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.

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.