Wexford Bowls team wins plate at National finals

The Blackwater Rocks, a team from the Blackwater Indoor Bowls Club, won the prestigious Plate competition at the Active Retirement Ireland’s annual National Indoor Bowls Championships in Killarney last week…

“Their achievement and their standard of play is all the more notable as they came from 1 – 7 down in the Final to win 10 – 9. We congratulate them on their win”, said Jamie Grangel, spokesperson for the Wexford Indoor Bowls Association.

Wexford Bowls would like to thank the organisers of the Nationals, for handling such large numbers in a complex situation with such efficiency and calm as to make it an excellent experience.

64 teams of 4 players, and 150 extra supporters, travelled to Killarney from all across Ireland. Wexford Bowls is also grateful for the complement accorded to it by the organisers for asking Jamie Grangel to be one of the two Umpires, the other being Jim McCormack of the Tullow Club.

“Five Wexford teams competed, two from Blackwater, two from Ferns and one from Gorey. With the Gorey team reaching the Cup semi-finals and a Ferns and second Blackwater team reaching the Cup quarter-finals it has been an excellent experience. It gives us the benchmark to work towards for next year to achieve even higher success”, said the spokesperson. “We also wish to congratulate Cnoc Bui from Waterford on winning the Cup for the second time in three years”.

The 64 teams compete in a qualifying round with the top 32 on points competing in the knockout stages for the Cup, and the balance of teams in the knockout stages of the Plate:

“Our Clubs are delighted to have competed against the best Bowls Clubs from across Ireland, and to have achieve the level of success that demonstrates that our Bowls Clubs play at the high standard of other County’s”, he continued.

Wexford Indoor Bowls Association is under the auspice of the Active Retirement Association, and is fully insured. Bowls is played as a mixed gender sport and in a safe environment. It provides a pastime which is a light physical, mentally stimulating activity and very sociable. All Clubs play non-competitive, as well as competitive Bowls, so there is a choice of relaxed play or competition. It is the more physical sports is no longer an option and when the weather limits outdoor activities.

“While our Wexford Clubs are well supported, we are always looking for new players. All are welcome , both beginners and more experienced players, who may have taken leave from the game and would benefit themselves and the Clubs by returning. You will be made feel very welcome at our Club days. Full Bowls advice, training and on-going support are “a given”.

If you, or a member of your family, feel you would benefit from Bowls, please call Pat Nolan @ 087 2644071 for details and to find out the location of your nearest Club”, concluded the spokesperson.