictured before the Final are from L-R: Mark Mc Keown (NRBA), Kevin McQuade (Madden), Jane O'Neill (Eglish), Franko Oliver (Port Mor) and Stephen smith (NRBA).

"Bowling in a Winter Wonderland"

After two weeks off, all our NRBA members are "chomping at the bit" and hoping that we can get back to normal service this coming Sunday morning. The inclement weather conditions have really put pay to a lot of Bowling Plans. Not only at the Navan but across Ulster in general. We are pleased to report that we will have a Turkey Tournament in some shape or form. We can't let the old traditions die out!

Cassie Devlin R.I.P.

The Navan Road Bowls Association wish to express their deepest sympathies to the Devlin family on the passing of Cassie. Cassie was a sister to esteemed club members Joe and Terry and the late Jim Devlin RIP. Furthermore, Cassie was an Aunt to our club member and former Secretary of An Bol Chumann, Jarlath Devlin and former member Paul Devlin. Their loss is felt by us all at NRBA and we forward our sincerest condolences to the Devlin family at this sad time. NRBA. 09-11-10

The Henry Morgan Memorial Cup

On behalf of the NRBA committee and Club Members, it gives us great pleasure in announcing that the NRBA will be running the inaugural Henry Morgan Memorial Cup in 2011. It is a great honour for NRBA to be approached by the Family who wish to donate a Cup in Henry's Honour. As stated previously on this blog, Henry Morgan was a long standing stalwart of the Club and indeed one of the founding members of our Association. He is sadly missed by us all at the NRBA. However, his memory will live long at the Navan through this new and exciting Cup. Further details of what promises to be an eagerly awaited event, will come through over the next couple of months. In the meantime, see local Press and checkout our Facebook Page to keep up to date with news, views and notes. NRBA. 24-10-10.

The 2010 McKeown Cup is "Hotting Up"

This years renewal of the Fairylands B&B Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup is really reaching a crescendos. We are already well into the second round and the exciting scores keep coming. Already making his mark is City Man, John Quigley who overcame stiff opposition in Port Mor man, Gareth Corr. John is no stranger to the Winners Enclosure at the Navan after reaching this years Ring Cup Final. A steady bowler, John will no doubt take a lot of beating on a road which definitely suits his style. See local Press for up to date fixtures and reports. Did you know we are also on Facebook? Check us out to be kept informed of news, views, action shots and stories. NRBA. 24-10-10.

McCoy Triumph's!

Young Hugh McCoy defied the odds at the Navan Road when overcoming hot favourite, Jarlath Devlin in the 2010 Fairylands B&B Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup. It was Devlin that started the brighter and had the advantage in the early stages. However, some misled bowls from both players left things "neck and neck" at "Ted's Lane". It was shot for shot all the way to "Loughrans". However, a superb last shot from McCoy won the day. It's fair to say that young McCoy was not at his brilliant best today but will in no doubt be in better fettle come the latter stages of this prestigious tournament. NRBA. 19-09-10.

2010 Fairylands B&B Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup

The Fairylands B&B, Martin Mc Keown Memorial Cup continues apace and Vivian Oliver rolled back the years last Sunday. Vivian returned to the "tracks" after a number of years in the wilderness to upset the odds and "dump" the Navan's Conor Mc Creesh out of the Mc Keown Cup. Oliver started the stronger and had his opponent on the ropes with big efforts to, "the street" and again around the "Bull Track" Corner. Here, Oliver piled on the pressure. However, although well behind, McCreesh was unlucky to have his bowl capped at the Ring Gates and this was the start of the end for the gallant runner-up. As for Oliver, it was a very impressive comeback to the Navan Road and one which installs him as one of the favorites for the Grade 2 of this tournament. Other's beware!!!

Heartbreak for David

Our Ulster U-12 Champion, David Devlin lost out in his bid to capture the All-Ireland U-12 title on Sunday 1st August 2010. After an average start, young Devlin rocked his Cork opponent back on his heels with a fantastic third effort. This obviously had an affect on the Corkman as he misplayed his next few efforts and the Navan man hit the front for the first time. David maintained a good advantage with a great effort past the "Creamery Lane" and certainly deserved more with his seventh bowl. Only a few yards separated the pair heading to the Piggery and up into the corner, David made his only error of the score as he agonisingly misplaced his bowl. However, the Corkman failed to take full advantage and Devlin raced back with a fantastic effort onto the home straight. However, all was lost when the Corkman unleashed an exquisite bowl from a "bare" corner that just scored the line. It was an anti-climax to a score that we all at NRBA believed was there for the taking. However, David and his Father Jarlath can take great credit on a fantastic performance that eventually fell just short. Hard luck David from all at NRBA and we look forward to the 2011 Championship year.

Good Luck David!

For the second year running, NRBA's David Devlin contests the All-Ireland U-12 Final on Sunday 1st August 2010 over the Tassagh Road course . 12 months ago, young David suffered defeat at Sallys Cross, Kanturk against a very impressive winner in Cork youngster, Shane Shannon. However, although a harsh pill to swallow, this experience has stood David in good stead and this year we have seen a more assured and confident competitor. Indeed, even through his Ulster campaign, David has improved dramatically and this culminated in a devastating display again Eoghan Toal in the Ulster U-12 Final when he covered the course in a fantastic 8 bowls. Although small in stature, this young bowler carries the hopes of the NRBA and all at the club wish him the very best of luck as he attempts to take yet another All-Ireland underage title back to the "tracks". Good Luck David.

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.