Last Friday night saw the Ulster Finals in progress leading up to the All-Ireland weekend in August.
First up was Boy’s Under 18 Ulster champion and runner up in the All-Ireland Final last weekend in cork Eugene Mc Veigh from the Eglish club Co. Tyrone.
Mc Veigh Now seeking yet another Ulster title this time in the under 16 against Navan lad Aaron Hughes.
Hughes took the opening throw but it was Mc Veigh who lead with his second shot. Again the lead changed hands Hughes front Bowl by 40 yards.
This continued to the cap bowl area but it was here that Mc Veigh produced the goods with two massive shots to beat the farmyard 60 Yards.
Hughes misplayed leaving a full bowl in the score. Mc Veigh yet again was not for catching and put his next bowl around the Hall and now was in the driving seat.
Hughes plugged on but couldn’t gain any ground on Mc Veigh so the Double was Secured Mc Veigh now holds the Boys under 16 Ulster Title along with the Under 18 a tremendous Achievement in one Year.
Hard Luck To Runner up Aaron Hughes who this year has Progressed into the Lime Light and reaching his first ever Ulster Final, Im Sure it wont be long until he goes a step further and claims a Title Congratulation’s Eugene.
Toal’s Impresive Victory
Cathal Toal and Paul O’Reilly was the Big score Sunday Past in Mens Senior Ulster Final. Unfortunately the weather was not in anyone’s favour but regardless the weather the score commenced.
Toal immediately impressed the Crowd with a great first shot to reach the opening of the Housing estate.
O Reilly trailed 50 yards . Toal again hit the sap another Gallant effort and a Brilliant lead at this early Stage. O’Reilly unlucky with his second bowl fell behind the bus shelter and would need the perfect shot to reach Mary Anns but unfortunately failed to do so.
Toal made no mistake almost a bowl up after 3 great shots. O’Reilly was not making any ground and now was behind a full bowl plus odds at the hall. Luck was on Toal’s side with his next throw to beat the farm yard 50 yards 6 massive shots from the break off.
O Reilly put two great shots to the cap bowl area but with Toal on fire followed what was put in front of him. O’Reilly made a bad mistake with his first standing shot and now trailed by two bowls.
Paul did not make the same mistake with his next throw and knocked the deficit off two shots. Toal misplayed but hit a pile driver past Paddy O’Neills with his next and to surprise crowd opened the top corner leaving three shots in the score.
O’Reilly was not for giving up by all means and battled away bringing the score back to two bowls at the cross roads. Toal had done enough at this stage to take the Ulster Title that was on his plan sheet from the Championships started.
Cathal will now have the rematch of the All Ireland Final against Aiden Murphy after Toal lost out to him in White Church 2014 .
We all know Toal will certainly have every chance on becoming the Senior All Ireland Champion 2019 good luck Cathal. Hard luck to Paul O Reilly Runner up who is a big name in our sport off Bowling.
Hughes Claims Ulster Title
Boys Under 12 Ulster Final this year had two outstanding Bowler’s going head to head in this Years Decider Ethan Hughes Portmor vs Oisin Gribben (Rock Road) both lads who started out in the qualifying rounds up the Navan road could easily have been picked out an an early stage that one off them was going to lift silverware.
The Score began and Gribben grabbed an early lead by 30 yards. Hughes hit a great second throw and after Gribben let hid third shot over the road seen a bowl of odds in the score. That was not going to annoy Gribben as he hit an outstanding shot to beat the cap bowl area back in the score surely.
Hughes misplayed and with his next seen Gribben back in front. Hughes bowled two great shots to beat the farm yard and quickly followed by Gribben such throwing by both lads with only 5 yards separating this Ulster Final.
Hughes then got the perfect touch around the Hall to reach half way down the hill and seen yet again the lead change hands by 50 yards.
Gribben let his next over the road and soon found himself a bowl behind but courage from the young lad made up from his mistake knocked the bowl at Mary Ann’s Corner.
Hughes throwing his lead heading towards the line was enough at this stage he held his nerve and delivered the perfect bowl but unfortunately touched the kerb and went over the road.
Gribben trailed but didn’t give up he threw a great shot but just failed to score the line. Hughes went on to take the honours and with sheer delight he is now the Ulster Champion in which he was searching for the past two years.
With great relationships I have with the two bowlers it has to be said unfortunately there had to be a loser in a great battle of bullets hard luck Oisin a great achievement at this young age. Good Luck Ethan in the All-Ireland Final and keep Rambo in shape, it’s paying off.
Trainor secures Intermediate Title
Aoife Trainor was to meet Lorraine Mackle in this years decider of the ladies Intermediate Ulster Final. Trainer was to lead after her first shot by a small margin.
Mackle played a great second shot and followed up by reaching Mary Anns with her Next shot . Trainor still holding her lead by a mere 5 Yards.
Mackle let her next two bowls over the road giving Trainor every chance to to extend her lead and indeed she obliged . Trainor put in two brilliant efforts from Mary Anns corner to more than half way up the hill again made no mistake with her next bowl cutting the corner and now finding herself a full bowl plus odds in front.
Mackle from the farm yard found a second gear and was bowling well but it was the Tullysaran native Trainor hitting every shot and was not for Catching.
Mackle simply had no answer to the outstanding bowling from her opponent on the Night. Trainor was up at the finish line in 13 great shots and now is crowned the Intermediate Ulster Champion 2019.
Hard Luck Lorraine a gallant runner up. Good Luck Aoife in the All Ireland final. I’m sure you will keep the flag flying for your local supporters.
Back To Back Titles For Shortt
Joe Shortt who certainly needs no Introduction in our sport of bowling was to meet Paul Mc Veigh in this years Men’s Veterans Ulster Final.
Both Men certainly deserved their place in the final after qualifying from the rock road no easy task for any of them. Only 20 Yards separated the men after their first throw.
Shortt hit a gem off a second shot leaving himself a chance to rise a bowl at Mary Anns However Shortt let his third bowl over the road leaving the score level after 4 shots each.
Mc Veigh then was to pull away from joe and hold a very well earned Lead going up the hill. Shortt who lost his way for a few shots was always Trailing behind Mc Veigh.
By the farm Yard Mc Veigh hit two great shots to beat the point road Surely to rise a bowl, But it was Shortt who not only followed the big bowling beat the tips well.
Mc Veigh Now was throwing his lead around the bends but only delivered an average shot a chance for Shortt to get back level.
Shortt making a mistake with his standing shot seen Himself a bowl out. Mc Veigh held his bowl to O’Neills house but suddenly misplayed his next two shots leaving only 30 yards between the men with two shots to go.
Shortt who is well known for his finishing shots put his next two efforts to beat the crossroads Mc Veigh had no answer at this stage and lost out on the last shot.
Shortt last year’s All Ireland champion has now secured back-toback Ulster Titles and has every chance in the All Ireland Final. Hard Luck Paul you had an outstanding year a worthy runner up.
Maguire secure’s yet another Ulster Title
Shannon Maguire last year’s All Ireland Champion is certainly making a name for herself after securing the Girls under 18 Ulster Championship last month.
Maguire now is hoping for the famous double in the Girls Under 16 but had to clash with Caoimhe Rafferty the pair also met in the under 18 final so both competitors new what was ahead of themselves a cracking Ulster Final.
Rafferty took the opening throw by 50 yards. Maguire closed the deficit to 10 yards after her second shot. Past the cap bowl area Rafferty now was to extend her lead by 40 yards.
Maguire then produced a brilliant shot towards the farm yard. Such a shot under pressure. Rafferty unfortunately caught her next shot.
Maguire now in position and it wasn’t long before she found herself a full bowl up. Rafferty played two great shots towards the hall but it was Maguire who gained even more ground with another fantastic shot to cut the corner at the hall and go half way down the hill.
Rafferty couldn’t Match the form of Maguire on the day and lost out to a very experienced opponent in Shannon Maguire Now celebrating two Ulster Titles under 18 and now under 16.
Not only Shannon but the silver ware in the house will look well as Shannon’s brother Cathal also won ulster in the boys under 14. New Dresser required Toby. Hard Luck To Caoimhe such a great year I’m sure you will be in the winning enclosure soon only 14 years old great achievement .
Rafferty Rolls Back the Years
Michael Rafferty, a former All Ireland champion at under age level, was also to meet former All Ireland Champion Shane Feighan in this years final of the Men’s Junior B.
On a betting front it was the flip of a coin both men were well matched. Rafferty lead after Feighan misplayed.
Rafferty extended his lead and was in position to open Marys Anns with his Third bowl but failed leaving the score almost level only 50 yards between the men.
Feighan produced two great shots and when they reached the Hall, Rafferty only 10 yards front great throwing at this stage.
A chance now for Rafferty as Feighan failed to reach the farm yard with the bowl not getting a touch from the bank.
Rafferty cut the corner too much once again leaving the score level. This continued to the Cap bowl area no man was for breaking at this point . Feighan got a valuable touch coming out of the bad corners leading by 50 yards at O Neills House.
Rafferty again produced the goods with another brilliant shot pressure on Feighan and it wasn’t long before Rafferty was back in front after a misplayed bowl.
It went to the last Shot this score could go any way. Feighan bowled first the perfect shot but unfortunately hop the kerb half way down the hill towards the cross roads.
Rafferty then beat the tip and now is the new Mens Ulster Junior B Ulster Champion. Hard Luck Shane I’m sure it wont belong till a title is in your hands .
Michael Rafferty former three times All Ireland Champion boys under 14 1987 under 16 1989 boys under 18 1991 and last success came in the Mens Junior A in 1998 when he lost out to Denis Cooney in lyre cork. So Michael will have every success in lifting another Big Title good luck in you All Ireland Final Michael.
John Mc Gleenan Memorial Girls Under 12 Ulster Championship’s
Caitlin Lappin
Nicole O Reilly
Megan O Reilly
Eleanor Sweeney
Kayla Clarke
Lauren Mackle
Shannon Smith
Ugne Cem
Niamh Kelly
Sarah Mc Veigh
Blanchet Boylan
Megan Carragher
Earl Carragher
Please Note A New Ulster Championship has been Introduced for the Girls Under 12. Draws will be made at the Meeting this Tuesday Night so if any more clubs has any interest please forward the Names before the Draws are Made.
Portmor Road Bowls
Hughes Hits The Heights
P
ortmor’s Ethan Hughes is the 2019 Boys U12 Ulster Champion after his thrilling victory over the Rock Roads Oisin Gribben at Tullysaran.
Ethan recovered from going behind shortly after leading by a bowl of odds at the first bend to finish strongly to win by almost a bowl of odds. He follows fellow clubman Caoimhin McGleenan who went on to win the U12 All Ireland at Tassagh and there is no reason Ethan can’t do the same. Well done to all involved.
Fixtures
Paul Dobbin Trophy
Currans 10.30am
Ronan Toal v Odhran Rafferty
McGrails 11.15am
John Dynes v P D Donnelly
Currans 12 noon
Martin Toal v Mark Toal
McGrails 12.30pm
Pat Lennon v Michael Kelly
Tieve Tara Junior C Ulster Championships
Sunday 28th
11am Paul Murphy vs Barry O Reilly
12pm Ruairi Hughes vs Davy Clarke
2.15pm Ronan Mc Clelland vs Shay Mullan
3.15pm Mark Mc Parland vs Cormac Garvey
Scores will start at Finger Post and end AT Rountree’s
Bol Chumann Na Mierleach
Challenge scores
Tuesday 23rd July
6:30 Shay Quigley and Bilko Quigley v Shorty Grimley and Roberto
7:00 Daire Connolly and Eoin Hughes v Micheal Hughes and Cieran Hughes
Thursday 25th July
6:30 Malachy Lappin and Marty Feighan v Joe Short and Hugh Mc Sorley
7::00 Shane feighan and Jason McGale v Ryan Gamble and Stevie Doran
Sunday 28th July
11:00 Maurice Cullen and Eamon Connolly v Erin Connolly and Paul Hughes
11:30 Paul Grimley and Barry Corr v Paul Mc Parland and Patrick Wilson
After holding a meeting on the road the club members have decided to say on the road and throw on, over the last few weeks the road has improved by a good 2 shots Ryan and Murph where out the road in 14 shots (should have been 13) compared to 16 a few weeks ago. Hopefully this will improve over the summer, the road is still rough so we will give it another week or so and then finish off the Felons and start the Stephen Donnelly tournament it will take more than 10mm chips to put the Kerb men off the Drumcairn road.
Eglish Fixture’s (Co. Tyrone)
Novice 2 fixtures:
Sunday 28th July
11am – Moy Point
Hugh McSorley v Martin Feighan
11.45am – Crewe Lane
Dermot Grimley v Fergal Davidson
1.30pm – Moy Point
Fintan Daly v Paul Hughes
2.15pm – Crewe Lane
Ryan Quigley v Martin McGaughey
Quarter Final Draw:
Enda O’Leary v Kevin Cullen
Danny Carragher v Ryan Quigley/Martin McGaughey
Enda Mallon v Hugh McSorley/Martin Feighan
Dermot Grimley/Fergal Davidson v Fintan Daly/Paul Hughes
Congratulations to Eugene McVeigh who threw a stormer in terrible weather conditions to claim his second Ulster title this year. The Eglish club would like to wish him all the best in his all Ireland final in two weeks time. Hard luck to Paul McVeigh, in the vetrrans, who despite throwing a good score was pipped at the post by a resilient Joe Shortt.
Madden Novice 1 Ulster Championship’s Fixture’s
Madden Road bowls
Fixtures for Sunday 28th July
Hughes 11:30am novice 1 sponsored by Philip white tyres
Austin mc Keown v Hugh mc coy.
Low line 12:30pm novice 1 Paul Conway jr v padraig Mallon.
Fixtures for 11th August novice 1 sponsored by Philip white tyres 11:30am Niall Smith v padraig gribben
Novice 1
12:30pm Ryan fay v Conor ONeil.
TullySaran
Schedule for All Ireland weekend:
Good luck to all the Ulster champions: (Refs, markers and opponents next week)
SAT 3rd AUGUST:
Chapel, 11am: Ladies Intermediate: Aoife Trainor vs Cork
Church, 12.30pm: Boys U16: Eugene McVeigh vs Cork
Chapel, 3.30pm: Junior B: Mickey Rafferty vs Cork
O’Neill’s, 5pm: Girls U16: Shannon McGuire vs Cork
SUNDAY 4th AUGUST:
Chapel, 11am: Veterans: Joe Shortt vs Cork
O’Neill’s, 12noon: Boys U12: Ethan Hughes vs Cork
Chapel, 3pm: Men’s Senior: Cathal Toal vs Aiden Murphy
We would like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of Mrs Mills who passed away recently.
Navan Fixture’s
Fixtures for Sunday 28th July
Hauliers Cup kindly Sponsored by Garvey Transport
11:15: James Devlin vs Cormac Garvey
11:45: Gavin Hannaway vs Ethan Hughes
12:15: Hugh McCoy vs David Devlin
12:45: Conor McCreesh vs Conal Gribben
24 Hours notice must be given to cancel a score! £10 entrance fee U16s £5
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