A Lurgan man has been honoured by being installed as the new 2025 Northern Ireland Bowling Association President.
Dan Dempsey was installed to the position during the recent Annual General Meeting held at the Sydenham Bowling Club, having been nominated for the post by the Association’s General Purposes Committee and supported by the Lurgan Representatives.
Having played short-mat bowls 1978 in Ballymena, where he worked in the First Trust Bank, he was soon introduced to the outdoor scene and played successful bowls from 1979 to 1983 for the Private Green Club, Ballymena.
Shortly after his transfer the Bank in Lurgan Dan joined the local Club in 1984 and has been a member ever since; although due to injury had to retire from the outdoor scene.
His financial expertise was recognised by the Lurgan Club when he took over as Honorary Treasurer; a post in which he served for 14 years; relinquishing it serve in the same post at Association level, posts in which displayed great ability and financial understanding.
He was also honoured when he was made 2017 Club President; while for his services to the Club he had Honorary Membership conferred upon in 2024.
Consequently, he served on the IBA Bowling Council until recently and was again honoured by being made IBA President in 2020 and 2021.
In his NIBA Presidential Address he said that “in the coming year, I would be delighted if some Irish titles come to our Association and it would also be very nice to win an Inter Association Championship Series.
My intention is to visit all our 37 clubs during the year and would especially ask all clubs to make a real effort to encourage new members, particularly in the under 50-age range.”
2026 President Sam McCombes, on behalf of the Members of the Lurgan Bowling Club Council and all the Club Members, wished President Dan all the very best for a successful and enjoyable year as 2026 NIBA President.
