Special Needs All-Ireland Road Bowls takes place in Madden

This year’s Special Needs All-Ireland was held in Madden last week from Tuesday and finishing on Thursday with the presentation that night in the Madden Community Centre.

The Unlimited bowling is annual and to all the people involved they are so looking forward to this wonderful event every year.

Over the three days all involved are catered for as competitions are suitable for their needs. Outside in the grounds of the community centre The Skittle event was gathering the crowds of supporters and yet again on the grounds wheelchair bowling was to commence and believe me when I say this would certainly open your eyes in every way – just remarkable as the severely disabled could take part in the road bowling.

Inside the Hall James O Driscoll would take a large group for Target Bowling.

Club’s involved over the three days were Madden/ Monaghan/ Bantry Co Cork Castletownbere Cork / Mayo/ Clones, Carrick Stead fast & Errigal Truagh Emyvale.

As all competitors were sorted in their grades it was just a matter off getting out on to the Madden road to let the games begin and find a winner in each category.

A big thank-you to Dervla Mallon and Thomas Mackle for taking time out for the presentation night.

Thankyou to local sponsors Elite Catering (Keady) & McAnerney’s Super Market Armagh for supplying food over the three days.

The Kitchen Staff for their tremendous work making sure nobody went with out.

Our Chairman of BolchumannNorthern Branch, Armagh extended all his thanks to all committee members from each club for their hard work and Dedication shown over the Three days. Again he also thank all volunteer’s for taking time out and helping in every way.

Category Winners

Ladies Novice A

Winner, Jessie Nicholson; Runner up, Angela woods

Men’s Novice A

Winner, Conor Murray; Runner up, Gerard O’ Callaghan

Ladies Junior

Winner Aine McCarthy; Runner up, Jane Hill

Mens Junior

Winner, Paul Colgan; Runner up, Martin O’Mahoney

Mens Inter B

Winner, William Hollinger; Runner up, Peter Heffernen

Mens Inter A

Winner, Chris Walsh; Runner up, Martin Mc Clatchey

Ladies Senior

Winner, Eileen Hurley; Runner up, Avril Cogan

Men’s Senior

Winner, Michael Collins; Runner Up, Sean Hughes

Ladies Wheel Chair

Winner Lorna Williamson;

Mens Wheel Chair

Winner Patrick Mc Philips

Michael Collins Wins The Willy Carroll Cup

Michael Collins who represent’s Cork was to Meet Sean Hughes in this years Senior All Ireland Final.

Collins started and let his first bowl over the road. Hughes very unlucky not to open the pipe corner but still front 40 yards.

The lead changed at Barrets Lane with Collins only front 2 Yards. Both men played their next shots perfect but still Collins front bowl.

Hughes then played a perfect shot to get over the rise off the hill by the school but quickly was followed and beat with luck on Collins Side.

Hughes again wasn’t for lying down and played another Great shot to reach the Housing estate with the finishing line in sight.

Collins under pressure played the perfect fast bowl to click off the kerb at Sweeney’s Corner and went on to score the line and win the All Ireland Title for the first time.

Sean Hughes certainly put every effort in trying to win this score but I’m sure he will be more determined next year. Hard Luck Sean. Congratulations To Michael Collins a well deserved win and now is the new Holder of The willy Carroll Cup.

Hard Luck to Local Man Martin Mc Clatchy in Reaching the Men’s Intermediate final after your Opponent on the day was very Talented .

A Big Thank you to Paul Grimley Madden who every year will Meet the Hughes Family and the Mc Clatchey Family for training to get these lads into shape.

Paul Former All Ireland Champion and Many ulster Title holder is a Great Mentor to the special needs.