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.

Ulster Junior B Champion - Cormac Garvey

Congratulations to our own Navan Club Man, Cormac Garvey. Cormac secured the Ulster Junior B Title on Sunday 29th June 2008 at Tassagh when coming from behind to beat a valiant runner-up in Declan Mallon. The Rock Rd. men had been trying to secure a unique double as Declan's younger brother Ciaran had the previous day, won the Ulster U-16 grade.
Garvey started slowly and was a bowl of odds out for the majority of the score until he unleashed a ferocious effort down past the garage which turned the score on it's head! However, Mallon fought back to regain the initiative on the approach to the bridge when nothing seperated the pair. Mallon threw an excellent last shot for which Garvey had to be at his best to beat. Cormac now takes on an impressive Michael Hurley in Skibeereen in two weeks time. The Navan Club has to go back to '93 since Niall Smith represented us at Ballingeary in the Junior B grade. Prior to that, Navan man, Shane O'Neill flew the flag in 1990. Well done Cormac, and all the best in Skibereen.

U-16 Ulster Championship Final

On Saturday 28th June 2008, our U-16 representative, Conor Mc Creesh unfortunatley lost to Ciaran Mallon in the provincial final played on the Markethill Rd, Tassagh. Conor could never get on terms with the steady Rock Rd. Man who bowled very well on the day. This was Conor's first competitive Final in his first year in Championship bowling. Conor bowled impressively throughout the early stages of the championship and this experience will no doubt stand Conor in good stead for another tilt at the grade in 2009. We wish Ciaran every success in the All-Ireland decider in Skibereen next month.

Navan Road Bowls Association

Welcome!

Welcome to our blog for the Navan Road Bowls Association. We are a Road Bowling Club based in the Navan Fort region, outside Armagh City in N.Ireland. This blog is designed for the use of all our members to look up information relating to Club Competition, latest action images and other general information relating to the club.

The ancient game of Road Bowls has been played for many years in the Navan Fort Area. Although we are one of the smallest Road Bowling Clubs in Ireland, we have had our fair share of Ulster and All-Ireland success over the years.

We hope you enjoy the blog and look forward to hearing from you with your comments and queries.

The Navan Rd. - The Course.
1st Shot - "Break Off" from the Quarry Wall. Played shot required here, generally up the middle of the road towards the quarry entrance. Be cautious of the stone walls on either side as a rub here could stop the bowl dead or send it across the road!

2nd Shot - Up past "Leeman's Gates". Generally, a played bullet up the right hand side. Try not to cross the bullet as this will leave you just beating "Nicholl's" and off the next shot.

3rd Shot - Probably the toughest shot on the road. Run low and put the bowl out to the road towards the brown gate on the right hand side. The object here is to keep the bowl high on the road to carry the corner. The road falls sharply to the left the whole way. This shot requires spped and accuracy.

4th Shot - Out of the Ring Corner - Substitute power for accuracy here as its generally downhill. Run the right and play the right. A tight bullet will rub. For those more adventurous, run the right and play the right with a good "Pull" to take it out to the middle of the road and beyond "Crosses".

5th Shot - Into the "Bull Track" - Run the right and play the right and you should rub all the way around the "Bull Track" corner. One of the more simple shots on the road.

6th Shot - Up the Straight - Two options here. Run the left and "screw" the bullet out, up the left hand side and hopefully it breaks at "Ted's Lane", or, Run the right and play the right, although bullets do tend to fall to the left here.

7th Shot - Up to the "Street" - Easiest shot on the road. Run the right and play the right.

8th Shot - To the "Brown Gate". Run tight to Tommy's hedge and get the bullet into the left hand track. Good "Pull" required here to negotiate the bend. Rising ground here requires a speedy bullet that must be "pulled" and played.

9th Shot - Into the "Cap". - Crucial shot and the winning and losing of many a "Score". Run the left hand side and you have to get the bullet across and into the right hand side "Track". Running up hill doesn't help as limbs are getting tired at this point. Hopefully, you have got the "Cap" at Loughrans.

10th Shot (& Last)- Like Shot 4, power is substituted here for accuracy. It helps if the bullet is screwed into the right hand track in order to negotiate the bend. An extremely difficult last shot that requires composure and accuracy.