NIPGBL CENTENARY PUBLICATION

Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League

1917-2017

Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League Centenary 1917-2017

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 3

CONTENTS Messages Page 5 Introduction Page 12 History Page 15 Club Profiles

Page 29

Successful Teams Page 62 League Competitions Page 79 Cup Competitions Page 88 IBA Competitions Page 92 Individual Profiles

Page 97

NIPGBL Officials

Page 118

IBA Officials

Page 124

British Isles Bowls Council - Internationals

Page 127

Commonwealth Games Medallists and Representatives

Page 134

World Bowls Medallists and Representatives

Page 137

NIPGBL Champions

Page 140

IBA Champions Page 151 British Isles Champions Page 155 DID YOU KNOW THAT! Page 158 HOLD THE BACK PAGE! Page 160 Acknowledgements Page 162

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I hope that the manner in which we have chosen to celebrate this landmark occasion will do justice to the scale of the achievements of our predecessors and that it will, in turn, inspire our current and future bowlers to continue to represent us all, in whatever capacity, with distinction.

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MESSAGES A message from the President of the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League It is an honour and privilege to serve as President of the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League in its Centenary Year. I am grateful to the members of the General Purposes Committee for their nomination and to the club delegates for their endorsement at our AGM. I would also like to record my sincere appreciation to the officers and members of Old Bleach Bowling Club for all their encouragement since I first joined in 1988 and for their assurance of continued support in what is likely to be a very busy season. I am mindful of the responsibility which comes with this office and undertake to represent the NIPGBL to the very best of my ability. I look forward to meeting many of you on and off the green at matches, during visits to clubs and at some of the special Centenary celebrations which are planned. I trust that you will be able to support these events through your interest, your attendance and your participation. I am delighted that the members of the General Purposes Committee have accepted my recommendation to make Macmillan Cancer Support our charity partner for this year. There will be opportunities to contribute throughout the year and I encourage you to continue to show the generosity which has long been associated with our bowling fraternity. I would also like to express sincere thanks to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for the generous logistical and financial support offered. It is certainly very much appreciated. May I acknowledge also a special debt of gratitude to the members of our Centenary sub-committee who have worked tirelessly to plan this important year. As those who hold office in 2017 we are simply custodians of something which has been nurtured over the last 100 years, the good name and reputation of the NIPGBL. I hope that the manner in which we have chosen to celebrate this landmark occasion will do justice to the scale of the achievements of our predecessors and that it will, in turn, inspire our current and future bowlers to continue to represent us all, in whatever capacity, with distinction. Michael Nutt NIPGBL President 2017

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A message from the Irish Bowling Association President I am delighted and honoured to have this opportunity of extending warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League on reaching your Centenary Year. This is a memorable achievement and one of which you can be justly proud. On behalf of the Council and Members of the Irish Bowling Association I wish to convey our appreciation of the outstanding contribution your Association has made to our game over the past Century. I have no doubt that, at this time, many tributes will be paid to those who a century ago laid the foundations of your Association. You can be rightly proud of the many members who, since 1917, have graced our International Teams and who have played at the highest level in our game. We are also grateful to those who have served and continue to serve as administrators locally, nationally, internationally and at world level; all of whom have been excellent ambassadors for your Association and for the game of bowls in general. I am fully aware of the numerous celebrations that are planned under the leadership of your Centenary President Michael and Committee during this your special year, and I look forward to joining with you in as many of them as I possibly can. I hope that this will be an outstanding and memorable year in the long and distinguished history of the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League. I trust that your Association will continue to go from strength to strength and wish all your members a very enjoyable and successful season’s bowling. Derek Forsythe

IBA President 2017

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Messages from the Presidents of the kindred Associations On behalf of the Northern Ireland Provincial Bowling Association it is my privilege and honour to convey sincere congratulations and good wishes to the President, Officers and members of the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League on the occasion of their Centenary. No doubt there have been many changes throughout the past one hundred years yet the NIPGBL continues to thrive and prosper taking pride in all their bowling achievements. I take this opportunity to wish you all an enjoyable celebration and a pleasant season’s bowling with every success for the future. John Graham Northern Ireland Provincial Bowling Association President 2017 A big congratulations to Michael Nutt on his elevation to President of the NIPGBL and to his Association which has now reached 100 years in Bowling in 2017. We wish Michael and the member clubs every success and continued enjoyment surrounding the game of bowls. From the President and all member clubs of the NIBA. Raymond Robinson Northern Ireland Bowling Association President 2017

I am honoured and privileged on behalf of the Bowling League of Ireland to congratulate the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League on the occasion of its Centenary and I offer best wishes to Michael Nutt, President, his Officers and the members of all the constituent clubs, as you celebrate this wonderful milestone. 100 years is a long time and no doubt there have been many achievements over the years that you all can be very proud of. The NIPGBL continues to grow and is going from strength to strength and I wish you all continued success in the years to come. I would like to wish you all an enjoyable year of celebrations and continued success on the bowling green. Dennis Patrick Bowling League of Ireland President 2017

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Centenary Congratulations from the European Bowls Union On behalf of the European Bowls Council I would like to congratulate the Northem Ireland Private Greens Bowling League on reaching their Centenary. Your Association has contributed to Irish Bowls over the last 100 years in many different ways, from players on the Irish International Team, Medallists at World Bowls, Commonwealth Games, European Bowls as well as the Atlantic Rim Games. In administration you have had exceptionally talented personnel in many roles at the Irish Bowling Association and British Isles Bowls Council. Three of the five Honorary Members of the BIBC are from your Association, Richmond McKay, Tom Sutton MBE and North McQuay. And those three gentlemen along with Ronnie Harper and Hugh Montgomery are Honorary Members of the IBA. It is also fitting that, in this your Centenary Year, your current Treasurer and Past President of your Association, Derek Forsythe, is the President of the IBA. I must congratulate your Secretary David McCloy and his committee for all the hard work they have put in over the last many months in preparing for this special year. I know from experience the work that is needed as my club Kenilworth Bowling Club celebrated its centenary in 1992 and this year we are celebrating our 125th. Because of the special relationship that Kenilworth has with you through the Minnis Trophy they join me in wishing you a very successful year with many more to come. Brian C Morton European Bowls Union President 2017 to 2019

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A message from the President of the British Isles Bowls Council As the President of the British Isles Bowls Council (BIBC) in 2017, my period of office coincides with the Centenary Year of the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League (NIPGBL) and it gives me great pleasure to send the best wishes of the British Isles Bowls Council to the President, Officers and Members of the NIPGBL for a successful year of remembrance and celebration. The NIPGBL has made a significant contribution to the BIBC since the latter’s inception, both on the administrative and playing sides. On the administrative side, this is probably best illustrated by the fact that of the five Honorary Members of the BIBC three are from Ireland – Richmond McKay, Tom Sutton and North McQuay. Each is also a member of the NIPGBL. On the playing side, an examination of winners of BIBC Championships shows that, over the years, players from NIPGBL clubs have won each of the Championships from Junior Singles through to the Fours. I trust that the NIPGBL will continue, through the Irish Bowling Association, to play a full role in the affairs of the BIBC and it would give me enormous pleasure, come June 2017, to hand over a BIBC Championship Trophy to a winning NIPGBL competitor at Belmont BC. Again, on behalf of the BIBC, I extend congratulations and best wishes to all at the NIPGBL. Jim Humphreys British Isles Bowls Council President 2017

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NIPGBL Office Bearers 2017 President Michael Nutt Vice-President Sam Cunningham Immediate Past President Ronnie McKitterick Honorary General Secretary David McCloy Honorary Treasurer Derek Forsythe Honorary League Secretary Terry McIlroy Honorary Competitions Secretary

David Irvine

Honorary Assistant General Secretary

George Walsh BEM

Public Relations Officer

John Nicholl

Safeguarding Officer

Mark Tait LLB

General Purposes Committee Ronnie Blair Eddie Conville Brian Smith

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Calendar of Events 2017 Thursday 23rd March

Launch of Centenary Season The Linen Suite at Mossley Mill (by kind permission of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council)

Saturday 8th April

Unfurling of NIPGBL flag Old Bleach Bowling Club, Randalstown

Sunday 11th June

NIPGBL President’s Select v IBA President’s Select Old Bleach Bowling Club, Randalstown

Saturday 5th August

Centenary Championships Finals Old Bleach Bowling Club, Randalstown

Sunday 13th August

NIPGBL Select v BLI/NIBA/NIPBA Select Ulster Transport Bowling Club, Jordanstown

Sunday 20th August

100 Ends to celebrate 100 Years Falls Bowling Club, Fruithill Park, Belfast

Saturday 23rd September Minnis Trophy NIPGBL v Kenilworth Bowling Club Larne Bowling Club Friday 20th October Centenary Dinner City Hall, Belfast (by kind permission of Belfast City Council)

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AN INTRODUCTION – THE NIPGBL IN IMAGES

The distinctive wording on the Presidents’ board at Belmont BC and the lines from WB Yeats displayed at Cavehill BC remind us that for many the bowling club fulfils, primarily, a social function. It offers a place to gather, a place to spend time in the company of friends, a place to seek a break and comfort from the challenges of daily life.

NIPGBL members have enjoyed conspicuous success in competition at association, national and international level. Individual clubs acknowledge and celebrate their achievements in a variety of ways, for example on the immaculately presented international honours board created by Billy Pimley at Falls BC and on the original mural at Cliftonville BC. The NIPGBL offers individuals responsibility in a range of administrative roles and can support their nomination for similar roles at national, international and world level. The ties displayed at Old Bleach, collected by Billy Patton from the respective Presidents of the home nations’ associations during his year as IBA President in 1994, exemplify the invaluable contribution that NIPGBL members have made to administration in bowls over the years.

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The NIPGBL relies on its member clubs to provide venues for semi-final and final games in cup competitions and association championships, for trial matches and for inter-association matches. Clubs may also be asked to host events for the IBA and can be awarded the prestigious honour of hosting the British Isles international series. The silver jack presented by the IBA to Mrs Stuart Mackie in 1960 commemorates Albert Foundry hosting not just the international series but also the first ever British Isles championships.

The examples of plaques, from visiting touring teams to Ards BC, represent the relationships between clubs, between associations and between nations which have been successfully promoted over 100 years. Many touring teams have enjoyed traditional Northern Ireland hospitality and have forged links, some of which continue up to the present day.

Since the League was formed, individual members and clubs have been mindful of the needs of others and have contributed significant amounts towards a range of charitable causes, either through events run on club premises or through the annual award of the Hugh T Coulter Cup, which is presented on a rota basis.

The artificial surface and floodlights at the new location of one of our founder member clubs, CI Knock, represent an inevitable process of modernisation which makes the game virtually unrecognisable from that which the founders of the NIPGBL would have practised or envisaged in 1917.

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The bowler weather vane at Pickie BC symbolises the need for the association, in particular, and for the sport, in general, to be attentive and responsive to the winds of change and to continue to adapt and modernise in line with a changing society and the changing expectations of its individual members while still upholding the values and traditions on which it has been founded. The pages which follow chart the origins, and subsequent expansion and development, of the NIPGBL, and reflect the various strands of activity of the affiliated clubs and their individual members. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content which has, where possible, been verified through individual recollections, club and league records and reference to contemporary press reports. We trust that you find this history of our League both interesting and informative and that it will serve not only as a fitting record of the activities and achievements of our member clubs over the first hundred years of the NIPGBL’s existence but also as an inspiration towards continued endeavour and success in the future.

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HISTORY In the years immediately preceding the formation of the Belfast and District Bowling League in 1917, a number of clubs with private greens would already have affiliated to the Irish Bowling Association. Competitive opportunities were restricted to the annual IBA cup competitions and to national championships in singles and fours. A desire to bring greater structure to the season’s fixtures and to introduce a stronger element of competition prompted the Secretary of Cavehill Bowling Club to propose a new league featuring Belfast, Belmont, Cavehill, Knock, Larne, Ulster and North Belfast as suggested members. The minutes of Belmont’s general committee meeting on 19/3/1916 at which this matter was discussed record that ‘it was considered that a competitive element might heighten the interest and attraction of such matches particularly as the clubs named are largely those with whom friendly games are ordinarily arranged.’ A set of rules was drawn up to govern two divisions, one of ‘A’ teams and one of ‘B’ teams, in which each club would play two matches (home and away) against the other teams in its own division. Player eligibility was obviously an issue even in those early days as it was stipulated that each club would have to register 12 ‘A’ team players who would then be ineligible for any ‘B’ team game during the same season.

The following Office Bearers were appointed for the inaugural season. President S Pink Knock Vice President J Walker Larne Honorary Secretary WJ Murdoch Cavehill Honorary Treasurer HT Coulter Belmont Management Committee AD MacColl Belmont W Irvine Cavehill I McAvoy Knock F Rodger Knock J Ross Larne S Johnston Larne W Allen North Belfast AJ Parkes North Belfast H Minnis Ulster WGC Milliken Ulster

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Six teams contested the ‘A’ league in 1917, Belfast preferring to delay their membership of the competitive league until 1918, while the ‘B’ teams of Cavehill, North Belfast, Belmont and Ulster contested the first ‘B’ division. The first competitive match in the newly constituted league took place on 5/5/1917 and was between Ulster and North Belfast at Danube Street, resulting in a 99-60 win for Ulster. The teams who contested this historic first ‘A’ league fixture were recorded as:

Ulster

P Sheridan, W McConnell, J Greystone, J Jackson SJ Thompson, SS Mercer, WGC Milliken, WR Forsythe J Wright, A Wilson, TH Forsythe, SV Hutchison W Irvine, J Murray, RS Carr, JB Gossan

North Belfast W McLean, J Smith, J Gillespie, W Allen J Burns, AJ Parkes, S Halliday, W Gibson HE Lewis, G Dawson, A Boyd, W Dougal W Uttley, S Boyd, TR Neville, W Hamill The newly formed league was warmly welcomed in the ISN (19/5/17) by the Skip who observed : ‘The competition is conducted on the points system and promises to be a complete success, and this it deserves to be when it has such an energetic and go ahead bowler as Mr WJ Murdoch filling the role of pen-wielder.’ The mood of optimism which prevailed at the time extended to the choice of President for the League. ‘I am delighted to know that Mr Samuel Pink, one of the best in the bowling fraternity out Knock way, has been elected president. He is a much approachable secretary, a genial club-mate and a man with a mission in the sport and I wish him and the league lashings of prosperity.’ (ISN 26/5/17) In 1917 the rivalry with the Parks association which has continued right up to the present day found its initial expression in a representative challenge match between the new Belfast and District (Private Greens) League and the Taylor Cup (Public Parks) League, played at Cavehill. Our League’s first ever representative team was: P McCartney (Belmont), A McKibbin (Knock), J Morrison (Cavehill), S Pink (Knock) SJ Thompson (Ulster), P Sheridan (Ulster), WGC Milliken (Ulster), Dr Davison (Ulster) W Govan (Belmont), AD MacColl (Belmont), A Dickson (Belmont), JW Chalmers (Belmont) A Knox (Cavehill), W Irvine (Cavehill), WR Forsythe (Ulster), I McAvoy (Knock) S Craig (Larne), J Walker (Larne), J Gillespie (North Belfast), W Dougal (North Belfast)

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The Private Greens may have lost this first contest but the event was obviously deemed a success because the inter-league fixture was extended in the following season to a ten rink match, five hosted by the Private Greens at Ulster’s Ballynafeigh green and five hosted at Ormeau Park on the same day (13/7/1918).

Affiliated clubs In addition to the clubs affiliated to the NIPGBL at the time of writing, the following clubs have also been part of our League at various stages over the last 100 years. In some cases it has been difficult to confirm exact dates. Ulster, Ulster Cricket Club, Ballynafeigh, 1917-1931 Queen’s Island, Pirrie Park, Belfast, 1923-1932 Whitehead, Recreation Grounds, Whitehead, 1945-1950 Castleton, Clarke Park, Skegoneill Avenue, Belfast, 1946-2015 (Imperial) Civil Service, Broadway, Donegall Road, Belfast, 1960-1974 International Engineering Limited (previously International Computers Limited), Connswater Street, Belfast, 1970-1975 Owenbeg, Stream Street, Downpatrick, 1973-2012 RVH, RVH Grounds, Belfast, 1976-2005 (British) Enkalon, Randalstown Road, Antrim, 1983-2005 Crawfordsburn, Crawfordsburn Country Club, 1990-2009 Gallaher, Severn Street, Belfast 1948-2016

Purpose, Aim, Goals Association: an organisation of people with a common purpose and having a formal structure. According to its constitution the NIPGBL seeks: ‘to promote and foster the game of bowls’ ‘to act in the best interests of its member clubs’ ‘to maintain liaison with the other associations in Ireland’ Reference to the objectives of the NIBA, BLI and NIPBA confirms a common purpose, shared aims and goals, central to which are the interests of all the constituent clubs and their individual members. For the NIPGBL the pursuit of the first two goals is fulfilled through both the role of individual clubs and through the arrangements set in place by the League. Clubs promote the game at local level, engaging with the local community, including increasingly with local schools, and they also enhance their facilities to attract new members. Clubs provide opportunities for bowlers to enjoy the sport either casually, socially or as a member of competitive teams. Clubs create competitive structures for internal club competitions and provide organised coaching sessions to improve the skills of their bowling members. They continue to fulfil a social function, as a meeting place not just for bowling members but often also for other local community organisations.

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Confirmation that the social dimension to the game is valued by many players is found in the reflections of President Dr Michael Scott in the foreword to the impressive Malone BC Golden Jubilee booklet 2016 when he writes: ‘Malone is a special bowling club, placing less importance on the winning of cups than on the enjoyment of leisurely exercise with congenial companions in beautiful surroundings.’ The League makes organisational arrangements on behalf of the clubs, running its affairs in an orderly and competent manner and providing appropriate structures for league, cup and championship competitions. All clubs are represented on an equal basis with two delegates to regular Management Committee meetings. Players may be selected to represent the NIPGBL at Under 25 or senior level while the association will endorse the nomination of members for administrative roles within the association and at IBA and BIBC level. Liaison with other associations is manifest in the work of the IBA Management Committee and Council where representatives of the kindred associations cooperate in the best interests of all bowlers in Ireland. Invites to respective opening days and annual dinners are regularly extended and accepted. At club level links exist via established traditional friendly matches (for example, Belfast v Kenilworth, Cavehill v Clontarf, Larne v NIBA). Member clubs organise prestigious tournaments which attract players from all four associations and, in turn, NIPGBL members compete in tournaments run by clubs from other associations. Visiting touring sides are welcomed and receive a traditional Irish bowling welcome – this function extends to other associations across the British Isles and, occasionally, internationally as well. Another less specific, less clearly defined, but no less valued objective is to uphold the finest traditions of sportsmanship and integrity which are normally associated with our sport. Mr RJ McKeown addressed Cliftonville’s opening day as a guest on 30/4/1921. He observed that there was nothing better in the formation of character than an interest in manly outdoor games. He believed that a great deal of the prosperity of the country was due to the fact that the people were interested in games and consequently had learned to act straightly. At the opening day of the same club on 12/4/1924, Mr TH Barr (President) noted that ‘bowling was a game which brought out the best side of one’s character. There was no room for the cultivation of selfishness in bowls, as each man must play his best for the honour of his club.’ The widespread appeal of the game in the 1930s was referenced by the Skip in the ISN of 16/5/1936. ‘This shows the virility of the pastime and a visit to any of the greens would soon have proved the fallacy of the nickname ‘an old man’s game’, by observing the large number of young and active participants disporting themselves on the turf.’ On 30th June 1934 Dr Rusk, a well-known, highly respected bowler wrote to his younger opponent Johnny Strickland who defeated him in the IBA Singles. Although the form of address and style of expression are from a different era, they highlight virtues of sportsmanship and generosity of spirit which are timeless and which the NIPGBL would hope to encourage and develop both now and long into the future.

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‘Dear Strickland, I desire to congratulate you on the lovely game you played yesterday….You proved to me what I have long tried to show to the bowling world, but apparently in vain, that scientific tactics and not brute force are the real game of bowls. I feel that I have been to a very good school, under your tuition, and have learned more from your game than I have from any game I remember for at least three or four years. I wish you every success and will follow your career with interest.’

Some key dates May 1917 Competitive play began in the newly formed Belfast and District Bowling League. Sept 1917 Our League’s first ever representative side lost to the Public Parks League at Cavehill. July 1922 Larne became the first Private Greens club since the formation of the League to host the international series, earning plaudits for ‘its beautiful surroundings, its turf like a billiard table and its great hospitality.’ March 1924 The annual meeting of the Belfast and District Bowls League agreed to play an annual friendly with Kenilworth BC. Sept 1926 North Belfast defeated Cavehill in the first ever final of the Private Greens Senior Cup. Sept 1928 North Belfast defeated Cavehill in the first ever final of the Private Greens Junior Cup. Aug 1930 Belfast BC and the Private Greens League hosted an Australian touring team which played 59 matches across the four home countries. Aug 1934 George Watson (Larne) and PT Watson (Cavehill), playing alongside C Curran and C Clawson both from Shaftesbury, became the League’s first British Empire Games medallists, earning silver in the Fours after winning 8 out of 9 games and only missing out on the gold medal to England on shot difference. July 1937 The Private Greens won the inaugural Senior Inter-Association Championship on shot difference after beating the Free State League 95-90 and the NIBA 108-85, while losing to the Provincial Towns 93-96. Aug 1938 Belfast made history by winning the IBA Senior and Junior Cup finals in successive weeks against Castleton and Ards respectively. Oct 1947 A re-structure of the league was proposed to introduce a system of promotion and relegation. It was implemented in the 1948 season but was quickly discontinued for the following year. July 1951 Ireland won the Home International series for the first time since 1905 under the captaincy of Syd Thompson (Willowfield). Aug 1952 The finals of the Private Greens Championships were played in whites for the first time.

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Aug 1954 April 1959 April 1960 July 1960 Oct 1966 Nov 1968 July 1972 Feb 1976 Oct 1981 Nov 1993 May 1994 Nov 2011 Nov 2014

The NIPGBL became the first holders of the Walter Chapman Trophy for the Junior Inter- Association event. Although games had previously taken place, the competition was formalised by the presentation of the trophy by the BLI. Only five teams contested the newly formed Private Greens Midweek League. Castleton and Forth River finished joint top but no play off game took place because there was no trophy to play for. Belfast set a new precedent by undertaking to play all home competitive games in whites. Albert Foundry hosted the first British Isles championships. Joe McPartland Jnr (Falls) was the only NIPGBL player on the Irish team competing in the first World Championships at Kyeemagh, New South Wales, Australia. The NIPGBL agreed to adopt a new points system awarding 7 points per match from the beginning of the 1969 season. Syd Thompson played in his 26th consecutive international series, earning him the distinction of being the most capped player in world bowls. The decision to introduce red and blue discs to identify bowls was heralded by NIPGBL Secretary Jim Stirling as ‘a great advance in bowls.’ After the short-lived experiment in 1948, it was decided to re-introduce a system of promotion and relegation in the league competitions from 1982. It was agreed that all senior and junior league and cup games held in midweek would be played in whites from the start of the 1994 season. The NIPGBL won its first Under 25 Inter-Association title, ending an unbeaten run of 14 matches for the NIBA which went back to the start of this competition in 1990. Another league restructure saw the creation of three senior and three junior divisions, all contested on a home and away basis. The league structure was amended to amalgamate senior and junior divisions into a 5 division league with promotion and relegation throughout.

Conflict As early as the inaugural season the impact of global conflict was felt by the Belfast and District Bowling League. Belfast Bowling Club, the oldest club in Ireland, decided that they would not join the newly created league, preferring not to enter any competitions during the continuation of the war. ‘Larne are not arranging any friendly matches. This is owing to a shortage of players through the war and they desire not to make arrangements for friendlies they might find themselves unable to carry out.’ (ISN 26/5/17) It may strike some as strange that a new sporting organisation could even be formed at such a tempestuous stage of our local and national history. Yet as tens of thousands of their fellow citizens enlisted and headed off to war, many of them making the ultimate sacrifice, others continued to participate in their chosen sport. Some public disapproval was expressed but play continued across many sports including bowling in the Belfast and District League in its inaugural season and in 1918. While the horror of the first global conflict unfolded in a distant theatre of war, the city of Belfast, in

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particular, suffered the devastating consequences of bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe during World War 2. Influential political and military figures believed that there was a significant benefit in the continuation of competitive sport and recreational leisure activities. Whether it represented a distraction from the hardship of the war, an opportunity to maintain levels of fitness, a means of boosting morale, a context for fund-raising or a demonstration of defiance towards the enemy, the continuation of sport was encouraged despite the obvious practical difficulties and the distressing backdrop of the casualties of conflict. Clubs showed a defiant and positive response to adversity. ‘…the devotees of the rolling woods game should find a wholesome way of dispelling the burden of depression inevitable following a dreary winter of war conditions like that which we have been obliged to pass through.’ (ISN 23/3/40) In 1941 the NIPGBL indicated that it would not compete in inter-association matches or national championships. It says much for the spirit of the time that ‘the withdrawal of the Private Greens from competitive games will cause some surprise and disappointment.’ Less than a month later, however, the IBA took the decision to suspend both events, although only after ‘a keen and exhaustive discussion.’ In June of the same year North Belfast lost their pavilion and the ongoing conflict continued to take its toll. ‘Bowlers have been bereaved, others have been rendered homeless, while the businesses of many have also suffered. Among the sporting community bowlers have felt the weight of the Nazi attack.’ (ISN 21/6/41) Clubs also engaged fully in numerous fund-raising activities to support the war effort. ‘I wish to make another appeal in connection with the drive on behalf of war comforts, air raid and other war victims. Clubs have shown rare initiative in pushing the claims of this fund, and have already worked wonders…. The bowling community as a whole is giving such a noble account of itself.’ (ISN 21/6/41)

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Relationships with other associations An early indication of a source of tension between the Private Greens clubs and the Public Parks clubs came in 1919, when an argument arose over the proportion of delegates to the IBA AGM, each Private Greens club getting 4 representatives while each Parks club got only 2. The Public Parks argued, strongly, that they were underrepresented as they paid the same subscription to the IBA and provided the major proportion of the entrants to the IBA championships. On 12/4/1924 the Skip made understated reference to ‘an undercurrent of rivalry between the Private Greens and the Public Parks.’ This rivalry is expressed in more eye-catching format in the ISN on 28/2/1925. The context for this difficult period in the relationship between the two main associations was a disagreement about their respective representation at IBA level, the successful resolution of which was recorded on the same pages on 7/3/1925. ‘From the threats of dire destruction, upheavals of far-reaching consequences, and the severing of ancient comradeships, nothing worse has happened than the letting in of a little much-needed daylight and the application of a modicum of common sense.’ The same issue of representation raised its head again, most notably in 1955, only for another agreement to be reached which was reported under the headline ‘They’re all friends again’ on 30/4/1955. The Skip wrote: ‘I think I can now say on behalf of all bowlers that the fact that a satisfactory solution to the problem has been found before the competitive season begins is greatly welcomed. Common sense having prevailed and a settlement reached, Irish bowlers will now be able to enter the 1955 season with the same old spirit of friendly rivalry and comradeship.’ Friendship, rivalry, comradeship – the same words recur when describing relationships not just between the NIPGBL and the NIBA, but with the NIPBA and the BLI as well.

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The associations compete annually against each other in Inter-Association competition.

Senior Inter-Association 1937-2016 BLI 1 NIBA

NIPGBL

24 44

NIPBA 10 The NIPGBL’s wins came in:

1969

2012, 2011, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1985, 1983, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1973, 1972, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1952, 1951, 1948, 1947, 1946, 1940, 1938, 1937. Under 25 Inter-Association 1990-2016 BLI 0 NIBA

14

NIPBA

4

NIPGBL 9 The NIPGBL’s wins came in:

2015, 2014, 2012, 2007, 2004, 2002, 2001, 1996, 1994.

1994

Junior Inter-Association 1954-1989 (limited to players not competing in senior competition) BLI 0

NIBA 12 NIPGBL 15 NIPBA 9 The NIPGBL’s wins came in:

1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1968, 1966, 1961, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954. Translink Trophy 2000-2016 (awarded to most successful association in National Championships) BLI 0

NIBA 5 NIPGBL 8 NIPBA

The NIPGBL’s wins came in

4

2016, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2003, 2001.

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Cooperation between the respective associations is seen to most striking and rewarding effect when the players of all four combine to represent Ireland at international level. Details of World Championships and Commonwealth Games honours are given elsewhere but the annual Home International series brings together the best players from all four associations, united in their ambition to secure a title win. The challenge which this represents is illustrated by the fact that Ireland has only managed 7 wins since this series was inaugurated in 1903. Ireland’s first victory at Cardiff in 1905 came long before the formation of the NIPGBL, but on each subsequent occasion Private Greens players have played a full role in the international team’s successes. 1951 Swansea W Artt (Cliftonville), J Fee (Cavehill), S Laverty (Knock), W McDowell (Castleton), J McIntyre (Belfast), AB McLaughlin (Cavehill), D Millar (Falls), W Sloan (Castleton), LE Stone (Castleton), SJ Thompson (Willowfield), J Wilkin (Castleton)

1981 Worthing J Baker (Cliftonville), DS Corkill (Knock), JM Craig (Cliftonville), S Espie (Willowfield), J Greer (Falls), B McBrien (Falls), W McKelvey (Falls), J Rogan (Falls), W Watson (Knock)

1999 Jersey S Adamson (Dunbarton), SB Allen (Ballymena), N Booth (Old Bleach), P Daly (Belmont), M Greenfield (Dunbarton), P McGarrity (Falls), M McPeak (Belmont), P McVeigh (Falls), M Nutt (Old Bleach), E Parkinson (Belmont), J Talbot (Old Bleach), B Thompson (Ulster Transport)

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2005 Belmont J Baker (Ballymena), N Booth (Old Bleach), P Daly (Ulster Transport), M Greenfield (Dunbarton), M Higgins (Dunbarton), R Horner (Belmont), M McPeak (Belmont), A Montgomery (NICS), C Mulholland (Belmont), M Nutt (Old Bleach), J Talbot (Old Bleach), B Thompson (Ulster Transport), DJ Wilson (Dunbarton) 2006 Wigton J Baker (Ballymena), N Booth (Old Bleach), P Daly (Ulster Transport), M Greenfield (Dunbarton), M Higgins (Dunbarton), R Horner (Belmont), M McPeak (Belmont), D McRandal (Larne), A Montgomery (NICS), J Talbot (Old Bleach), DJ Wilson (Dunbarton) 2009 Belmont N Booth (Old Bleach), P Daly (Ulster Transport), S Hall (Old Bleach), R Horner (Belmont), M McPeak (Belmont), D McRandal (Larne), J Millar (Ballymena), A Montgomery (NICS), J Talbot (Old Bleach), B Thompson (Ulster Transport), DJ Wilson (Dunbarton)

Additionally Ireland has won the Junior International series once, since it started in 1992. 2010 City of Derry P Brennan (Falls), S Cavan (Ballywalter), T Crawford (Salisbury), A Dilworth (Ulster Transport), D Dilworth (Ulster Transport), A Duncan (Ballymena), S Shields (Ballymena), D Torrington (Ballymena)

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Issues It has been fascinating to discuss areas of interest and concern about the modern game with a range of bowlers and officials during the compilation of this Centenary publication. Many of the areas discussed are recurring and familiar – movement of players from club to club, appropriate regulation dress, unfulfilled fixtures, straight bowls, coloured bowls, how to attract more spectators, selection, the balance of power between associations, the provision of meals, the pace of play, etiquette on the green. It is intriguing, however, to note references to all of these at much earlier stages in the NIPGBL’s development, implying that these and others are timeless and universal concerns which will continue to exercise the minds of players and administrators long into the future as well. On 17/5/24 the bowls correspondent of the ISN wondered ‘why some players have a tendency to change their clubs every year.’ In 1937 a reader submitted a letter for publication in the ISN observing that ‘bowling is probably our most democratic game and any attempt to insist on a regulation uniform would meet with strong opposition.’ Particularly in the 1920s there are frequent references to the inconvenience caused by clubs not being able to raise a team to fulfil some of their league fixtures. On 8/9/23 the Skip, in his bowling notes, regretted the number of ‘straight bowl merchants playing bowls in the city at present’ and concluded that ‘it is time the parent body took this matter of straight bowls up, for it is absolutely ridiculous the number that are being played in Belfast and District at present.’ On 7/3/53, under the headline ‘blue woods are taboo’, the Skip reported the case of one bowler who had acquired a set of blue bowls for the new season, only to warn that ‘if our friend proposes to play in competitive bowls I’m afraid he will have to have those blue woods re-varnished a more sober hue or else equip himself with a second pair for serious occasions.’ The issue of coloured bowls gained greater prominence in September 1999, when Wally Taylor, a member of Willowfield BC, received judgement in his favour in the Northern Ireland High Court after having been disqualified from competition for using yellow bowls. Issues regarding spectators tended to concern how to accommodate the huge crowds wishing to attend important matches. The ISN of 1/8/59, under the headline ‘Bowling – Now top spectator sport’, noted that the ‘semi-finals of the Private Greens Championships at Clarke Park and the finals at College Park East attracted attendances of 500 and over on each night.’ Reports on the Ireland v England international match at Albert Foundry’s Paisley Park in July 1964 allude to a crowd of 1500 people. Selectors at every level have never been immune from criticism. On 31/5/24, as holders Cavehill lost in the first round of the IBA Senior Cup, the correspondent wrote: ‘I was struck at the changes on several rinks and had my doubts as to the wisdom of the matter. Splitting up rinks that have played well together does not tend to steady play and weakens the cohesion necessary to carry a side to victory.’ On 27/5/44, even under the shadow of conflict, selection policy within each association came under criticism. In a letter to the ISN an anonymous ‘Observer’ wrote: ‘I am rather disappointed at the selection

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made in these years of war, when no international matches are being played. One would expect the Selection Committees, at least, to experiment with young players who have come on rapidly at the game, and endeavour to secure the nucleus of a fine international team to represent Ireland when peace comes to the world. Instead of this, we find the old gang are again selected, some possibly on sentimental grounds, others for reasons known only to the Selection Committees.’ This kind of public correspondence about issues is the historical equivalent, albeit in a more formal and deferential style, of the online forums which are prevalent and generate vigorous debate in the modern era. A comment in ISN on 2/6/17 offers a further insight into some of the practices and conventions of the time. ‘…. surely the breaking up of play mid-way through for refreshments might very well be dispensed with, and allow the game to be finished in time….’ Perhaps this was the precursor of the modern debate about whether to continue with the practice of providing meals after a game. Under the headline ‘Are bowlers too rowdy?’, the Skip quoted discussion on an article originally written by GT Burrows in the Daily Telegraph. Referring to ‘interminable noise’, he suggested that ‘if players generally would be more attentive to the development of the game than they are at present a considerable volume of the noise and the shouting of instructions could be dispensed with.’ It was even felt that ‘one reason why recruits are deterred from joining the ranks is that they resent being hectored by a generally self-elected and domineering skip.’

Modernisation In 1923, with matches starting at 3pm, a pause for tea during play meant final scores were not ready for publication in the evening sports press. The ISN correspondent returned to the same theme on 20/5/50, urging clubs to start games promptly at 2.45pm to guarantee the inclusion of results in that evening’s publication. To support his request, he observed: ‘Surely no bowler worth his salt should require one minute over and above three hours to play 21 ends.’ As early as 21/4/45 the Skip in his weekly column advocated that each club should appoint a press secretary to maximise coverage in the local papers. Over half a century later, the desire to promote the sport more widely and to provide more comprehensive information for its participants saw the creation of the Bryan’s Bowls website, which grew steadily in popularity, largely due to the unfailing energy and enthusiasm of its creator Bryan Magrath. A further indication of change came with the formation of the Irish Bowls Federation. As bowls in Ireland prepares for the future, it is worthy of note that NIPGBL members continue to play prominent roles. Since its inception in 2013 John Millar (Old Bleach) has been Chairman of the IBF and Colin Campbell (CI Knock) has been its Secretary and Treasurer. The Federation brings together the four governing bodies, the IBA, IWBA, AIIB and IWIBA. In another progressive move Chris Mulholland (Belmont) now

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fulfils a key role as one of two IBF talent development officers (along with Ian McClure, Portrush) whose remit includes promoting bowls among young people, assisting clubs in maintaining and increasing membership and promoting and raising the profile of bowls in Northern Ireland. Of course, issues relating to change and modernisation will generate, inevitably, a range of opinions, all strongly held, all often articulately defended. Take, for example, the matter of concentration of talent in a small number of high-achieving clubs – some will regret an era of uncompetitive matches with only a few teams capable of winning trophies while others will argue with equal conviction that individual players gain the opportunity to raise the standard of their game, thereby benefitting in turn the NIPGBL’s chances at inter-association level and Ireland’s chances at international level. It is not the purpose of this Centenary publication to resolve this or indeed any other debate but, rather, to reflect those different perspectives, perhaps prompting and stimulating further discussion and consideration. It is hard to imagine what the founders of the Belfast and District Bowling League or the earliest members of its affiliated clubs would make of the modern expression of the game which is common place nowadays. It is unlikely that they could have envisaged the atmosphere of vocal encouragement and exuberant celebrations, the introduction of coloured clothing and coloured bowls, the construction of artificial greens and floodlights, the instant availability of results and league tables on the Internet and many other features which we now take for granted. As we embark on a year of Centenary celebrations we should, however, take pride in the preservation of other timeless and universal values which the founders would be delighted to know are still prevalent. Perhaps among these we could include a sense of fair play, a club spirit, the club as a focal point for social activity within the local community. Equally important are the bonds of friendship and positive relationships, both within and across clubs. We are uniquely privileged to enjoy our sport not just against rivals and opponents but against friends. May the values which have underpinned the NIPGBL and the sport of bowls for the last 100 years continue to be in evidence in abundance during the 2017 season and may we all enjoy a memorable year which provides a fitting acknowledgement of, and tribute to, the activities and achievements of all those who have gone before us.

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CLUB PROFILES ALBERT FOUNDRY BOWLING CLUB Paisley Park, West Circular Road, Belfast BT13 3QB

The green at Paisley Park was declared open by Brigadier JA Sinton VC in 1942. G Steele had the honour of being elected the first President of the Club. On 16th January 1943 the Club became affiliated to the Irish Bowling Association. In 1947 J Gregson and G Arthurs won the PGL Pairs Championship and in 1972 G Madine was selected to represent Ireland at Senior International level. Address by Brigadier JA Sinton VC 1942

Opening of green 1942

The Club was host to the first ever British Isles Bowls Council Championships and the annual International Series in 1960 when the Singles Championship was won by a player who would go on to become one of the most successful players in the history of the sport - DJ Bryant MBE. Paisley Park would again provide the venue for the 1964 international series. In 1953 F Allen was President, Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League, a position which was also held by J Billingsley in 1980. F Allen went on to become President, Irish Bowling Association in 1955. A longserving member of the PGL Management Committee, F Allen was also made an Honorary Member of the NIPGBL in 1970.

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ARDS BOWLING CLUB 70 South Street, Newtownards BT23 6JU

Website: www.ardsbowls.blogspot.co.uk

In the 1920s lacrosse was a very popular game around Newtownards with records showing that the local club had quite a successful team. In 1927 a bowling section was established with play taking place on a strip of grass near the present green. Within two years a new bowling green was laid at a cost of ÂŁ380. The club affiliated to the Irish Bowling Association on 18th March 1931. It was not long before the club tasted success as it won the PGL Junior Cup in 1933, 1937 and 1940 as well as League Division B in 1933 and 1935. In 1958 Ards Lacrosse Club became Ards Bowling Club. The facilities were quite basic with the clubhouse consisting of an old hut of 1914-1918 vintage. By 1968 it was evident that the hut needed replaced and a building fund was set up. With ÂŁ4000 being raised the club was able to build a new pavilion which was officially opened in 1973. This building is still in use today although it has been refurbished several times in the intervening years. By the 1980s the club had outgrown their existing facilities and another fundraising exercise enabled land to be purchased from the Department of Education and an extension added to the Club. The new building was officially opened on 9th May 1985 by Mrs Gretta Graham, wife of the Honorary Secretary. There is still a connection today with the original lacrosse club as members play for a trophy that was presented to the lacrosse club in the 1890s. The Club has provided three Presidents of the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League - J Black JP in 1950, J Lowry in 1977 and D McCloy in 2015.

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BALLEE BOWLING CLUB 31 Ballee Road, Downpatrick, Down BT30 7ER

The Club opened in 1957 with the green having being laid over the preceding two years at a cost of less than ÂŁ100. The original clubhouse was the old Post Office and it was not until 1964 that a new pavilion was erected adjacent to the green at a cost of ÂŁ700. This was funded by interest free loans from members. By 1968 the membership had reached 34 men and 26 ladies and to accommodate the growing membership the pavilion was extended. The Club joined the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League in 1970. The first playing success was in 1990 when the Club won Division 2 of the Midweek League. Success was short lived as within a few years the Club was playing in Division 3. Promotion was achieved as league winners in 1998 and in 2006 the Club once again won Division 2.

Midweek Division 2 1990

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BALLYMENA BOWLING CLUB Old Ballymoney Road, Ballymena BT43 6LX

Although Ballymena Bowling Club became the fourth club to affiliate to the Irish Bowling Association on 22nd February 1904, bowling in Ballymena actually dates back to 1900 when ground was provided by the Ballymena Recreation Company Limited at the Showgrounds (now home to Ballymena United FC). The ground however proved “bumpy and not to full dimensions” so the local bowlers (or “trundlers” as they were referred to at that time) quickly acquired land at their current Old Ballymoney Road site from Sir Frederick Adair. The first sod was cut in February 1905 and the green was opened in June. The cost for the green was £350 with a pavilion added for £50. The Ballymena “Wizards with the Woods” quickly established themselves and defeated local rivals Ballymoney in the First Round of the IBA Senior Cup in 1906 (although it would take until 2008 for the club to claim the Blue Riband trophy for the first time). The club hosted many teams from the United Kingdom and beyond including Australia and Canada. In 1909 the visiting Canadian team “left the town to the strains of the ‘Maple leaf’ and ‘Come ye back to Erin’ sung by the local bowlers standing on the platform of the railway station.” Ballymena also has a long association with the Provincial Towns Bowling Association, due in part to the fact that local shop owners and workers could participate in senior bowls on the Wednesday half day closure. From 1927 to 1960 Ballymena flitted between associations, at times entering teams in both. In 1927 they were invited to enter the PGL Cups and actually defeated Larne 79 – 73 to win the Senior Cup at the first attempt. Their first PGL Senior League victory came in 1945. The club has always been progressive with regular additions and improvements to the green and facilities. A second green was added in 1996 with Ballymena Park teams competing for the first time in 1997. Floodlighting was installed and an annual Open Pairs Tournament organised in 1995 for the first time by club stalwart Bryan Magrath. The club has gone on to host various competitions including the British Isles Ladies Junior and Senior International Championships.

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BALLYWALTER BOWLING CLUB 12a Springvale Road, Ballywalter BT22 2PE

William Davidson and Jack McCracken were the driving force behind the laying of a bowling green in Ballywalter. Lord Henry Dunleath gave permission for the green to be laid on land belonging to Dunleath Estates and the Club was officially opened in 1972. It was 2000 before the Club achieved success on the green when it won Senior League Division 2 and this was followed up in 2010 by success in the same Division. The midweek team were winners of Midweek League Division 2 in 2013. Sam McKeown was President of the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League in 1994 and a longserving Competitions Secretary while Simon Cavan and David Palmer represented the League in the Junior Inter-Association Championships.

Opening Day 1983

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BELFAST BOWLING CLUB 45a Deramore Park, Belfast BT9 5JX

Formed in 1842, Belfast Bowling Club holds the distinction of being the oldest bowling club in Ireland. In the early years of its existence the club occupied sites at Nelson Street, York Street and Clifton Street before moving to a site in South Belfast convenient to the River Lagan and Ormeau Park. Subsequently it relocated, in 1910, to College Park East before moving to its current home at Belfast Harlequins RFC in Deramore Park. Belfast Bowling Club, under the presidency of JC Hunter in 1903, was instrumental in the formation of the Irish Bowling Association. In 1938 the club became the first to win both the IBA Senior and Junior Cups in the same year. In 1992 a souvenir brochure was published to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary and there are plans to mark the club’s 175th anniversary in 2017. W Lindsay (1923), DE Gardiner (1932), J MacBride (1944), JR McClune (1971) and H Johnston (2008) have all served as President of the NIPGBL.

Opening Day 1992 - 150th anniversary

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BELMONT BOWLING CLUB 6a Kincora Avenue, Belfast BT4 3DW

Members of a croquet club who were interested in setting up a bowling club met in 1875 in the White Linenhall in Belfast. A green was subsequently laid in East Belfast and in 1877 the Belmont Bowling Club was formally constituted. Belmont, along with Belfast and Coleraine, was a founder club of the Irish Bowling Association on 20 January 1904. In 1906 Belmont hosted the first two days of the Home Internationals. Representing England on this occasion was a player who would become better known for his cricketing exploits – WG Grace. Such was the popularity of bowls that Belmont laid a second green in 1946 and the growing club membership allowed the formation of additional teams to represent Belmont Park from the 1956 season. Over the years Belmont have had some very successful teams but none more so than the Senior team that lifted the Irish Cup in five consecutive years 2003 - 2007. During this period they also won the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League Senior Cup on three occasions and the Senior League Division 1 in 2003. Belmont is host to the very popular City of Belfast Bowling Tournament which was first held in 1957. The club’s outstanding facilities and two green set-up has allowed them to host the Home International series again in 1968, 2001, 2005 and 2009 and they will also do so in 2017.

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CAVEHILL BOWLING AND LAWN TENNIS CLUB 20 North Circular Road, Antrim Road, Belfast BT15 5HB Website: www.cavehillbowls.weebly.com

In 1911 a small group of men decided to form a Bowling and Tennis Club. They bought a farm and laid a green and built a clubhouse on the Old Cavehill Road. The North Circular Road did not then exist. Cavehill Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club was registered on 1st February 1912 and affiliated to the IBA in the same year. Cavehill was instrumental in the formation of the Belfast and District Bowls League which later became the NIPGBL and WJ Murdoch of Cavehill was the League’s first Secretary. In 1914 the pavilion was burned down by the suffragettes. It was rebuilt in 1915 and extended during the fifties and sixties and there was a major extension in 1987. Over the years Cavehill has had a proud record of successes in IBA and NIPGBL Competitions and has produced numerous international players. In 1959 and 1960 Percy Watson was President of the International Bowling Board having served as President of the IBA in 1944 and as President of the NIPGBL in 1952. In 1980 Tom Sutton was President of the British Isles Bowls Council having served as President of the NIPGBL in 1969 and as President of the IBA in 1975. In 2005 Hugh Montgomery was President of the British Isles Bowling Council having served the NIPGBL as Honorary Secretary from 1989 to 2001, as President of the NIPGBL in 1997 and as President of the IBA in 2000.

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CI (KNOCK) BOWLING CLUB 91 Circular Road, Belfast BT4 2GD

Website: www.knockbc.co/ci-knock-bowling-club/

Knock Bowling Club, with a small green, began as part of Knock Tennis Club, Green Road, Belfast. The Club was formed on the 18th January 1910. The first President of the Club, RJ McMordie, who was the Lord Mayor of Belfast, presided over the first opening day on 30th April 1910. Growing membership required a larger green and the Club moved to Knockdene Park with the first opening day there on 27th May 1911. Knock Bowling Club joined the IBA in 1911 and was a founder member of the Belfast and District Bowling League in 1917, providing the first President, Samuel Pink, who subsequently held office as IBA President in 1923. Further NIPGBL Presidents were CP Knight (1923), W Montgomery (1938), S Laverty (1964) and D Newell (2001). CI (Knock) Bowling Club relocated in 2016 to a new facility at CIYMS, less than 1.5 miles from the previous club location at Knockdene Park South in Belfast. CIYMS offers many sports including rugby, hockey, tennis, cricket and now outdoor bowls on a new, state of the art floodlit artificial playing surface. Members and visitors now have the full use of a modern sports club and facilities.

Knock opening day 1911

Knock centenary photo 2011

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CLIFTONVILLE BOWLING CLUB 13 Knutsford Avenue, Belfast BT14 6LZ

Website: www.cliftonvillebc.net/index.htm

In June 1918 a group of enthusiasts got together in the pavilion of Cliftonville FC to discuss the formation of a new club. The services of a Scottish expert, Sandy Dickson, himself an international bowler, were obtained to lay the green and, although the first steps were taken in 1918, it was formally opened on 21st July 1920 by Mrs David Wilson, who was presented with a silver jack to mark the occasion. The green, at Knutsford Drive Belfast, is named Wilson Park to perpetuate the memory of three men of the same surname who did more than anyone else to inaugurate the club and to put it on a sound footing. David Wilson, along with John Gibb, started off the process which led to the formation of the club. WG Wilson, a Belfast solicitor, guided the formation of the limited company to run it. Tom Wilson, a foundation member, was always a generous contributor to its funds. TH Barr served as IBA President in 1927 and International Bowling Board President in 1953. The Club has provided five NIPGBL Presidents in J Harris (1924), H Carson (1933), J Ritchie (1945), J Patterson BSc (1972) and G Walsh (2009).

Opening Day 1937

G Walsh NIPGBL President 2009

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COMBER BOWLING CLUB Londonderry Avenue, Comber BT23 5ES

The Thomas Andrews Junior Memorial Bowling Club was formed in May 1924 under the Chairmanship of the Rt Honourable JM Andrews CH, DL, MP, a position he held until 1950. Thereafter, he was Honourable Patron until his death in 1956.

Comber v NIPGBL 1937

Application was made in 1933 for membership of the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League and in 1937 for membership of the Irish Bowling Association. In 1938 the name of the club was changed to Comber Bowling Club.

The Club’s first green which had been laid at Maxwell Court, the home of the Rt Honourable JM Andrews CH, DL, MP, was not regulation size so a new green was laid at the Andrews Memorial Hall. The Club moved to its current site in 1952. The clubhouse was destroyed by fire in 1989 but a replacement building was soon erected and was officially opened on 12th September 1990 by Lady Mairi Bury. The current building was erected in 2011 and the connection with the Mount Stewart Estate was maintained when Lady Mairi’s daughter, Lady Rose, performed the opening ceremony. S Mitchell held the office of Chairman of the Irish Bowling Association in 1949 and in later years the Club supplied two Presidents of the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League - J Boyce (1970) and R Orr (2007).

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DOWNPATRICK BOWLING CLUB Old Belfast Road, Downpatrick BT30 6SG

In 1949 Mark Stratford, a member of Ballymoney Bowling Club, took up residence in Downpatrick and quickly became the driving force behind establishing a bowling club in the town. A green was sown at the “Meadow”, home of Downpatrick Cricket Club, but this was not successful and in 1952 it was re-laid with sods from Mourne Golf Club’s ground in Newcastle. A Nissen hut served as a clubhouse until it was replaced in 1983 by a modern pavilion. Over the years the Club has been successful in Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League competitions, winning league honours in B Division 2 in 1999, Midweek Division 2 in 2008 and 2011 and Midweek Division 3 in 1999, 2005 and 2007. In 2006 it recorded its most famous victory when winning the Irish Bowling Association Junior Cup. This great achievement was repeated in 2011. In 2015 the Club won PG League Division 4 and followed this in 2016 by winning PG League Division 3.

Downpatrick IBA Junior Cup 2011

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DUNBARTON BOWLING CLUB Dunbarton Street, Gilford, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 6HJ Website: www.dunbartonbowlingclub.com

Date of Formation: 1955 Affiliation to NIPGBL/IBA: April 1955 (NIPGBL), 20th December 1960 (IBA) At the beginning of the 1950s Mr RK Moody, managing director at Dunbar McMaster and Co. Mill Gilford, asked Mr William Savage, a manager in the mill, to make enquires amongst the workers as to whether or not there would be any interest in providing a bowling club in Gilford for the staff and mill members. The Linen Thread Company to which Dunbar McMaster and Co. was affiliated had already provided Hilden bowling green and also had the Lillybank Bowling Club attached to their Finlayson mills at Johnstone, Glasgow. The parent company felt that these bowling clubs had created strong bonds of friendship between members of the Glasgow and Lisburn factories and the establishment of a third bowling green at Gilford would lead to additional opportunities for bonds of friendship and conviviality which in turn would bring better working relationships between factory employees from the mills and also the management. It was decided to apply for membership of the NIPGBL; Dunbarton’s membership was accepted in 1954. After the official opening of the club in April 1955, play was able to start competitively straight away in the Private Greens Junior League. Officials of the NIPGBL were in attendance as was Mr F Allen, chairman of the IBA, although it would be 1960 before the Dunbarton club was affiliated to the IBA. The club was officially declared open by its first President Mr WE Luke, Director of the Linen Thread Company, and whose father had been a director of the Gilford Mill 70 years previously. Mrs Luke declared the new pavilion open and threw the first jack and bowl. Highlights in Our Club’s History: Team Honours: Irish Senior Cups (7): 1970, 1977, 1979, 2002, 2009, 2012, 2015 PGL Junior League (4): 1998, 2003, 2005, 2013 PGL Junior Cup (5): 1997, 1999, 2002, 2011, 2012 PGL Midweek League Division 1 (1): 2013

PGL Senior Division 1 (6): 2006-2010, 2014 PGL Senior Cup (4): 2004, 2009, 2015, 2016 PGL Division 4 (1): 2016

PGL Presidents: David Graham OBE 1999, George Higgins 1962

IBA President: David Graham OBE 2007

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EWARTS BOWLING CLUB Somerdale Park, Belfast BT14 7HD

In 1931 the directors of William Ewart and Sons offered to establish a bowling green for its employees at Clarendon Park. The legendary PT Watson was involved in the inaugural meeting of the Club which was held on 23rd March 1931. Members used the nearby Woodvale Park until the green at Clarendon Park was completed in December 1933 with the official opening taking place on 21st April 1934. In 1932 the Club joined the Irish Bowling Association and the Public Parks Bowling Association but resigned from the latter in 1933 to join the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League. The Club hosted the British Isles Bowls Council Championships and International Series in 1956. This was the first time it had been hosted in Belfast for over twenty years and its importance was such that it was opened by Lord Wakehurst, Governor for Northern Ireland, and a civic reception was held in the City Hall. The 1956 Championships and International Series was the first time that coloured discs had been used in competitive play. The premises were purchased in 1971 from William Ewart and Sons at a cost of ÂŁ16,000. These were refurbished or extended in 1989, 1995 and 2001 to give the complex that is used today. In 1944 PT Watson served as President of the Irish Bowling Association. W Roberts and H Beattie served as President of the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League in 1937 and 1979 respectively. Ewarts Opening 1934

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FALLS BOWLING CLUB 63 Andersonstown Road, Belfast BT11 9AH

Website: www.fallsbowling.club

Falls initially affiliated to the IBA in the year of the club’s birth, 1905, the first Belfast Public Parks team to do so. A note in the club records makes the statement that the turf on which the first games were played came from Castlerock and that it was laid ‘without any expert assistance whatever’. Until 1924 the Belfast Parks League championship was won eight times by the club. After three years losing at the final hurdle, the IBA Cup was eventually won in 1920. In 1927 the decision was taken to secure new grounds at Fruithill and application was made to join the Private Greens League. Since that date, the Club has been a major player in the NIPGBL winning the following honours: Senior League Titles 18, Junior League Titles 12, Midweek League Titles 10, Senior Cup Winners 17, Junior Cup Winners 17. Over the years we have produced thirty two players at International level, the most longstanding being B McBrien and G Crossey. As a modern twenty-first century club, we have kept up with the times and have initiated the Falls Academy to introduce school children to the game and our growing youth section has players already playing at B team level. We have also been awarded “Clubmark” status, the first bowling club in Northern Ireland to achieve this and we have actively encouraged our members to take the IBA Coaching awards. In the latter part of 2014 we installed a state of the art floodlighting system which enables us to offer the NIPGBL facilities for midweek semi-finals and finals as well as in-house competitions. In addition to following us on our Website, you can also check out updates on Twitter and Facebook. Falls floodlights

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FORTH RIVER BOWLING AND TENNIS CLUB Fulton Park, Woodvale Road, Belfast BT13 3BU

Forth River BC was inaugurated in 1913 after some members of the Woodvale club decided to join with members of the Forth River Cricket and Football Club to form another bowling club. They joined the Belfast and District Public Parks Association, playing home games in Woodvale Park. In 1929 the club was given the opportunity to acquire the grounds of Forth River Football Club and, after some deliberation, it was decided to proceed with the intention of laying a bowling green and tennis courts. After 17 years, at the end of the 1930 season, membership of the Parks association was ended. Permission was sought and granted to rename the new grounds Fulton Park in tribute to Dr James Fulton and the Club proceeded to join the NIPGBL. Forth River has provided four NIPGBL Presidents, namely WJ Baird (1936), J Cummings (1951), D Fulton (1978) and R McKitterick (2016). The club enjoys a strong reputation for entertaining visiting touring teams and continues to promote these invaluable exchanges to the present day.

R McKitterick NIPGBL President 2016

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HILDEN BOWLING CLUB Llewellyn Avenue, Lisburn BT27 4AG

The Hilden Bowling Club was formed in the summer of 1923 as The Hilden Bowling and Tennis Club. The property on which the bowling green and pavilion stand was owned at the time by the firm of William Barbour and Sons Ltd., who very generously made the property available. It was felt that participation in bowls would improve the working relationship between management and employees. Initially membership was restricted mainly to male employees of Barbour and Sons and members paid their subscriptions through a wages deduction scheme. The original pavilion was opened in 1937. In 1980 Hilden Bowling Club purchased the grounds from Barbour Threads Ltd and on Saturday 24th November 1984 the official opening of the new pavilion took place. W Caves and CE Gillett both held the office of President, Irish Bowling Association and President, Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League. J Stevenson also held the latter office in 1946. W Hanna represented Ireland in 1952 and 1953 as did W Caves during the years 1960 - 1964.

Hilden Opening 1923

Hilden Opening Day scene

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LARNE BOWLING AND LAWN TENNIS CLUB Glenarm Road, Larne BT40 1DZ

Website: www.lbltc.co.uk/home.html

At an exploratory meeting held in the Larne Times Office on 5th September 1907 it was intimated that Mr William Chaine had offered a site on the Glenarm Road for a rent of ÂŁ2 per year with a 2000 year lease. On 9th November 1908, at a well-attended meeting held in the Victoria Hall, Larne Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club was officially brought into being. Construction work was carried out during 1909 and while the playing of tennis was possible before the end of the year bowls did not commence until the spring of 1910. The Club then applied to become affiliated to the Irish Lawn Tennis Association and the Irish Bowling Association, the latter accepting them as a member club on 15th April 1910. The Larne club was one of the founding members of the Belfast and District Bowls League and in 1918 provided its second President in the person of James Walker. The office of President was later held by John Ross in 1927, Richard Minnis in 1939, Richmond McKay in 1966 and Ronnie Blair in 2002. The Larne club has also provided a number of Irish Bowling Association Presidents, the earliest being CL MacKean in 1914, John Gribbon in 1953 and Richmond McKay in 1980 and again in 2004 on the occasion of the IBA Centenary. The most recent incumbent was Ronnie Blair in 2013. The Minnis Trophy was presented by Richard Minnis in 1943 and is competed for annually by the NIPGBL and Kenilworth Bowling Club in aid of blind charities. Larne Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club celebrated its centenary in 2008 and it was during that year that our new clubhouse was built. It was officially opened on 21st March 2009 by Mrs Helen Russell who as club chairperson had been the driving force behind the development.

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MAGHERADROLL BOWLING CLUB Ballynahinch BT24 8DN

On 5th March 1957 members of Magheradroll Indoor Bowling Club held a meeting to discuss the formation of an outdoor bowling club. The first sod was cut on 3rd June of the same year with the green being ready for play by May 1959. In 1966 the Club purchased a “pre-fab” for use as a clubhouse and this is still in use today. The green was lengthened in 1968 with a donation of £100 from the President, WJ McCormick, covering most of the cost. The Club joined the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League in 1973 and has been playing in the Midweek League ever since. In 1996 the Club were winners of Midweek League Division 3 and followed this up by winning Division 2 in 1999 and again in 2004.

Magheradroll 50th anniversary

Midweek Division 2 Winners 2004

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MALONE BOWLING CLUB Drumbeg, Dunmurry BT17 9LB

Website: www.malonebowlingclub.co.uk

The Malone Bowling Club was founded in 1966, as a Section of the Malone Golf Club, shortly after the Golf Club moved in 1962 to its present site at Ballydrain in South Belfast. The bowling green was located within the walled garden of the estate, which had previously been owned by Mr John Barbour Morrison, a director of the Ulster Spinning Company, who had bought it from the Montgomery family. The walled garden, including a heated glasshouse, provided vegetables, fruit and flowers for the kitchen and house on the estate. The remains of the head gardener’s house can still be seen beside the entrance gate to the bowling green. The Golf Club Council gave their wholehearted support to the venture of establishing a bowling green in this unique situation, so as to provide lawn bowls as an activity for some of the senior members. Entry into the NIPGBL Junior Division, under the Presidency of Alex McLean, was a great occasion for the Club. The Ladies’ Bowling Section was formed a year later, when Elsie McLean, following the precedent set by her husband, became the first Lady President. As year followed year the Club gradually began to win a few matches, and finally reached the peak of playing in the semi-final of the PGL Junior Cup, only to be defeated. However, the outcome of this success was promotion of the Malone Bowling Club to the Senior League Second Division where it stayed until the re-organisation of the league almost a decade ago. In 2008, at the time of a reorganisation of the League structure, Malone avoided relegation from the Senior Division by only half a point. The Bowling Club was honoured when, in 1990, Harding McDonald was elected as President of the NIPGBL. Our first overseas tour was organised by the late John Kennedy in 2000. This brought the club to Portugal and since then there has been a tour almost every year. At Malone Bowling Club we like to think of ourselves as a friendly group of bowlers who love the game and do our best to make visiting teams feel welcome. Mostly we succeed, as quite a few clubs have commented on coming to Malone. Their view seems to be expressed like this: a lovely green, a very nice meal and usually seven points.

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MOSSLEY BOWLING CLUB The Park, Mossley, Newtownabbey BT36 5NL www.facebook.com/Mossley-Outdoor-Bowling-Club

Mossley is unique amongst NIPGBL clubs in that it owns neither its bowling green, nor its premises – both the Green and the Pavilion are owned by the newly established Antrim and Newtownabbey Council. Indeed, this frequently draws the question (from confused opponents) of “How come you play in the PRIVATE Greens League, then?” The Club was founded in 1927 when the Bowling Green along with adjacent hockey pitches, tennis courts, and an outdoor swimming pool no less, were provided by Campbell Bros – the owners of Mossley Mill - for the recreation of the Mill’s workforce, who were largely drawn from the local villages. Then Mill Manager, John Patterson, was the driving force behind the establishment of the Bowling Club which joined both the NIPGBL and Irish Bowling Association in April 1929. Also prominent in the early days of the Club was Mill Director, Maurice Henry, who served as its first Chairman/President for many years, and who for a period during the 1960s represented the South African Bowling Association at World Bowls meetings, and was President of the IBA in 1962 – he is the only member of the Club to have held that Office. Indeed, 1962 was an eventful year for the Club: a storm blew the corrugated iron roof off the old pavilion and embedded it in the bowling green; one morning a herd of cattle was found grazing on the green; and the old bowling and tennis pavilion on the Carnmoney side of the green was destroyed by fire. The Club reached a cross-road during its 50th anniversary year, in 1977, when Campbell Bros sold the Pavilion and surrounding park grounds (including the bowling green) to Newtownabbey Council. However, an agreement was reached with both the NIPGBL and the Council that enabled the Club to remain in the Private Greens League. Until recently the club had only won the PGL Triples in 1984, but in the last decade our fortunes have changed. The Club has won three PGL Senior 2 titles, two PGL Junior 2 titles and Division 5 in 2016 while our Midweek Team has won the Midweek Cup three times. Brothers Ryan and Adam McKeown won the Under 18s Championship, Ryan in 2012, Adam in 2015 and also in 2016 when he added the IBA Under 18 Singles title. Ryan Bell won the PGL Under 25 Championship in 2015 and has also represented Ireland at Under 25 level. M H Henry (1948), JDB Dennison (1975) and T O’Boyle (2013) have all held the office of President, NIPGBL.

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NORTHERN IRELAND CIVIL SERVICE BOWLING CLUB The Pavilion, Stormont Estate, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3TA Website: www.nicsbowlingclub.wordpress.com

The club was formed by civil servants who, prior to 1962, were members of other clubs. At that time membership was mainly restricted to civil servants although that bar was removed in the mid 1990s. Crawford McGookin was the first President in 1963 when the club made its debut in the PG Senior League. NICS won its first trophy in 1973 (PG Senior Cup) and followed this with IBA Cup wins in 1975 and 1998. Its only Senior 1 title came in 2004. Bertie McConnell and Crawford McGookin won the PGL Singles in successive years – 1969 and 1970. Ken Lynn’s rink won the PGL Fours in 1976 and Ricky Saunders and Alan Montgomery were PGL Pairs champions in 1994. Bertie McConnell and Davy Hunter won the City of Belfast Singles in 1975 and 1992 respectively. Ken Lynn and Alan Montgomery are our sole Irish international players. The Club is proud that several members have served both the NIPGBL and the IBA in various capacities. Crawford McGookin was IBA President in 1983 and also served as NIPGBL Secretary for a period. Jack Graham and Derek Forsythe were both NIPGBL Presidents in 1988 and 2012 respectively and Derek is the current NIPGBL Treasurer and the IBA President in 2017. In addition both Derek and Davy Hunter were IBA Assistant Secretaries for short periods.

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NORTEL BOWLING CLUB Doagh Road, Newtownabbey BT36 6XA

The Club was formed in October 1979 under the name of Standard Telephones and Cables (STC) Bowling Club and created history when it laid the first “carpet� outdoor bowling green. An international bowling tournament was held on 12th and 13th April 1980 to celebrate the opening of the green, featuring prominent international players from Ireland such as Jim Baker, Sammy Allen, Stan Espie, Joe Rogan, Billy McKelvey and Willie Watson and from the other home countries including John Bell, Gordon Neill and David Gourlay senior. From 1992 to 1998 the Club was known as Northern Telecom Bowling Club and from 1999 onwards it has been playing under the name of Nortel Bowling Club. Norman Haffern was President of the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League in 1995 and in 2003 was President of the Irish Bowling Association. Terry McIlroy has held the office of League Secretary, Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League, since 2011.

STC international competition

N Haffern unfurling the NIPGBL flag 1995

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NORTH BELFAST BOWLING CLUB 32a Danube Street, Belfast BT13 1RT

Work started on the green in early 1913 and the green was constructed and finished in the autumn. It was ready for use during the summer of 1914, the official opening being performed by Mr Robert Thompson MP on 6th June of the same year. Earlier that year the club was affiliated to the IBA. At the start there were very few experienced bowlers but they had quite a number of beginner bowlers. The club entered the IBA Junior Cup for the experience, managing to get to the third round before being knocked out by the eventual winners Coleraine. In 1915 the club entered the IBA Junior Cup and the IBA Junior Rinks winning both competitions. Throughout the early years the club was very successful with the most successful year being 1929, the club winning six open competitions in one year (IBA Junior Cup, PGL Junior Cup, PGL Senior Cup, PGL Junior League, PGL Pairs and PGL Singles). During these successful pre-war years the club received international call ups for 4 players (S Boyd, E Heyburn, H Livingstone and J Baker). However, during the war the club suffered a great loss during the blitz in 1941 when the pavilion was badly damaged and all its contents destroyed. It was rebuilt and opened in 1951 by Lt Col. S W Hall-Thompson MP. PGL Junior Cup 1945

After the war the club continued to win various Junior competitions but the most outstanding performances were to win the IBA Senior Cup in 1948 and the IBA Triples (J McCullough, W Shivers, D Griffin) in 1982. Over the years several members have held high office in the various bodies associated with outdoor bowling, 2 IBA presidents (W McLean 1924, J McCullough 1991), 5 NIPGBL presidents (W Allen 1920, TR Neville 1929, H Livingstone 1942, J McCullough 1968 and E Conville 2004). IBA Senior Cup 1948

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OLD BLEACH BOWLING CLUB Neillsbrook, Randalstown BT41 3BG

IBA Senior Cup 2014

PGL Junior Cup 2014

Website: www.oldbleachbowlingclub.co.uk

On 29th September 1949 a meeting was held at Neillsbrook, Randalstown, of all those interested in bowling. Mr WH Webb commented that he believed that everything done for sports in the town had been for young people and it was now time for the more elderly to be considered. Mr T Gillespie looked forward to the townspeople spending many happy and sociable evenings enjoying the game of bowls, a game in which ‘the young never grew old and the old regained their youth’. On the proposal of Mr R McCall, seconded by Mr J Montgomery, a club to be known as the Old Bleach Social and Athletic Club Bowling Section was formed and the meeting proceeded to elect the Office Bearers. The official opening of the green took place on 22nd April 1950 performed by IBA President Mr Thompson Ross (Ballynafeigh) with Mr James Cummings (Forth River) representing the NIPGBL. After several attempts the club’s first ever Irish Cup victories came in the IBA Junior Cup in 2004, then the IBA Senior Cup in 2014. The PGL Junior Cup was won for the first time in 2000 and the PGL Senior Cup in 2011.

Individual honours include our first NIPGBL President WT Hill, our first IBA President Billy Patton and Sam Wylie being selected as the club’s first international player. Other highlights were the BIBC Championship winning rink of 2001 and four international players selected from the club in 2009 when Tom McIlvenna was IBA President. We have had representatives and medal winners at every Commonwealth Games since 1998 (with the exception of Delhi 2010), World Bowls representatives and medal winners since 2000 and a World Cup gold and silver medallist in 2011 and 2012 (James Talbot).

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PICKIE BOWLING CLUB Broadway, Bangor BT20 4TS

Website: www.pickiebowlingclub.wixsite.com/pickie

A meeting was called on 7 August 1943 to form a new bowling club in Bangor. Eight people turned up to the meeting in Thompson’s Tea Room following a small advert in the Bangor Spectator. Those eight Pickie pioneers were Fred Rollins, Samuel Johnstone, David Mair, James George, William Simpson, Hugh Caruth, RJ Holdsworth and Jack Douglas. Pickie Bowling Club was formed in 1943 playing in Ward Park and affiliated to the NIBA and IBA. The First President of Pickie Bowling Club was Mr William Simpson, Secretary was Mr Fred Rollins and Treasurer was Mr Samuel Johnstone. In 1947 the club purchased land at Broadway Bangor. The first sod was laid by the club President Mr John McFarland and the final sod was laid by Miss Maureen Rollins, youngest daughter of the Club Secretary. The new green was laid in 1948 but had to be re-laid in 1949. In 1950 Pickie Bowling Club changed Associations from NIBA to NIPGBL. In 1969 Pickie Bowling Club won their first trophy, the IBA Junior Cup against Dunbarton at Castleton. The highlight of Pickie Bowling Club’s 50th Anniversary in 1993 was the club entertaining each of the IBA’s associations. Individual Honours: NIPGBL Presidents: Mr Fred Rollins, Mr James Thompson. IBA President: Mr Simon Logan MC

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PSNI BOWLING CLUB (incorporating the RUC George Cross Bowling Club) 18b Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5NW

The RUC Bowling Club was founded in 1944 with A Lynn, B Weir, W Sloan, C McIlwaine and J McIlroy serving on the inaugural committee. The Club joined the Northern Ireland Bowling Association and played at Alexandra Park. In 1973 the Club affiliated to the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League and for a number of years played its home matches at Shorts Bowling Club. A new green was laid at Newforge Lane in 1979 with the official opening ceremony being performed by Lady Newman, wife of the then Chief Constable. In 1993 Gerry Millar held the position of President, Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League. On the playing side the Club won the British Isles Police Home International Championships in 1994 and 2003. One of the most significant historical events in the history of the Club took place on 5th October 2002 when a team from the PSNI played the Garda SĂ­ochĂĄna in Dublin. This has become an annual event played alternatively home and away.

G Millar

G Millar unfurling the NIPGBL flag 1993

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SAINTFIELD BOWLING CLUB Crossgar Road, Saintfield BT24 7JE

Saintfield Bowling Club was born in 1953 when local men decided they would like to try the new game of indoor bowls which had started in the Province. The game flourished and soon thoughts turned to summer bowls outdoors. Once the green was established, thanks to land on Crossgar Road made available by the club’s first President Martin Phillips, competitive play began in the East Down League for a time. Applications to the NIPGBL and IBA were accepted in November 1963 and the club entered the Junior League of the NIPGBL. The first Junior League match took place on April 25th 1964 against Dunbarton at home and during the early years success followed and membership increased. The club’s first team success came in 1966 winning League Division B and in 1971 Saintfield won the PGL Senior Cup, beating Albert Foundry in a game eventually played after the first date had been held up by a Civil Rights demonstration in Belfast. In 1977 the club won the Midweek League title. In 1975 the club had a wonderful run in the IBA Senior Cup losing in the final by 3 shots against NICS. In 1988 the juniors reached the semi-final of the IBA Junior Cup.

WH Robinette NIPGBL President 1989

In 1970 an unusual event occurred in PGL rinks competition history when two rinks from Saintfield met in the final at Ewarts. D Marshall, T Lindsay, R McBriar and W Norwood were victors over R Hamilton, J McKnight, E Hayes and J Murray. The PGL Triples trophy was won in 1972 by R Hamilton, J Shaw and E Steele and Andrew Whisker won the PGL Singles in 1994. Edmund Steele was selected to play for Ireland in 1973 and in 1989 William Robinette served as NIPGBL President.

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SALISBURY BOWLING CLUB Salisbury Avenue, Belfast BT15 5DZ

The Club started out as Chichester Bowling Club and it was not until it joined the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League in 1952 that it became known as Salisbury Bowling Club. For several years matches were played at Castleton’s green on Skegoneill Avenue as the Salisbury green was damaged by a land mine blast during the Second World War. The new green was opened in April 1956 and in the early 1960s the existing clubhouse was built. WS McVeigh C de G and F Robinson held the office of President, Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League in 1960 and 1987 respectively. WS McVeigh C de G also served as Honorary Secretary, Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League. A little known fact is that three former Lord Mayors of Belfast were members of the Club. In the late 1980s and early 1990s the Club ran a popular and successful floodlit mixed pairs tournament with a record 220 pairs participating in 1991. In 2012 and 2016 the Club won Midweek League Division 2.

WS McVeigh C de G Unfurling of NIPGBL flag 1960

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SHAFTESBURY BOWLING CLUB Downing Park, Annadale Ave, Belfast BT7 3JJ

Shaftesbury BC is named after Anthony Ashley Cooper (1801-85), the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, a British reformer and philanthropist who became an MP in 1826. He was well known for factory reform and for ending the employment of children in mines and as chimney sweeps. The club was formed in 1899 at a meeting of 27 bowlers in the pavilion at Ormeau Park and was a founding member of the Belfast and District Parks League, subsequently affiliating to the IBA on 4th April 1906. In the 1950s support grew among members for the club to have its own green and premises and they relocated to Downing Park, where the new green and clubhouse were officially opened on 3rd April 1956. In Bob Thompson and Charlie Clawson the club provided two of the most respected officials in Irish bowls. HA Pulford and TJ Kilpatrick were Presidents of the NIPGBL and among its many international players two Shaftesbury men, WS Tate and EJ (Ted) Haslem, surpassed 50 caps for Ireland. WS Tate won the club’s only PGL Singles title in 1975 while W Chambers and S Hegan (1985), C Allen and EJ Haslem (1958, 1960 and 1964) and R Sterling and J Boyd (1956) have all won the PGL Pairs. Further success in PGL championships came from the rinks skipped by EJ Haslem (1983), L Cowden (1974) and RT Clawson (1963).

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SHORTS BOWLING CLUB Aircraft Park, Holywood Rd, Belfast BT4 1SJ

The first recorded meeting of what was then the Short and Harland Bowling Club was 20th May 1948. The Club joined the Irish Bowling Association and Northern Ireland Bowling Association in the same year. Matches were played at Woodvale Park until the Club joined the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League in 1953. Matches were played at Gallaher Bowling Club until 1958 when the Club laid a new green at its current home of Aircraft Park. The Club’s first major playing success was in 1968 when it won the Irish Junior Cup and this was followed up by the PGL Senior Cup in 1983. N McBratney won the PGL Under 25 Singles in 1987. Shorts has provided two Presidents of the Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League - H Simpson in 1961 and N Lamont in 1998.

IBA Junior Cup 1968

Hugh Simpson (right) NIPGBL President 1961

Norman Lamont

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ULSTER TRANSPORT BOWLING CLUB Lynda Avenue, Jordanstown, Belfast BT37 0NX

In 1942 a meeting in York Road Railway canteen decided to form a bowling team which would be named LMS NCC Bowling Club (London Midland and Scottish Northern Counties Committee). The initial choice of opponents for friendly matches was determined by the proximity of the bowling greens to a railway station – Portrush, Ballymena, Larne, Whitehead, Carrickfergus and Bangor. With a reorganisation of the transport system in Northern Ireland the club was renamed as Ulster Transport Authority and later became known simply as Ulster Transport. The bowling green was officially opened at Lynda Avenue on 17th July 1948. The quality of the playing surface ensured that, for many years, Ulster Transport was the regular venue for the PGL championships semi-finals and finals. Additionally, in 1996, the club had the honour of hosting the British Isles Championships and Home International series in association with Carrick BC. S Frew (1957) and S Baxter (1984) have both served as NIPGBL President. Club teams have enjoyed regular success in league and cup competitions. The senior side won A Division One in 2001 and the junior side completed a league and cup double in 2004, while the midweek team won Midweek Division One five times between 2008 and 2014. Club members have also been regular winners of PGL Championships, notably Paul Daly who won four Pairs titles as an Ulster Transport member, three of them with Brendan Thompson.

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WILLOWFIELD BOWLING CLUB Gibson Park, Belfast BT6 9GN

Willowfield Bowling Club was founded in 1929 and affiliated to the Irish Bowling Association and the Private Greens in the same year. The club was formed as part of a programme by Willowfield Unionist Club for the recreation of its members – it had already provided ten tennis courts, a croquet lawn, a football ground, a rugby ground and a cycling track. The first sod of the new green was cut by the club’s President Dr William Gibson and the work of laying the green was completed by the celebrated Glasgow expert Mr Maxwell Hart. The official opening took place on 18th May 1929. Over the years individual members have made a significant contribution to the administration of bowls. WM Gibson MD JP (1934), J Thompson (1947), SJ Thompson (1974) and W Cockcroft (2011) are past presidents of the NIPGBL and SJ Thompson was IBA President in 1964. The club has won the IBA Senior Cup 6 times and the IBA Junior Cup on 10 occasions, as well as numerous PGL Senior and Junior league and cup honours. There have been frequent winners at PGL and IBA championship level and Colin Best secured the club’s only BIBC title when winning the 1993 singles. A number of players won international representative honours, most notably Syd Thompson who played for Ireland in 26 consecutive series and captained the winning side in the 1951 Home Internationals.

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SUCCESSFUL TEAMS In the context of the 100 year history of the NIPGBL success takes many forms. For an individual club it may mean attracting new members or reversing a decline in membership. It may involve improving facilities to enhance club members’ experience of the game. It may involve attracting sponsorship to secure the club’s long-term future. It may entail organising successful, well-supported events within the club. However, for the purposes of this section, success will be defined simply in terms of the honours and accolades awarded to a team and its individual players in a given year or years. It may consist of a unique achievement, or a year of dominance or a period of sustained excellence. Appropriately the teams listed span most of the 100 years since the League was formed and many, though not all, of the levels of competition in which our clubs and players have been involved. Any attempt to compare achievements across different eras will be difficult, subjective and perhaps unrewarding, although it is likely that some readers will be unable to resist the temptation to do so. We prefer just to record our choices in chronological order for ease of reference and for your interest and information.

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ULSTER BOWLING CLUB A foundation member of the Belfast and District Bowling League, the Ulster Bowling Club emerged from the Ulster Cricket Club based at Ballynafeigh which was one of the most prominent influences in the early development of cricket in Belfast in the late 19th and early 20th century. Just as the parent cricket club enjoyed conspicuous success and earned frequent representative honours, so the bowlers followed their example by becoming one of the most respected and successful clubs in the early years of the newly formed League. Ulster provided five players for the first team to represent the League in 1917, namely P Sheridan, WGC Milliken, W Forsythe, SJ Thompson and Dr JR Davison, the latter three along with J Busby and T McCrea earning international honours around the same time. Ulster were the winners of the new senior league for each of the first three years in which it was contested and in the same period won the IBA Senior Cup twice. The 1918 IBA Senior Cup winning side, which defeated Castleton in a one-sided final, is recorded as: T Taggart, J Murray, R Carr, WR Forsythe SJ Thompson, A Minnis, WGC Milliken, SV Hutchinson T McConnell, G Lemon, J Greystone, Dr JR Davison P Sheridan, W McConnell, W Irvine, JB Gossan As holders, Ulster returned to the final in 1919 and recorded an equally one-sided win over Cavehill, T Kelly, R Wilson, F Masterman and A Wilson being the only new players on the team. Club representatives won the 1917 and 1921 IBA Senior Fours championships and WR Forsythe collected the IBA Singles title in 1920. Such was the esteem in which WR Forsythe was held that his selection at third for the 1922 international series attracted the following withering comment in the ISN (15/7/22). ‘Why under the sun this man was chosen to play third instead of as skip is beyond comprehension. It certainly doesn’t say much for the intelligence of the selection committee. Forsythe’s record is too well-known to require commendation here. Was it his own wish to be placed third? Better say it was, and be charitable to the selectors.’ WR Forsythe IBA Singles 1920

The Ulster club’s players did not only make the news for their achievements on the green. The following news item appeared in the ISN on 6/8/27.

‘Mr Willie Irvine, of Ulster Bowling Club, performed a very admirable and plucky action on Sunday afternoon in Botanic Gardens Park, Belfast. A boy named Allen was playing in the park and fell into the lake. Hearing the alarm, Mr Irvine, who was just passing through the park, ran at once to the lad’s assistance and diving in managed to prevent his drowning. Everyone in the neighbourhood were loud in their praise of Mr Irvine for his timely rescue. I trust his gallantry will be brought to the notice of the proper authorities and his plucky work recognised as it should be.’ Press articles from the time confirm that, to widespread regret, the Ulster Bowling Club was forced to fold after the conclusion of the 1931 season due to issues relating to the facilities at Ballynafeigh.

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NORTH BELFAST BOWLING CLUB 1929 In the early years of the existence of the newly-formed league it was common place to report the proceedings at the various opening day ceremonies which were held at the start of the season. On 27/4/29 the ISN reported that ‘a large and interested gathering witnessed the opening of North Belfast bowling green for the season. This enclosure, which is at the rear of the North Belfast Working Men’s Club, Danube Street, was laid out in 1914, and since then the club has progressed at a wonderful rate.’ It also recorded the opening address of the incoming club President and serving NIPGBL President Mr TR Neville who observed that ‘it would be a great thing if they could manage to win the IBA Cup and the Private Greens Senior trophy in the season entered upon; but whether they did or not he hoped they would not forget the main thing – to be good sportsmen who promoted good fellowship and enjoyed a good time.’

Opening Day 1929

Mr Neville’s wish may not have been fully realised but the wonderful rate of progress identified by the journalist certainly continued as it proved to be a momentous season for the North Belfast club who managed to complete the treble of IBA Junior Cup, the Private Greens League Division B and the Private Greens Junior Cup.

The club’s representatives in the IBA Junior Cup final against Belfast B on 10/8/29 are recorded as: WJ Dougan, A Tilley, J McCutcheon, WJ Stewart T Lindsay, J McBride, J Martin, E Comerton W Beattie, W Burgess, W McCullough, J Freeland J Johnston, A Foster, SJ Dougan, SJ McCandless The IBA Junior Cup win was the fifth of the club’s six wins in that competition between 1921 and 1930. North Belfast’s domination of the junior scene at this time is further confirmed by the fact that the 1929 Junior League success was the seventh of eight wins in the same period of 1921-1930. Other honours achieved in the 1929 season included the senior team winning the PGL Senior Cup, D Clarke winning the PGL Singles and D Clarke and H Livingstone winning the PGL Pairs, while J Baker was selected for the international side. In later years TR Neville continued to play a valuable role within the association as a NIPGBL selector between 1940 and 1956 and as a NIPGBL representative on the international selection committee.

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WILLOWFIELD 1936 Willowfield became the first team to complete the impressive treble of IBA Senior Cup, PGL Senior League Division A and PGL Senior Cup in the summer of 1936. Their unprecedented achievement reflects great credit on the consistent standard of play sustained by the team through that season but serves also to remind us of the narrow margins between success and disappointment. The IBA Cup winning campaign started with a closely contested 6 shot win away to North Belfast followed by an equally tight 11 shot success at home to Larne. With home advantage they defeated Queen’s Island by 22 shots and then, despite trailing by 10 shots at 15 ends in ‘unpropitious weather conditions’, they eventually overcame Ballynafeigh in the semi final. On the first three Saturdays of August 1936 Willowfield proceeded to defeat Forth River by 24 shots in the PGL Cup semi final, then Cliftonville by 28 shots in the final and finally Shaftesbury by 12 shots in the IBA Cup final. The same team is recorded as contesting both finals, namely: W Winder, R McCaughan, F Anderson, R Anderson W Chambers, J Higgins, W Jack, F Speed G McMullan, RJ Logan, W Donald, W Carter F Greer, J Moorehead, J Brackenridge, T Lemon In the ISN (22/08/36) the Skip reported: ‘The patronage extended to the final of the IBA Senior Cup at Cavehill on Saturday showed some of the old-time keenness associated with this premier contest. (…) This may have arisen from the fact that a young club of ambitious and energetic players (…) were out to capture the blue riband of the IBA. (…) The winners have played in a consistently plucky manner since they joined the IBA in 1929. (…) I congratulate the Gibson Park trundlers on their victories.’ In an exciting conclusion to the league season, wins over Cavehill and Cliftonville left Willowfield requiring a win over Larne on the last day of the season. Despite trailing by 9 shots after 15 ends, the winning form continued as they ran out 80-77 victors to secure their third trophy of the season and to earn a place of distinction among the most successful teams in the history of the NIPGBL.

66 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

CAVEHILL 1941 The dominant force in the NIPGBL in 1941 was Cavehill, whose senior team won the IBA and PGL Cup competitions as well as the PG League Division A. For good measure the club also won the Hugh T Coulter Cup, beating Forth River 81-79 in the final, and the Masonic Charities Cup. In the ISN of 11/10/41 the Skip observed: ‘…the Cavehill brand of bowling this season could not have been excelled anywhere. It was a side of giants, led by such bowling titans as PT Watson, J Thompson, A Harvey and H Russell and it is not surprising that none could resist them.’ The league title was secured by a one point winning margin from nearest challengers Willowfield and the PGL Cup final was won 85-52 against Larne. An IBA Cup run which included wins over Queen’s Island (103-58), Divis (73-66), Windsor (102-61) and North Down (90-70) culminated in an 83-72 win against Forth River in the final staged at Ewarts. Newspaper reports record the following as the IBA Cup final winning team: S Ditty, W Gray, J Patterson, A Harvey H Logan, S Harrison, RM Rae, J Thompson WG Campbell, J Clements, J Bernard, PT Watson AB McLaughlin, G Smyth, W Clarke, H Russell Other players listed during the season included HJ Belshaw, W Lyons, J Stewart, C Tinsley, WK Alexander, K McClure and J McGarry. In total 6 of the senior squad gained international honours, five of them earning their first cap before this successful season (Lyons, Rae, Thompson, Clements and Watson) and one making his international début in 1946 (McLaughlin).

Cavehill 1941

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CASTLETON 1950 Castleton affiliated to the Irish Bowling Association in 1912 and established their reputation in the NIBA by winning 8 NIBA league titles, 1 NIBA Cup, 5 IBA Senior Cups and 5 NIBA Fours titles between 1917 and 1945 before making the transition to the NIPGBL at the start of the 1946 season. The club made an immediate impact in its new surroundings by regaining the IBA Senior Cup in 1947, winning the PGL Senior Cup for the first time in the same year and adding the League Division A in 1949, before going on to enjoy magnificent success in the summer of 1950 as they completed the treble of PG League Division A, PGL Senior Cup and IBA Senior Cup. Additionally the club also won the IBA Junior Cup, while four players, J Wilkin, CC McCartney, W Sloan and W McDowell were selected to represent Ireland in the international series under the management of teammate and fellow Castleton member HJ King. Details of the Private Greens league and cup wins are not available but the IBA Senior Cup was secured by virtue of wins over Portrush, Forth River, Bangor, Willowfield and then North Down in the final staged at Hilden. Records from the press of the time indicate that the following team represented the club in the IBA Cup final: G Duff, T Murphy, CC McCartney, J Wilkin L Allen, HJ King, J Leadbetter, W Sloan T Kernohan, R Francis, R Carson, J Patterson RH Carson, H Hamilton, LE Sloane, W McDowell In August 2015 the news that Castleton had just withdrawn from the NIPGBL produced the inevitable reaction of sorrow and disappointment at the loss of such a respected and successful club, summarised by the following statement on behalf of the GP committee which was published on the NIPGBL website: ‘The General Purposes Committee in particular was saddened by the news as it had a close working relationship with Castleton and for many years held its meeting on their premises. Committee wishes to record its thanks to the various officers and committees for their unstinting help and co-operation over the years.’ Castleton has subsequently re-affiliated to the NIBA and returned to its original home at Grove Park.

Castleton 1950

68 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

NIPGBL SENIOR INTER-ASSOCIATION 1958-1964 The Senior Inter-Association series, established in 1937, provides an opportunity for keenly contested competition between the NIPGBL, NIBA, NIPBA and BLI. The Inter-Association competition is effectively a series of trial games which are held immediately before international selection takes place. With players motivated by representing their association and by challenging for places on the Irish team, a high standard of play and fiercely competitive games are the norm. Between 2009 and 2016 all four associations have won the title, but in a different yet equally competitive era the NIPGBL senior team won the Inter-Association title for seven years in a row between 1958 and 1964. Ironically the championship winning sequence started in 1958 with a defeat against the BLI. Indeed, the seven years of success was not a period of complete domination as defeats were also experienced against the NIBA in 1963 and 1964. Shot difference decided the series in each of these three years, most dramatically in 1963 when, needing a 22 shot win, the NIPGBL overcame the BLI by 32 shots in the last match, while, in 1964, the NIBA had a chance to deny the NIPGBL a seventh win in succession but fell 12 shots short of the 25 shot win needed over the BLI. Despite this period of sustained success it is intriguing to note that records, although incomplete, confirm that at least 64 players were selected to represent the NIPGBL during these seven years. The only players to contest all seven series were SJ Thompson (Willowfield), G Crossey (Falls) and EJ Haslem (Shaftesbury), while SH Park (Cliftonville), B Fitzmaurice (Castleton), G Best (Willowfield) and W Caves (Hilden) played in six of the seven series. It was a period which also saw the introduction to the representative arena of wellknown names such as Eddie Gordon (Falls), Brendan McBrien (Falls) and Hugh Montgomery (Forth River). The ‘flexible’ approach to player selection which characterised this era extended also to the composition of the five man selection panel which included 13 different selectors in the same period. The only selector to serve throughout these winning years was S Dornan (Belmont). The winning sequence was ended in 1965 when the NIPGBL lost both to the BLI and to the eventual winners the NIBA.

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 69

FALLS 1960s AND 1970s IBA Senior Cup Winners 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976 PG League Division A Winners 1962, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 PGL Senior Cup Winners 1960, 1961, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1976, 1978, 1979 The list of 26 senior trophies accumulated by Falls Bowling Club in the 1960s and 1970s speaks for itself. Included among this unrivalled collection of silverware is a clean sweep of all three senior trophies in 1965, 1968, 1969 and 1976. Franc’s Diary in the ISN (7/6/75) referred to Falls Bowling Club of the 1960s as the ‘Real Madrid of the Ulster bowling world sweeping the boards on many occasions.’ The first treble in 1965 had been confidently anticipated by John Bryson in his ISN article of 18/5/65. ‘Fruithill Park is certainly the most prolific nursery in the country for young, outstanding bowlers. Falls looked a young and extremely well-balanced team and if they maintain this form throughout the season could well become the team of the year.’ This 1965 team featured 3 current internationals in J McPartland, G Crossey and JJ Donnelly, 3 former internationals in J Webb, J McCavana and A Smith and 3 future internationals in E Gordon, B McBrien and W Pimley. After a comparatively less successful period in the early 1970s Falls renewed their playing strength with a steady and significant influx of players, particularly from the neighbouring Divis club. New players were attracted not only by the high level of play and the opportunity of success but also by the ethos of the club which placed a strong emphasis on the values and etiquette of the game. As Ronnie Harper anticipated the completion of another treble in 1976, he outlined the challenge posed for any team who faced Falls.

Senior treble 1965

IBA Senior Cup 1974

‘Falls are a super team and deserve all the success they get and are also worthy of the praise heaped upon them. (….) They have to beat such players as Jimmy Donnelly, Brendan McBrien, Billy Pimley, Jim Brankin, John Greer and Billy McKelvey to mention a few. Players who are no strangers to international bowling. Players who blend together into a machine which has failed to be stopped this year.’

70 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

CLIFTONVILLE In the late 1980s and early 1990s one of the most respected and successful teams in the NIPGBL was Cliftonville. In this period the club won the IBA Senior Cup in 1986, 1988 and 1994, the PGL Senior League in 1986, 1987, 1989 and 1994 and the PGL Senior Cup in 1989 and 1993. Additionally club representatives figured regularly and prominently in the PGL Championships. Jim Baker, John Patterson and Sammy Allen won the PGL Singles in 1989, 1992 and 1995 respectively, while Pairs success was enjoyed by Brian Craig and Jim Baker (1987), Jim McGinn and Paul McWilliams (1991) and Jim Baker and Sammy Allen (1992). Triples wins for Davy Carson, Davy Heatley and Davy Johnston in 1988 and 1990 and Fours wins for Marcus Craig, Robin Gray, Jim Craig and Jim Baker (1984), Davy Carson, Jim McDonnell, Campbell Porter and Jim Baker (1990) and Bobby Smith, Robin Gray, John Patterson and Davy Johnston (1994) are further evidence of a successful period in Cliftonville’s history. All these individual successes and the range of individuals involved testifies to the playing strength of a club in which a large group of talented, experienced and highly competitive players combined to form a formidable and highly successful team.

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 71

KNOCK 1990 The Northern Ireland Railways trophy was contested between 1981 and 1991 by the senior league winners in each of the four associations. The trophy was subsequently discontinued as it became increasingly difficult, in a crowded calendar, to schedule matches at the end of the season.

Having won the PGL Senior Cup in 1986 and 1988 and the IBA Senior Cup in 1989, Knock won PGL Senior Division One in 1990 and then went on to defeat Bangor and Blackrock to secure this prestigious title as the best club side in Ireland, emulating the previous achievements of Falls in 1981 and 1988 and Belmont in 1984.

72 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

NIPGBL UNDER 25 INTER-ASSOCIATION WINNERS 1996 The NIPGBL’s Under 25 winning side of 1996 became known as the ‘dream team’ after not only regaining the IBA Junior Inter-Association title but by winning all 12 rink matches during the series. The team selected to represent the NIPGBL was: A Scott (Old Bleach), N Murray (Old Bleach), P Daly (Belmont), M Greenfield (Dunbarton) N Gibson (Knock), S McKinley (Transport), D McRandal (Larne), D Coulter (Transport) S Bennett (NICS), D Olphert (Cliftonville), P Hutton (Willowfield), J Talbot (Old Bleach) M Higgins (Dunbarton), G Harper (Pickie), A Whisker (Saintfield), R Fiddis (Transport) The only change during the three match series saw D Morrow (Comber) replace D Olphert for the final game against the BLI. NIPGBL

v NIPBA

v NIBA

v BLI

M Greenfield

v D Reilly 23-13

v M Shannon 24-15

v B Somers 33-12

J Talbot

v U McKeeman 29-13

v W Keys 20-18

v G Darcy 16-14

D Coulter

v I Ross 25-18

v G Clarke 25-13

v S Millane 18-14

R Fiddis

v J Henry 30-16

v S Braniff 26-16

v C Ryan 31-10

Success at Junior Inter-Association level is not just measured in terms of results but also by the number of younger players who benefit from the experience of Inter-Association competition at this level and go on to represent the NIPGBL at Senior Inter-Association level and Ireland at international level. 15 of the 17 players used made the international squad for the junior international series at Ayr and, at the time of writing, 7 have won senior international recognition as well.

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NIPGBL SENIOR INTER-ASSOCIATION WINNERS 1998-2003 From 1998-2003 a star-studded NIPGBL team dominated the Senior Inter-Association series with a remarkable level of consistency and six consecutive overall wins. Although the side fell one year short of emulating the achievement of their illustrious predecessors between 1958 and 1964, they did record a remarkable sequence of 17 wins from 18 games, the only reverse being a 12 shot defeat to the NIPBA in 1999. Year

BLI

NIBA

NIPBA

2003

109-64

99-97

108-76

2002

115-98

98-89

107-87

2001

106-87

99-86

128-80

2000

102-78

94-93

106-73

1999

137-77

111-83

89-101

1998

120-66

99-75

102-86

Those involved in this successful period recall a sense of confident expectation, an optimism based on the quality of players on the team, but without any sense of complacency. The most striking contrast with the 7 in a row team of the 1950s and 1960s is the policy of continuity adopted by the selectors. Only 30 players were used in the 5 rink series during a 6 year period with 9 players in total (Mark McPeak, Myles Greenfield, Michael Nutt, Paul McVeigh, Jim Baker, Sammy Hall, Paul Daly, Davy Hamilton and Neil Booth) playing in every series. A further 5 players (Brendan Thompson, Alan Montgomery, James Talbot, John Nicholl and Davy Coulter) played in five of the six years. Gradual change did occur, however, as the team had to cope with the retirement from representative competition of influential stalwarts in successive years, namely Sammy Allen (1999), David Corkill (2000) and Ernie Parkinson (2001). The policy of minimal change applied, incidentally, to the composition of the selection committee which remained virtually unaltered over the same period. John Nutt, Billy Patton, Roy McCune and Eddie McNally oversaw all 6 years, while in 2001 Ivan Orchin replaced the long-serving John McCullough.

74 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

BELMONT IBA SENIOR CUP WINNERS 2003-2007 The IBA Senior Cup is rightly seen as the blue riband event, a unique challenge which pits senior teams from all four associations together, with the extra variable of a knock-out competition which will inevitably produce the occasional surprise. Even one success would be rightly celebrated but from 2003 to 2007 Belmont won this trophy for five years in succession. The fact that Belmont won the PGL Senior Cup three times but the Senior League only once in the same period invites the term ‘cup team’ or ‘cup specialists’ but a more appropriate description would be ‘successful team’. As with so many other winning teams over the years, players recall a period of consistent selection and strong player availability in which success bred success. Chris Mulholland recalls: ‘We seemed to have a different mentality when it came to the Irish Cup games in which winning became a habit. We had a number of close games during those five years but we always managed to come out on top. The players supported each other across the green displaying a great team spirit.’ The 2003 side completed the senior trophy treble, thereby emulating the achievements of Belmont senior teams in 1985 and 1996. Robin Horner, Morrow Horner, Davy Hamilton and Tony Budde share the added distinction of being involved in all of these successes.

Belmont IBA Cup

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 75

DUNBARTON PG SENIOR LEAGUE DIVISION ONE WINNERS 2006-2010 While cup competitions generate excitement and unpredictability based on the vagaries of the draw and the unique challenge of a one-off game, the league demands and rewards consistency. Simply to observe that Dunbarton won the PG Senior League Division One title five times in a row from 2006-2010 is insufficient. The level of consistency reflected by the following statistics gives some indication of the scale of the achievement. Year

Played

Won

Lost

Points

2010

15

13

2

85

2009

15

14

1

85.5

2008

17

15

2

99.5

2007

17

15

1

95.5

2006

17

16

1

103

The progressive Dunbarton club’s commitment to the development of a talented group of young players established the foundation for this period of sustained success. Having previously won 3 PGL open championships between 1954 and 1998, club members won 8 titles between 1999 and 2005, an indication of the increasing experience and confidence which was further confirmed by an IBA Senior Cup win in 2002 and a PGL Senior Cup win in 2004. Reflecting on five successive league titles, including a senior trophy treble in 2009, DJ Wilson observes: ‘We were a confidence team and a team hungry for success. There was a relentless commitment to practice but also a very strong team spirit.’

76 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

BALLYMENA JUNIORS 2006-2012 Ballymena’s junior side earned seven league titles in succession, winning B Division One every year between 2006 and 2011 and then adding the newly-formed Junior Division One in 2012. The team’s success contributed to the ongoing debate about the whole structure of the leagues and played a significant role in the eventual decision to create a five division format in 2015, removing the distinction between senior and junior divisions. Within this new structure the Ballymena B team is, at the time of writing, in Division 2. The main element of the club’s success since the turn of the century, which also included five IBA Junior Cup wins in recent years, was an internal club decision to consider Ballymena Park as the club’s so-called third string, thereby strengthening the Ballymena B team and enhancing its prospects of success. Other contributory factors were continuity of selection with positive links between the senior and junior squads and a willingness to introduce younger players gradually and regularly through the system.

Ballymena Juniors 2007

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BALLYMENA SENIORS In 2011 Ballymena ended Dunbarton’s run of five consecutive Division One wins and went on to retain the league title in both 2012 and 2013. Private Greens Senior Cup wins in 2008, 2010 and 2014 and IBA Senior Cup wins in 2008 and 2010 confirm this as a particularly prolific period of team success for the club.

Ballymena champagne on green

Asked to identify some of the reasons behind the team’s recent success, club stalwart John Nicholl refers back to relegation in 1987 as a turning point which prompted the club to rebuild its senior team, resulting in an initial Division One title in 1993 and further wins in 1999, 2002 and 2005.

Ballymena became a model for the successful introduction of young players into a team. Between 2001 and 2016 six different Ballymena players won nine PGL Junior Singles championships and four players won the PGL Youth Singles in the same period. These and other talented young players were gradually integrated into the senior team and blended effectively with a number of established and experienced players. All players found encouragement and inspiration from the talismanic influence of Jim Baker who cultivated an expectation of success within the squad. John Nicholl: ‘Success breeds success and winning becomes a habit. Over the years an ethos of winning developed and a never say die attitude emerged.’

Ballymena 2015

Ballymena 2016

78 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

Presented to the NIPGBL in 1977 In gratitude from The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Awarded annually to the NIPGBL President

The ICL Perpetual Trophy Presented to the NIPGBL in 1987 Awarded annually to the NIPGBL President

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 79

LEAGUE COMPETITIONS In 2015 a new league format was introduced, removing the distinction between Senior and Junior Divisions, creating five Divisions with promotion and relegation throughout. Division 1 2016 Belmont 2015 Belmont Division 2 2016 Falls 2015 NICS Division 3 2016 Downpatrick 2015 Ballymena B Division 4 2016 Dunbarton B 2015 Downpatrick Division 5 2016 Mossley B 2015 Ewarts B

Between 2012-2014 there were three Senior Divisions and initially three, but subsequently two, Junior Divisions. Senior Division 1 2014 Dunbarton 2013 Ballymena 2012 Ballymena Senior Division 2 2014 Ards 2013 Ewarts 2012 Mossley Senior Division 3 2014 Shaftesbury 2013 Shorts 2012 Forth River Junior Division 1 2014 Ballymena 2013 Dunbarton 2012 Ballymena Junior Division 2 2014 Willowfield 2013 Mossley 2012 Ewarts Junior Division 3 2012 Cavehill

80 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

From 1982 to 2011 there were two Senior and two Junior Divisions. A Division 1 2011 Ballymena 2010 Dunbarton 2009 Dunbarton 2008 Dunbarton 2007 Dunbarton 2006 Dunbarton 2005 Ballymena 2004

NICS

2003 Belmont 2002 Ballymena 2001 Ulster Transport NICS A Division 1 2004 2000 Belmont 1999 Ballymena 1998 Belmont 1997 Falls 1996 Belmont 1995 Belmont 1994

Cliftonville

1993 Ballymena 1992 Falls 1991 Falls 1990 Knock 1989 Cliftonville 1988 Falls

Ballymena A Division 1 1993

1987 Cliftonville 1986 Cliftonville 1985 Belmont 1984

Belmont

1983 Falls 1982 Belmont

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 81

A Division 2 2011 Mossley 2010 Ballywalter 2009 Belmont Park 2008

Willowfield

2007 Comber

Ards A Division 2 2003

2006 Forth River 2005 Ards 2004

Cavehill

2003 Ards 2002 Mossley 2001 Pickie 2000 Ballywalter 1999 Castleton 1998 Belmont Park

Mossley A Division 2 2002

1997 Owenbeg 1996 Shorts 1995 Larne 1994

Pickie

1993 Old Bleach 1992 Ewarts 1991 Comber

Shorts A Division 2 1996

1990 Dunbarton 1989 Ulster Transport 1988 Ballymena 1987 Dunbarton 1986 Belmont Park 1985 Ulster Transport 1984

Forth River

1983 Pickie 1982 Belmont Park

Dunbarton A Division 2 1990

82 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

B Division 1 2011 Ballymena 2010 Ballymena 2009 Ballymena 2008 Ballymena 2007 Ballymena 2006 Ballymena 2005 Dunbarton 2004

Ulster Transport

Dunbarton B Division 1 2003

2003 Dunbarton 2002 Larne 2001 Old Bleach 2000 Ballymena 1999 Larne 1998 Dunbarton 1997 Falls

Falls B Division 1 1997

1996 Falls 1995 Ballymena 1994

Falls

1993 Northern Telecom 1992 Falls 1991 Falls 1990

Willowfield

1989 Knock 1988 Falls 1987 Falls

Castleton B Division 1 1983

1986 Falls 1985 Falls 1984

Castleton

1983 Castleton 1982 Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury B Division 1 1982

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 83

B Division 2 2011 Cliftonville 2010 Ewarts 2009 Forth River 2008 Castleton 2007 Mossley 2006 NICS 2005 Belmont Park 2004

Cliftonville

2003 RVH

Ewarts B Division 2 2002

2002 Ewarts 2001 Pickie 2000 Ards 1999 Downpatrick 1998 Belmont 1997 Ballymena Park 1996 Pickie 1995 Owenbeg 1994

RVH

1993 Crawfordsburn 1992 Salisbury 1991 Ewarts 1990 Forth River 1989 Ulster Transport 1988 Larne 1987 Forth River 1986 Ards 1985 Cliftonville 1984

Comber

1983 Cavehill 1982 Belmont

Comber B Division 2 1984

84 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

From 1917 to 1981 there was only one Senior Division and one Junior Division. League Division A 1981 Falls

1948 Larne

1979 Falls

1946 Belfast

1977 Falls

1944 Cavehill

1975 Cliftonville

1942 Larne

1973 Knock

1940 Cavehill

1971 Falls

1938 Cavehill

1969 Falls

1936 Willowfield

1967 Knock

1934 Cavehill

1980 Falls

1947 Castleton

1978 Falls

1945 Ballymena

1976 Falls

1943 Cavehill

1974 Cliftonville

1941 Cavehill

1972 Willowfield

1939 Larne

1970 Forth River

1937 Larne

1968 Falls

1935 Willowfield

1966 Falls

1933 Cavehill

1964 Knock

1931 Larne

1962 Falls

1929 Falls

1960 Willowfield

1927 Ulster

1958 Cavehill

1925 Ulster

1956 Castleton

1923 Belmont

1954 Cliftonville

1921 Belmont

1952 Castleton

1919 Ulster

1950 Castleton

1917 Ulster

1965 Falls

1932 North Belfast

1963 Willowfield

1930 Ulster

1961 Cavehill

1928 Cavehill

1959 Castleton

1926 Larne

1957 Belmont

1924 Ulster

1955 Belmont

1922 Ulster

1953 Willowfield

1920 Belfast

1951 Knock

1949 Forth River

1918 Ulster

Falls League Division A 1979

Cliftonville League Division A 1974

Willowfield League Division A 1972

Willowfield League Division A 1960

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 85

League Division B

1981 Castleton

1948 North Belfast

1979 Falls

1946 North Belfast

1977 Willowfield

1944 Belmont

1980 Willowfield

1947 Hilden

1978 Willowfield

1945 North Belfast

1976 Willowfield

1943 Belfast

1974 Willowfield

1941 Hilden

1972 Willowfield

1939 Willowfield

1970 Falls

1937 Cavehill

1968 Willowfield

1935 Newtownards

1966 Saintfield

1933 Newtownards

1964 Belmont

1931 QI Olympic

1962 Willowfield

1929 North Belfast

1960 Cliftonville

1927 North Belfast

1958 Cliftonville

1925 North Belfast

1956 North Belfast

1923 North Belfast

1954 Castleton

1921 North Belfast

1952 Forth River

1919 Cavehill

1975 Willowfield

1942 Cliftonville

1973 Shaftesbury

1940 Cavehill

1971 Shaftesbury

1938 Hilden

1969 Forth River

1936 Cavehill

1967 Forth River

1934 Forth River

1965 Forth River

1932 QI Olympic

1963 Cliftonville

1930 North Belfast

1961 Willowfield

1928 North Belfast

1959 Forth River

1926 Ulster

1957 Forth River

1924 North Belfast

1955 Forth River

1922 Ulster

1953 Castleton

1920 Cavehill

1951 Willowfield

1918 Cavehill

1950 Belfast

1949 Willowfield

1917 Cavehill

Castleton League Division B 1981

Willowfield League Division B 1972

Cliftonville League Division B 1958

Hilden League Division B 1947

86 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

From 1988 to 2007 there were three Midweek Divisions and only two since 2008. Midweek Division 1

2016 Ards 2015 Ards

2014 Ulster Transport 2013 Dunbarton

2012 Ulster Transport 2011 Belmont

2010 Ulster Transport 2009 Ulster Transport 2008 Ulster Transport 2007 Ballymena 2006 Ballymena 2005 Ballymena

Falls Midweek Division 1 1998

2004 Ballymena

2003 Belmont 2002 Ballymena 2001 Ballymena 2000 Falls 1999 Ewarts

1998 Falls 1997 Falls 1996 Falls

1995 Ballymena 1994 Falls

1993 Ballymena 1992 Falls

1991 Belmont 1990 Falls 1989 Falls 1988 Knock

Belmont Midweek Division 1 1991

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 87

Midweek Division 2

Midweek Division 3

2016 Salisbury

2007 Downpatrick

2014 Shorts

2005 Downpatrick

2012 Salisbury

2003 Nortel

2010 NICS

2001 Shaftesbury

2008 Downpatrick

1999 Downpatrick

2006 Ballee

1997 Belmont

2004 Magheradroll

1995 Ards

2002 Larne

1993 Ards

2000 Falls Park

1991 RUC

1998 Mossley

1989 Ards

2015 Knock

2006 Willowfield

2013 Ballywalter

2004 Cliftonville

2011 Downpatrick

2002 Castleton

2009 Forth River

2000 Salisbury

2007 Willowfield

1998 Ballee

2005 Dunbarton

1996 Magheradroll

2003 Belmont Park

1994 North Belfast

2001 Belmont

1992 Salisbury

1999 Magheradroll

1990 Larne

1997 Knock

1988 Royal Hospital

1995 RVH

Prior to 1988 there was only one Midweek Division

1993 RVH

1987 Ballymena

1991 Larne

1985 Falls

1989 Mossley

1983 Ballymena

Belmont Midweek Division 2 2001

1996 Ewarts 1994 Pickie

1992 Forth River

1986 Ballymena

1990 Ballee

1984 Belmont

1988 Ulster Transport

1982 Ballymena 1981 Knock 1980 Belmont 1979 Knock

1978 Willowfield

1977 Saintfield

88 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

CUP COMPETITIONS PGL SENIOR CUP 2016 Dunbarton 2015 Dunbarton 2014 Ballymena 2013 Belmont 2012 Belmont 2011 Old Bleach 2010 Ballymena 2009 Dunbarton 2008 Ballymena 2007 Belmont 2006 Belmont 2005 Ulster Transport 2004 Dunbarton 2003 Belmont 2002 Belmont 2001 Ballymena 2000 Ulster Transport 1999 Willowfield 1998 Falls 1997 Ulster Transport 1996 Belmont 1995 Belmont 1994 Willowfield 1993 Cliftonville 1992 Belmont 1991 Falls 1990 Falls 1989 Cliftonville 1988 Knock 1987 Forth River 1986 Knock 1985 Belmont 1984 Falls 1983 Shorts 1982 Falls 1981 Falls 1980 Cliftonville 1979 Falls 1978 Falls 1977 Knock

1976 Falls 1975 Willowfield 1974 Belmont 1973 NICS 1972 Knock 1971 Saintfield 1970 Gallaher 1969 Falls 1968 Falls 1967 Falls 1966 Ballymena 1965 Falls 1964 Forth River 1963 Forth River 1962 Larne 1961 Falls 1960 Falls 1959 Cavehill 1958 Belmont 1957 Shaftesbury 1956 Castleton 1955 Falls 1954 Willowfield 1953 Falls 1952 Castleton 1951 Willowfield 1950 Castleton 1949 Castleton 1948 Cavehill 1947 Willowfield 1946 Larne 1945 Cavehill 1944 Belfast 1943 Forth River 1942 Cavehill 1941 Cavehill 1940 Cavehill 1939 Willowfield 1938 Ballymena 1937 Cavehill 1936 Willowfield 1935 Belfast

1934 Knock 1933 Belfast 1932 Cavehill 1931 Queen’s Island 1930 Ulster 1929 North Belfast 1928 Cavehill 1927 Ballymena 1926 North Belfast

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 89

PGL JUNIOR CUP 2016 Old Bleach 2015 Pickie 2014 Old Bleach 2013 Ballymena 2012 Dunbarton 2011 Dunbarton 2010 Knock 2009 Larne 2008 Downpatrick 2007 Belmont 2006 Ballymena 2005 Pickie 2004 Ulster Transport 2003 Ballymena 2002 Dunbarton 2001 Ards 2000 Old Bleach 1999 Dunbarton 1998 Willowfield 1997 Dunbarton 1996 Falls 1995 Falls 1994 Falls 1993 Falls 1992 Falls 1991 Ards 1990 NICS 1989 Falls 1988 Falls 1987 Pickie 1986 Falls 1985 Falls 1984 Falls 1983 Falls 1982 Castleton 1981 Falls 1980 Falls 1979 Willowfield 1978 Cliftonville 1977 Belfast 1976 Castleton

1975 Falls 1974 Falls 1973 Willowfield 1972 Shaftesbury 1971 Shaftesbury 1970 Larne 1969 Willowfield 1968 Falls 1967 North Belfast 1966 Willowfield 1965 Forth River 1964 Forth River 1963 Cliftonville 1962 Falls 1961 Shaftesbury 1960 Hilden 1959 Willowfield 1958 Forth River 1957 Cliftonville 1956 Willowfield 1955 Castleton 1954 Belmont 1953 Knock 1952 Castleton 1951 North Belfast 1950 North Belfast 1949 Cavehill 1948 Belmont 1947 Hilden 1946 Ballymena 1945 North Belfast 1944 Cavehill 1943 Belmont 1942 Willowfield 1941 Cliftonville 1940 Ards 1939 Willowfield 1938 Forth River 1937 Ards 1936 Cavehill 1935 Belfast 1934 Belmont 1933 Ards

1932 Belmont 1931 Queen’s Island Olympic 1930 Belmont 1929 North Belfast 1928 North Belfast

PGL MIDWEEK CUP 2016 Mossley 2015 Mossley 2014 Ards 2013 Dunbarton 2012 Ulster Transport 2011 Pickie 2010 Mossley 2009 Pickie 2008 Ulster Transport 2007 Ballymena 2006 Dunbarton 2005 Belmont 2004 Ballymena 2003 Ballymena 2002 Falls 2001 Falls 2000 Falls 1999 Ewarts 1998 Falls 1997 Dunbarton 1996 Ballymena 1995 Larne 1994 Ballymena

90 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

PGL SENIOR CUP WINNING TEAMS

Dunbarton PGL Senior Cup 2004

Forth River PGL Senior Cup 1987

Saintfield PGL Senior Cup 1971

Gallaher PGL Senior Cup 1970

Falls PGL Senior Cup 1953

Ballymena PGL Senior Cup 1938

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PGL JUNIOR CUP WINNING TEAMS

Old Bleach PGL Junior Cup 2016

Dunbarton PGL Junior Cup 1999

Falls PGL Junior Cup 1974

North Belfast PGL Junior Cup 1967

PGL MIDWEEK CUP WINNING TEAMS

Pickie Midweek Cup 2011

Pickie Midweek Cup 2009

Ballymena Midweek Cup 2003

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IBA COMPETITIONS IBA SENIOR CUP 2016 Belmont 2015 Dunbarton 2014 Old Bleach 2012 Dunbarton 2010 Ballymena 2009 Dunbarton 2008 Ballymena 2007 Belmont 2006 Belmont 2005 Belmont 2004 Belmont 2003 Belmont 2002 Dunbarton 1999 Cliftonville 1998 NICS 1996 Belmont 1994 Cliftonville 1989 Knock 1988 Cliftonville 1986 Cliftonville 1985 Belmont 1984 Falls 1979 Dunbarton 1978 Knock 1977 Dunbarton 1976 Falls 1975 NICS 1974 Falls 1972 Cavehill 1971 Knock 1970 Dunbarton 1969 Falls 1968 Falls 1967 Falls 1965 Falls 1964 Falls 1963 Willowfield 1962 Cavehill 1960 Castleton

1959 Larne 1958 Gallaher 1957 Falls 1955 Willowfield 1954 Willowfield 1953 Falls 1952 Willowfield 1950 Castleton 1949 Cliftonville 1948 North Belfast 1947 Castleton 1946 Larne 1945 Willowfield 1944 Forth River 1943 Forth River 1941 Cavehill 1940 Larne 1939 Larne 1938 Belfast 1936 Willowfield 1934 Castleton 1933 Castleton 1932 Cavehill 1931 Castleton 1930 Forth River 1927 Ulster 1926 Castleton 1925 Castleton 1924 Forth River 1923 Cavehill 1920 Falls 1919 Ulster 1918 Ulster

IBA JUNIOR CUP 2013 Ballymena 2012 Ballymena 2011 Downpatrick

2010 Old Bleach 2009 Ballymena 2008 Ballymena 2006 Downpatrick 2004 Old Bleach 2000 Ballymena 1997 Willowfield 1992 Willowfield 1991 Falls 1990 Falls 1989 Willowfield 1988 Knock 1987 Falls 1986 Cliftonville 1982 Knock 1981 Falls 1980 Willowfield 1979 Willowfield 1977 Willowfield 1975 Falls 1973 Knock 1972 Shaftesbury 1970 Shaftesbury 1969 Pickie 1968 Short & Harland 1967 Falls 1966 Castleton 1965 Shaftesbury 1964 Belmont 1963 Castleton 1962 Willowfield 1961 Willowfield 1960 Belfast 1959 Cavehill 1957 Willowfield 1956 Ewarts 1954 Falls 1953 Castleton 1950 Castleton 1949 Cavehill 1948 Castleton

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1947 Cavehill 1946 Forth River 1945 Belmont 1944 Willowfield 1943 Belmont 1942 Belmont 1940 Cliftonville 1938 Belfast 1937 Forth River 1935 Ballymena 1934 Cavehill 1933 Belmont 1932 Queen’s Island Olympic 1930 North Belfast 1929 North Belfast 1928 Ulster 1927 Cavehill 1926 Cavehill 1925 North Belfast 1924 North Belfast 1923 Larne 1922 North Belfast 1921 North Belfast 1920 Ulster 1917 Cavehill

Peter Carmichael Trophy The Peter Carmichael Young Player of the Year Trophy is awarded annually by one of the affiliated associations on a rota basis. 2014

2010

2006

2002

1998

1994

1990

S Kirkwood

T Crawford

A Duncan

R Fleming

S McKinley

A Whisker

M Greenfield

IBA INTERMEDIATE CUP 2016 Ards

NORTHERN IRELAND RAILWAYS TROPHY 1990 Knock 1988 Falls 1984 Belmont 1981 Falls S Kirkwood 2014

Old Bleach

Salisbury

Ballymena

Ballymena

UlsterTransport

Saintfield

Dunbarton

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IBA SENIOR CUP WINNING TEAMS

Belmont IBA Senior Cup 2016

Ballymena IBA Senior Cup 2010

Dunbarton IBA Senior Cup 2002

NICS IBA Senior Cup 1998

Cliftonville IBA Senior Cup 1994

Knock IBA Senior Cup 1989

Dunbarton IBA Senior Cup 1979

Knock IBA Senior Cup 1978

Dunbarton IBA Senior Cup 1977

NICS IBA Senior Cup 1975

Cavehill IBA Senior Cup 1972

Knock IBA Senior Cup 1971

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IBA SENIOR CUP WINNING TEAMS

Dunbarton IBA Senior Cup 1970

Falls IBA Senior Cup 1964

Larne IBA Senior Cup 1959

Gallaher IBA Senior Cup 1958

Larne IBA Senior Cup 1939

Cavehill IBA Senior Cup 1932

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IBA JUNIOR CUP WINNING TEAMS

Ballymena IBA Junior Cup 2000

Knock IBA Junior Cup 1982

Willowfield IBA Junior Cup 1980

Pickie 1969 IBA Junior Cup

Shaftesbury IBA Junior Cup 1965

Ewarts IBA Junior Cup 1956

Castleton IBA Junior Cup 1948

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INDIVIDUAL PROFILES Sammy Allen At every level at which he played Sammy Allen’s determination to succeed and to bring the best out of everyone playing alongside him was immediately evident. He set high standards for himself and for his teammates and many players who went on to enjoy success at club, national and international level pay tribute to Sammy’s considerable influence on the development of their knowledge of the game and of their playing skills. Having made his début for the NIPGBL in 1971 at lead to Billy Tate, Sammy won his first outdoor international cap in 1973. Between 1982 and 1999 he played in 18 consecutive series, ending on a magnificent high when Ireland regained the Home International title in a memorable climax to a tightly-contested event in Jersey. Typically, Sammy led Ireland’s challenge from the front, his rink earning wins against their English, Scottish and Welsh opponents in that series. Sammy won the 1979 British Isles Singles title on a memorable day in Nottingham when Ireland also won the Pairs and the Triples. He won the PGL Singles championship on two other occasions in 1983 and 1985 and three PGL Pairs titles in 1992, 2000 and 2001. However, it is his record at the highest level of international competition which provides the most compelling evidence of the high standard of performance which Sammy sustained over a long and distinguished bowling career. Between 1984 and 1996 Sammy reached the final of four successive World Championships, winning gold in the Triples in Aberdeen in 1984, gold in the Fours in Auckland in 1988, silver in the Pairs in Worthing in 1992 and gold in the Pairs in Adelaide in 1996. His partner on that occasion, Jeremy Henry, is ideally placed to comment. ‘What can I say about my first International Skipper, Sammy Allen. I played second then third for Sammy for over 5 years only tasting defeat on a very few occasions. Sammy’s drive, determination and will to win was always evident in all our games and I learned so much from the time spent on the green from the guy I still call ‘skipper’. A truly fantastic player with a competitive streak second to none, it was an honour to go into battle with him!’ Commonwealth Games bronze medals in the 1994 Pairs and in the 1982 Fours, as well as a silver medal in the 1990 Fours, not to mention frequent success at club level with both Ballymena and Cliftonville, add further lustre to Sammy’s magnificent achievements. His vast experience and knowledge continue to serve the NIPGBL well through his role as a selector, a position which he previously held also for the IBA.

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Jim Baker Ask anyone to identify someone associated with Irish bowls and the chances are that the answer will be Jim Baker. His high profile success in the televised World Indoor Singles Championship in 1984 confirmed Jim’s status as one of the most iconic figures in Irish bowls and gave him a public prominence which few others could emulate. Gold medals at three outdoor World Championships in 1984 (Triples with Stan Espie and Sammy Allen), 1988 (Fours with Rodney McCutcheon, John McCloughlin and Sammy Allen) and 2004 (Fours with Jonathan Ross, Noel Graham and Neil Booth), along with World Silver in 2004 (Pairs with Noel Graham), Commonwealth Silver in 1990 (Fours with Rodney McCutcheon, John McCloughlin and Sammy Allen) and Commonwealth Bronze in 2002 (Fours with Michael Nutt, Noel Graham and Neil Booth) confirm his success at the highest level and his longevity on the international stage. It is hard to escape the conclusion that this list of honours would be even greater if it were not for a period of retirement from international competition during the 1990s. Jim has won 11 Private Greens Championship titles, including all four open events and the junior singles. In addition he has won 5 Irish national titles (Singles 1989, Pairs 1987, 2001 and 2012 and Fours 2007). More recently, as international team manager, Jim sought to continue to raise standards and heighten expectations. Under his leadership Ireland regained the Senior Home International title at Belmont in 2009 and won the Junior Home International Series at City of Derry in 2010. His determination to succeed in this role was strongly underpinned by a commitment to the players. He brought knowledge, experience and influence to the position and his decision to resign in 2016 was received with widespread regret among all those associated with Irish bowls. Jim continues to play an influential role at club level with Ballymena, as he did formerly with Cliftonville. He has been a key factor in the success enjoyed by both clubs in different eras, not only because of his unique talent but also his ability to bring the best out of the players around him.

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Ronnie Blair Having been a rugby union referee for the previous 13 years, Ronnie Blair followed in the footsteps of many others from Larne Rugby Club when he joined Larne Bowling and Tennis Club in 1993. He became Club President in 1999, President of the NIPGBL in 2002 and of the IBA in 2013, as well as serving as NIPGBL Honorary Secretary between 2005-14 and becoming an Honorary Member of the NIPGBL in November 2015. In keeping with his unassuming personality, rather than focussing on his own significant contribution to our sport over the years, Ronnie prefers to highlight and acknowledge the work of all the many individuals who give unstinting and loyal service to their own clubs and to the running of the NIPGBL. He offers an interesting perspective on the respective interassociation series, noting the uninhibited style of the junior representative players in contrast to what he describes as the more cautious and conservative approach of their senior peers. He is concerned about the busy playing schedule which often makes excessive demands on the most successful players. As we celebrate our Centenary year Ronnie stresses the importance of looking forward and preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the next 100 years. He recognises recent progress with innovations such as coloured clothing, coloured bowls and fewer uncompetitive or meaningless fixtures and is a strong supporter of other recent initiatives at IBA level such as the Intermediate Cup and at BIBC level such as the Under 18 Singles. Typically, however, Ronnie does not want to see the NIPGBL or the sport stand still and he would like to see further focus and progress in areas such as the scheduling of fixtures, advocating a better spread across the full course of the season. He favours a reduction to 18 ends at all but the most competitive levels of play and believes that there are opportunities to attract more publicity for the sport as a means of encouraging more young people to become involved. In a similar vein he urges clubs to take individual responsibility for attracting new members and making them feel welcome. Ronnie speaks very positively about the relationships between the NIPGBL and the other associations and believes that the degree of cooperation and understanding which characterised his working relationship with them during his tenure as IBA President and Competitions Secretary augurs well for continued development in the future. Ronnie Blair is probably best described as a barometer of opinion within the NIPGBL. Receptive to change but attentive to tradition, he subjects proposals to careful consideration and quickly grasps their strengths, weaknesses and implications. With many years of experience as an effective administrator and with the respect of his peers as an Honorary Member his judgements are valued and frequently acted upon.

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Neil Booth ‘Neil was undoubtedly a world class talent who, when he was on a roll, was unbeatable! An accomplished drawer of a bowl, coupled with an amazing drive shot, made him feared all over the bowling world.’ (Ian McClure) ‘In 11 years of playing with him in the Home Internationals, I can quite honestly say I did not play against a better player than Neil. He was a pleasure to play with, always very positive and had the most accurate drive of anyone I have ever met. We played 33 internationals together but I knew after our first two games how fortunate I was to play with a world class bowler.’ (DJ Wilson) One of the ultimate indicators of success at the highest level is longevity on the international stage. Neil Booth made his international début in 1991 in Ebbw Vale and competed in 24 series in succession thereafter until his premature retirement after the 2014 series. Between 1998 and 2014 he earned selection for 5 consecutive Commonwealth Games and four successive World Championships. This record of sustained participation at elite level would, in itself, be worthy of considerable credit but Neil managed to add the gloss of medals to the honour of selection for these highly competitive international competitions. Highlights include a gold medal with Martin McHugh, Ian McClure and Gary McCloy in the 1998 Commonwealth Games Fours in Kuala Lumpur, and gold with Jonathan Ross, Noel Graham and Jim Baker in the World Championships at Ayr in 2004. To this he added Commonwealth Fours bronze in Manchester in 2002, Commonwealth Triples silver in Melbourne in 2006 and in Glasgow in 2014, as well as World Triples bronze in Ayr 2004, World Triples bronze in Adelaide 2012 and World Fours bronze in Adelaide 2012. Neil has enjoyed frequent success at association championship level winning 11 NIPGBL titles (including Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours and Under 25 Singles). His 2001 PGL winning rink of Michael Nutt, Sammy Hall and James Talbot went on to add the IBA and BIBC titles. Neil’s international career ended on a high with a silver medal alongside Paul Daly and Neil Mulholland in the 2014 Commonwealth Games Triples and the added honour and recognition of an illustrious career when he carried the Northern Ireland flag at the closing ceremony. In the same summer he also derived great pleasure in helping his club, Old Bleach, to secure its first ever IBA Senior Cup win. Over a distinguished playing career, which included spells at 22nd Old Boys, Forth River and Cliftonville before he joined his current club Old Bleach, Neil has accumulated not only a glittering array of honours but equally a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise which will inevitably serve him well as he embarks on a new role as international team manager to which he was appointed in September 2016.

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David Corkill In their 50th anniversary publication (2015) Belfast Indoor Bowls Club paid tribute to David Corkill, ‘a great ambassador for the sport in his 40+ years as a player, club member, mentor, coach and presenter.’ 1976 was a breakthrough season for the young David Corkill who lost the final of the Bangor Open Singles as a 16 year old and skipped the only winning rink for Sandown Park in the IBA Junior Cup final against Lisnagarvey. Only a year later he had completed a memorable début season for his new club Knock, winning the IBA Senior Cup and the PGL and IBA fours, to which he subsequently added the British Isles Fours, with Ken Kilpatrick, North McQuay and Willie Watson. David made his inter-association début for the NIPGBL and his international début for Ireland in 1978 although, surprisingly, for someone who went on to win over 100 caps for the indoor international team, his outdoor international career ended in 1989. Thereafter he remained, for many years, a dedicated and committed representative player for the Private Greens enjoying frequent success in the inter-association series. David talks freely about his early years at international level and about the vast amount of experience which he absorbed from influential stalwarts of the indoor and outdoor international scene such as Jim Brankin, John Greer and Brendan McBrien. ‘They took an interest in me as a new member of the party. They guided me along the right lines and I am thankful for that.’ In total David has won 9 Private Greens titles and 3 IBA titles (Singles 1980 and 1988 and Fours 1977). He also won the 1980 British Isles Singles and earned deserved selection for the 1984 World Championships in Singles and Pairs and the 1982 and 1990 Commonwealth Games Singles. At the time of writing David remains actively involved in the sport in a number of roles, among others as an invaluable member of the indoor international team, as a lead commentator and analyst for all major televised bowls event and as manager of the Irish Women’s Bowling Association team.

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Gerry Crossey ‘Gerry Crossey, who became an icon in the game, must be top on anyone’s list. He was the joker in the pack as well as the ace.’ (Ronnie Harper, Falls BC Centenary publication 1905-2005) ‘He joked and laughed his way through the game but he played it in deadly earnest and with remarkable accuracy. As a skip he had few peers.’ (Ronnie Harper ISN 10/6/89) As a member of the all-conquering Falls side Gerry Crossey accumulated a glittering array of honours, contributing to no less than seven IBA Senior Cup wins between 1953 and 1969, eight PGL Senior Cup wins in the same period and six PG Senior League wins from 1962 to 1971. Included in that were trebles in 1965, 1968 and 1969. Having made his Inter-Association début in 1955, he was an ever-present member of the PGL Inter-Association team which won 7 consecutive series between 1958 and 1964. He also represented Ireland in every international series from 1955 to 1967 and also in 1969 and 1970. He captained Ireland in the 1965 series, earning the following tribute in the ISN of 5/6/1965. ‘As well as being a bowler of considerable ability, Gerry has been one of the real characters of the Irish team for many years. He is well known for his sense of humour and non-stop chatter both on and off the green. A believer in the theory that a successful international bowling team needs to be lively and enthusiastic, Gerry always sets a personal example in this direction by constantly urging the other members of his rink to play above themselves.’ When he was not selected in 1968 John Bryson reported in the ISN of 22/6/1968 that ‘for the first time in many years Ireland will be without the wise-cracks and the natural ability of this most colourful of characters.’ Gerry Crossey won 6 Private Greens championships, two in the Pairs and four in the Rinks. What is more remarkable, however, is that he managed to convert five of those six wins into national titles as well. He also won two British Isles titles in the Fours in 1962 and 1968. He had the honour of skipping the Empire Games rink of G Best, TL Henry and J Webb in Cardiff 1958, an experience which gave rise to one of the more bizarre bowling reports from Jack McNally in the ISN of 19/7/1958. Coffee is costly for N.I. rink ‘A mid-morning cup of coffee probably cost the Northern Ireland rink their game with Wales in the Empire Games bowling competition today. The rink had been playing exceptionally well and led their opponents in the early stages. Then the players stopped for a cup of coffee and on the resumption the Northern Ireland four dropped four shots on the 10th end and three shots on the 11th. The Ulstermen went to pieces after this….’ The respect and admiration of your teammates and peers is one thing, but the endorsement of one of your keenest opponents is an even more compelling recommendation. In this case the final word goes to David Bryant. ‘What a character. What a bowler. Gerry was everything a skip should be, and perhaps his greatest attribute was that he was completely unflappable. I enjoyed playing against him because I always knew it was going to be a tight match. It was a battle of wits between us.’

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Jimmy Donnelly Jimmy Donnelly was named Ireland’s bowler of the year after a 1965 season in which he won the City of Belfast and Bangor Pairs, made his international début at lead on a rink with Ted Haslem, TL Henry and Syd Thompson, and was part of Falls’ treble winning senior side. The bowls correspondent of the ISN referred to him as ‘one of Ireland’s greatest young prospects.’ Over the ensuing years JJ Donnelly lived up to this glowing tribute time and time again. As a member of Falls senior side he won at least 7 IBA Senior Cups, 9 PGL Senior Leagues and 9 PGL Senior Cups between 1960 and 1979. He won the PGL Singles in 1976, defeating C Scott (Mossley) in the final, the Pairs on four occasions and the Fours in 1968 with J Webb, H Watterson and G Crossey, going on to win the IBA and BIBC titles as well. He played in 13 outdoor international series and enjoyed the added honour of captaining Ireland in the 1977 series at Worthing. In addition he competed in three successive Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh (1970), Christchurch (1974) and Edmonton (1978), the highlight of which was a bronze medal with Syd Thompson in the 1970 Pairs. His untimely death denied him the opportunity to compete in the BIBC pairs in Nottingham in 1980 - M Murray deputised alongside J Rogan to secure a memorable and fitting win for the Falls club. Despite all the achievements and accolades accumulated in a successful bowling career JJ Donnelly is remembered for much more than his performances on the green. All those who had the pleasure of playing with or against him, benefitting from his substantial knowledge and experience, pay glowing tribute to the memory of an inspirational and forward-thinking individual who gave freely of his time and expertise to promote our sport and to raise standards.

JJ Donnelly PGL Singles 1976

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Ronnie Harper Writing a contribution for the excellent Falls Bowling Club centenary brochure 1905-2005, Ronnie Harper recalled his first match-day assignment as the newly-appointed bowling correspondent of the Belfast Telegraph and Ireland’s Saturday Night. ‘A sunny Saturday away back in 1969 will always be etched in memory. It was the day Manchester City beat Leicester 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. I had much more on my mind than the flickering black and white image on the television screen in the Imperial Civil Service Bowls Club. (….) I was there to report on my first game (….) Falls were starting their defence of the Senior Division One title they won the previous year against their not so distant neighbours, Imperial Civil Service.’ It was a low-key beginning for a professional association with our sport which would span five decades and which would lead Ronnie to cover events at club, association, national, international, Commonwealth and World level. Of course, Ronnie’s association with bowls was not just a professional one. Jack McNally, in his final ISN article, announced that his column would now be in ‘the very capable hands of a sports desk colleague Ronnie Harper who, as a keen member of the Belfast Press Club, is representative of the new generation of bowlers.’ Most of us will associate Ronnie with Pickie BC for whose midweek team he played and whose fortunes he followed and reported with the sincere interest of a committed clubman. Before accepting the post as bowls correspondent Ronnie had previously reported on billiards and snooker for the Belfast Telegraph and Ireland’s Saturday Night. He continued to do so and therefore enjoyed the opportunity to follow at first hand the fortunes of one of Northern Ireland’s most mercurial talents, Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins. Ronnie’s career occurred in a different era of sports journalism in general and bowls coverage in particular. He was a regular at the side of the green, a frequent visitor to clubs where his engagingly approachable and good-humoured manner made him a popular and welcome guest. He accumulated a vast repertoire of anecdotes which he shared willingly and enthusiastically with his various audiences. As a bowls correspondent his output enjoyed the added authority and conviction which came from being a bowler himself. Bowlers may have denied it but they looked for his opinions and valued them, although they did not always appreciate his predictions in their favour in advance of future games. Equally, however, he was prepared to criticise when players or officials fell short of his expectations although his criticism was generally couched in constructive and compassionate terms.

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His concern for the well-being of Irish bowls is perhaps best illustrated by his coverage of those difficult days when some of the other home nations were reluctant to visit these shores for the international series. On 22nd March 1975, under the headline ‘Come….or forget about it’, he challenged the Scottish and English associations to follow the example of their Welsh counterparts and confirm their intention to attend. When it subsequently emerged that both had decided not to do so, he condemned their decisions by quoting the famous Daily Mail journalist Ian Woolridge ‘What would Drake have thought?’ (ISN 15/5/76). Ronnie’s interest in the development of bowls, in the raising of standards, in the promotion of the sport, aligned fully with the aims and aspirations of both the NIPGBL and IBA ‘to promote and foster the game of bowls’. The NIPGBL acknowledged Ronnie’s contribution to bowls by awarding him honorary membership in 2003, as had the Irish Bowling Association in 2001. Ronnie had a favourite phrase which he used frequently when referring to the player whom he considered to be the most talented that Ireland had ever produced – ‘the nonpareil Jim Baker.’ Nonpareil, having no match or equal, peerless, unrivalled, incomparable – the phrase seems just as applicable to a dedicated clubman, a highly-respected journalist, a friend of the NIPGBL and Irish bowls, the nonpareil Ronnie Harper.

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Davy Irvine Davy Irvine is one of the most instantly recognisable and ubiquitous figures in the NIPGBL in recent years. Like so many others Davy’s first contact with bowls came through the short mat format before he became a full playing member of Ulster Transport in 1968 (having been a member since 1954). He was elected President there in 1976 and again, in 2014, to mark the 60th year of his association with the Jordanstown club. Davy has been a member of the NIPGBL GP committee and a delegate to the IBA Council for many years but is best known within bowling circles as the NIPGBL Competitions Secretary, a role he has held since succeeding Sam McKeown in 1992. The unpredictability of the Northern Ireland climate, an apparently more congested calendar, clashes with representative commitments, regular multiple engagements at the final stages and a reluctance on the part of some to ring in results on time all combine to complicate matters, but Davy manages to carry out his duties in an unflustered and affable manner, approachable but equally authoritative in the role. The patience, sound judgement, decision-making skills and ability to manage people which stood Davy in good stead as a former Irish League football referee in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s have continued to serve him well in this important administrative role. Davy acknowledges the initial advice and guidance offered to him by John Paxton (Knock) and stresses the encouragement and support provided by Hugh Montgomery as he adjusted, in the early years, to his new responsibility, but he also emphasises the importance of the cooperation and understanding of the clubs and individual players which are the essential ingredients in making it easier for him to fulfil his task efficiently. Davy has witnessed many exciting matches during his years in office but does not hesitate when asked to choose a highlight. ‘The year Paul Daly came back from 12-20 down to win the IBA Singles final against Jim Martin (Ballymoney). I told him there and then that he would go on to win the British Isles title and he did. I was so proud to be there to see him do it.’ A decline in the number of players entering the association championships does give Davy cause for concern regarding the future but he remains an engagingly positive and optimistic character, always eager to see the best in people, enthusiastic about the future of the sport and keen to continue to contribute to help the association to grow and to prosper.

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Brendan McBrien In the many conversations which took place during the preparations for our Centenary Year and for the compilation of this publication, one of the most frequently mentioned names was that of Brendan McBrien. At international level he played 15 international series between his dÊbut in 1961 and his last appearance in 1989, including the celebrated series win at Worthing in 1981. He was selected for two Commonwealth Games, firstly in Edmonton in 1978 when he competed in the Pairs with John Higgins and in the Fours with John Higgins, John Greer and Willie Watson. Although medals eluded him the margin between success and disappointment is best illustrated by his experience of the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane where he played alongside his Falls club-mate Billy McKelvey. They finished in fifth place in the overall table, despite winning 10 out of 14 matches played – the gold medallists won 11. In the 1980 World Championships he finished sixth in the Pairs with Stan Espie and also competed in the Fours, again with John Higgins, John Greer and Willie Watson. Brendan also enjoyed regular success at club level. He was a key figure on the unrivalled Falls team of the 1960s and 1970s and in the Private Greens Championships he won the Fours in 1967 and 1979 and the Triples in 1981. His undemonstrative and composed manner of play and the quiet assurance which he brought to his rink earned him the enduring respect of team-mates and opponents alike. He is rightly considered one of the most pre-eminent bowlers in the history of the NIPGBL.

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Richmond McKay Richmond joined Larne BC in 1959 and his bowling ability earned him selection for the Private Greens Senior Inter-Association team for the first time in 1964, although it was in the indoor stadium form of the game where he enjoyed more conspicuous playing success as a member of the international team between 1975 and 1978. He acted as President of Larne BC in both 1963 and 1965, subsequently being nominated as NIPGBL President in 1966. A capable and effective administrator he served as Honorary Treasurer of the IBA between 1969 and 1985. He was appointed President of the British Isles Bowls Council in 1976 and enjoyed two periods in office as BIBC Honorary Secretary, firstly from 1981 to 1985 and then between 1988 and 1992. Although he had previously been President of the Irish Bowling Association in 1980, he was re-elected as its President in 2004, the year in which the association celebrated its centenary. Richmond’s appointment for that special occasion was universally welcomed and approved as he epitomises the values that the IBA has sought to promote over the course of its history – an enthusiasm for the sport, a willingness to make a full contribution to the life of his club, a preparedness to accept office and to carry out duties with integrity and distinction. In short Richmond has been an ambassador for Irish bowls. According to Houston McBride (IBA Centenary publication 1904-2004), at the centenary dinner Richmond ‘….gave a momentous and inspiring speech, worthy of the occasion and recognised by a standing ovation by the assembled company.’ Reflecting on a busy, eventful and successful year in office, Richmond wrote: ‘The highlight was probably being present, with my wife, throughout the World Bowls championships, and seeing the Ireland team win gold, silver and bronze medals on their way to finishing third overall. What a way to celebrate the Centenary!’ In acknowledgement of his contribution to his club and to the various governing bodies Richmond was made a life member of Larne BC and is an Honorary Member of the NIPGBL, the IBA and the BIBC.

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Eddie McNally Eddie McNally made his senior international début at second to David Corkill in 1986 alongside Stan Espie and Jim Brankin and he went on to captain Ireland in the 1988 international series. At club level, as a member of the all-conquering Falls side, he was no stranger to success winning regular team honours in league and cup competitions. As well as winning the PGL Fours in 1975, he won consecutive PGL Triples championships in 1976, 1977 and 1978 with Billy McKelvey and Jim Brankin, converting two of these into Irish national titles. Eddie is well-known and respected for his distinguished service to his own club, to the NIPGBL and to the IBA over many years. In addition he played a prominent role in the Coaches organisation and as an umpire. Under Eddie’s management Ireland regained the Home International title in Jersey in 1999, for the first time since 1981. His tenure as international manager also coincided with an unprecedented sequence of success for Ireland at British Isles, Commonwealth and World level. One of a number of young emerging players who developed and prospered under Eddie’s leadership was the current international team manager Neil Booth who recalls Eddie’s period in charge in glowing terms. ‘Eddie was down to earth, approachable, good company on many overseas trips. Above all he was someone with a wealth of experience who helped set us young guys on the road to future success.’ Eddie also served as a selector for the NIPGBL and the IBA and was made an Honorary Member of the NIPGBL in 2013.

Jersey 1999

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North McQuay In a successful playing career North McQuay won the PGL Singles in 1974 and 1977 (he finished runner-up in the IBA Singles in both years) and the PGL Fours in 1966, 1969, 1977 and 1980. The 1977 winners, David Corkill, Ken Kilpatrick, North and Willie Watson went on to become the IBA and BIBC Fours champions as well.

North made his international début as a skip in 1974 and played further series in 1975 and 1978. At club level he contributed to Knock’s league wins in 1964, 1967, 1973 and 1990, PGL Senior Cup wins in 1972, 1977 and 1986 and IBA Cup wins in 1971, 1978 and 1989.

He served the NIPGBL and the IBA with distinction, initially as IBA Honorary Assistant Secretary between 1985 and 1991, then as IBA Secretary 1992-2000 and as an international selector for many years. Honorary membership of the IBA and NIPGBL was conferred in 2001 and 2003 respectively. Asked to consider the fortunes of Knock BC over his years as a member he traces the origin of the club’s success back to an era when a number of highly competitive and determined indoor players, accustomed to success, joined the club and instilled a stronger will to win which brought with it a quick improvement in the overall standard of play within the club. Reflecting on his own personal experiences over the years North highlights the influence of prominent figures such as Tom Sutton, Richmond McKay, Cecil Beck and Leslie Menabney. He recalls a negative experience of his own when he missed a rare opportunity to win an indoor series for Ireland with the last bowl and reveals how he used this experience to guide how he supported players both in success and in defeat as an administrator and official in subsequent years.

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Richard Minnis At a meeting of the Belfast and District Bowls League on 29th March 1924 the decision was taken to arrange a friendly game between a team representing the Private Greens clubs and a team from Kenilworth Bowling Club in Dublin. In so doing the decision-makers established a friendly relationship between the League and the Kenilworth club which has developed over the years and a friendly fixture which remains an integral part of the bowling calendar. In 1943 the annual fixture was given added relevance and purpose by the intervention of Richard Minnis, a member of both Larne Bowling Club and Kenilworth Bowling Club and a former President of the NIPGBL (1939). During the previous year Richard Minnis had feared blindness but the expertise of ophthalmic surgeons ensured that his sight was saved. As a mark of his gratitude to the surgeons who had helped him he decided that he would like to do something to help, support and encourage those who experienced similar circumstances in the future. His idea was that his many friends within the NIPGBL and the Kenilworth club would be willing to make an annual contribution to a fund and therefore he decided to present a substantial trophy to be contested each year between the League and Kenilworth. The distinctive, intricately designed trophy, featuring the badges of the NIPGBL and Kenilworth and the clubhouses of Larne and Kenilworth, was presented by Mr Minnis at a lunch which he hosted in the boardroom of the Great Northern Railway on Saturday 28th August 1943, and on that same afternoon the first match for the trophy took place at Cavehill Bowling Club, resulting in a 128-112 win for Kenilworth. Mr T Bill and Mr AP Grimston, Presidents of the NIPGBL and Kenilworth respectively in 1943, presented Mr Minnis with a gold cigarette case to acknowledge his generous gift, and it is now presented to the winning President each year. On 4th May 1940 Mr Minnis also presented a flag to be flown at the club of each year’s NIPGBL President. Richard Minnis was President of Larne Bowling Club in 1923, 1936, 1948, 1949 and 1952 and of the NIPGBL in 1939. He was an accomplished bowler who made his international début in 1928 and won the PGL Fours in 1934. With the Larne club he won the IBA Senior Cup in 1939, 1940 and 1946, the PGL Senior Cup in 1934 and 1946 and the PG Senior League in 1926, 1931, 1937, 1939, 1942 and 1948. His appointment as the captain of the Irish team for the 1936 international series in Glasgow, his fifth series at that level, earned him the following accolade from ‘The Skip’ in the ISN (13/6/36): ‘He is a bowler of excellent ability and as a skip has on several occasions proved the right man in the right place. (….) His enthusiasm for the game stands very high, but he does not let this run away with him when difficult shots are before him and the hope is strong in Irish hearts that he will lead his team to victory.’ Many, if not all, of the players who assemble on an annual basis to contest the Minnis Trophy will never have had the opportunity to meet Richard Minnis, who died on 20th June 1952. However, they gather to enjoy some sporting competition, to offer continued support to his chosen cause, to honour his memory and to pay tribute to his contribution to our sport within, and far beyond, the confines of the NIPGBL.

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Hugh Montgomery Hugh Montgomery’s initial involvement with bowls in the NIPGBL came as a result of a foot injury sustained in an accident which prevented him from playing tennis in the summer of 1957. An occasional bowler at Forth River, he was recruited to the senior team due to player unavailability during the July holidays and his love for the sport developed from that moment. He recalls, in particular, the experience of playing against accomplished internationals such as PT Watson, Gerry Crossey, Syd Thompson, Ted Haslem and Sammy Park. Representative honours came quickly with selection for the NIPGBL senior team in 1960 on PT Watson’s rink at a time when the NIPGBL dominated the Inter-Association series. International recognition followed soon after with selection for the 1961 series. Hugh is engagingly modest about his own achievements, preferring to focus on the many bonds of friendship established over years of competition on the green rather than the list of honours which he accumulated during a successful playing career. Nevertheless he understandably takes considerable pride in winning the PGL Pairs in 1962 alongside his brother Jim, defeating the formidable international pair of George Best and Syd Thompson from Willowfield in the final. Characteristically he quickly draws attention to the fact that Syd exacted his revenge by defeating Hugh in the PGL Singles final some years later. A move to Cavehill in 1972 afforded Hugh the opportunity to play alongside well-known players like Jimmy Hood and Tom Sutton and Hugh had the privilege of skipping on a Cavehill team which won the IBA Senior Cup in 1972. Hugh had the distinction of winning the inaugural Falls Champion of Champion Singles in 1966, a title which he regained in 1972 and held until the discontinued competition was revived in the 1990s. He was also City of Belfast Singles winner in 1971, Texaco International Masters Singles winner in 1973 and the IBA Jubilee Pairs winner with Tom Sutton in 1977. A distinguished playing career has, of course, been followed by an impressive list of administrative roles which Hugh has fulfilled with efficiency and integrity. Having been President of Cavehill in 1987, he served as Honorary Secretary of the NIPGBL from 1989 to 2002. With the NIPGBL the pre-eminent force in Irish bowls for much of that period, including world champions Stan Espie, Sammy Allen and Jim Baker in their ranks, and enjoying considerable coverage in the local press, Hugh was able to attract significant sponsorship for championships, leagues and cups, a total of almost £5000 a year which secured the association’s sound financial position. Hugh was nominated as NIPGBL President in 1997, going on to be IBA President in 2000 and then BIBC President in 2005. He was also an international selector between 1991 and 2001. Hugh speaks knowledgeably, passionately and thoughtfully about bowls, as you might expect from someone who has served our League and our sport as a player, official and administrator for over half a century, a contribution which was deservedly recognised when both the NIPGBL and IBA conferred upon him honorary membership. Declining club membership, the movement of players from club to club, a diminished social aspect to the game and the standard of greens are some of the issues which cause him concern in the modern era. Nevertheless he is unfailingly positive about the experiences which he enjoyed throughout his distinguished playing and administrative careers.

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Tom Sutton MBE Like many other prominent figures within the NIPGBL, Tom Sutton’s relationship with outdoor bowls began in the NIBA when he became a member of Carrickfergus Bowling Club. He enjoyed success as the winner of the NIBA Pairs with Victor McAleese in 1955 and by being selected to represent the NIBA in the Senior InterAssociation championship. Although he had decided to move to Cavehill, he was elected President at Carrickfergus Bowling Club in 1956 and delayed his move until 1959. In a distinguished playing career Tom Sutton won three PGL Singles titles and won the IBA Singles championship in 1968. He made his outdoor international début in Cardiff in 1959 at second alongside Roy Fulton (Coleraine), and Jack Webb (Musgrave) on the rink skipped by the legendary PT Watson and was subsequently selected for further series between 1969 and 1978. At club level with Cavehill he won the IBA Senior Cup twice (1962 and 1972), the PGL Senior League twice (1958 and 1961) and the PGL Senior Cup once in 1959. Additionally he won the City of Belfast Pairs with Syd Thompson in 1971 and the IBA Jubilee Pairs with Hugh Montgomery in 1977. Yet it is in a range of administrative roles that he exerted a lasting and beneficial influence on the world of bowls. Speak to anyone who knows Tom and they acknowledge and pay immediate tribute to the benefits which accrued from his incessant work on behalf of Irish bowls. Tom was President of Cavehill and of the NIPGBL in 1969, of the IBA in 1975 and of the BIBC in 1980. He also served as IBA Treasurer from 1977-1988 and as Treasurer of the BIBC from 1986-1996. It was for these latter roles that Tom earned particular acclaim from Ronnie Harper in an article published on 5/10/96 (ISN). He referred to ‘…Sutton, a man with the Midas touch when it came to getting sponsorship for the game… While others were talking about what had to be done, he was already doing it. A man who just wouldn’t take no for an answer.’ As Treasurer of the IBA he forged a particularly close and advantageous link with CIS Insurance and their representative Peter Carmichael, in whose name a trophy for the young bowler of the year is annually presented by the IBA. His powers of persuasion and organisational skills were also seen to good effect when he attracted a host of renowned players to prestigious events such as the TSB Masters at Cavehill and the CIS Champion of Champions Singles at Ulster Transport. Tom also played an influential role fostering links with other associations, locally, nationally and internationally, as he was instrumental in planning and organising many successful bowling tours.

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He showed a strong commitment to coaching as well, frequently going to clubs to deliver coaching clinics. His contribution was recognised when, in 1987, he received the British Association of National Coaches, Coach of the Year Award, presented by Olympic gold medallist Mary Peters. Perhaps the best summary of Tom’s contribution and approach to bowls is found in his own words, in his message as IBA President in the 1975 yearbook. ‘Bowling has indeed been kind to me and I have enjoyed untold pleasures and rewards, but what I treasure most is undoubtedly the many friendships made during that time. (….) My wish is that we shall all play our part in further promoting the wonderful feeling of fellowship that exists throughout the bowlers of Ireland, and that each and every one may freely enjoy his game to the full.’

Presentation from IBA to Tom Sutton

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Syd Thompson OBE It is an indication of the elevated status which someone has attained in their chosen sport that they become widely known and instantly recognised by their Christian name alone. In the same way as rugby followers revere the career achievements of Willie John, as bike enthusiasts treasure the memories of Joey, as golf fans celebrate the successes of Rory, so a whole generation of bowlers followed, with respect and admiration, the fortunes of Syd. Syd Thompson is synonymous with Willowfield Bowling Club, with the Private Greens and with Irish bowls. He represented Ireland for a record 26 uninterrupted international series and one of the undoubted highlights of his international career was in 1951 when he captained, and skipped a rink on, the Irish team which regained the British Isles Home International title for the first time since 1905. Reflecting on the 1951 series, when previewing the 1953 series, the ISN correspondent observed: ‘To Syd perhaps more than any other player we owe the trophy in that never to be forgotten season.’ Another playing career highlight was his selection for the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh where he won a bronze medal in the Pairs in partnership with Jimmy Donnelly. The 1972 international series saw Syd become the most capped bowler in the world when he earned his 76th cap, although this proved to be his last series representing his country. Of course, Syd also enjoyed conspicuous success while representing the NIPGBL at Inter-Association level, including being an ever-present member of the renowned side which won the Inter-Association title seven years in a row between 1958 and 1964. He collected a range of championship honours at association level winning the PGL Singles in 1950, 1958 and 1967, the PGL Pairs in 1949 and 1957 and the PGL Fours in 1955, 1957, 1959, 1960 and 1961. To this he added Irish titles in the Singles (1950), Pairs (1949 and 1957) and Fours (1960 and 1961). At club level he was an integral part of a very successful era in the history of Willowfield Bowling Club, playing a prominent and influential role in IBA Senior Cup wins in 1945, 1952, 1954, 1955 and 1963, in PG Senior League wins in 1951, 1953, 1960, 1963 and 1972 and in PG Senior Cup wins in 1947, 1951, 1954 and 1975. Syd was also a distinguished administrator, serving as NIPGBL President in 1974 and as IBA and BIBC President in 1964. The 1964 international series at Albert Foundry must have been a particularly busy one for him as he combined his responsibilities off the green as IBA and BIBC President with his continuing role as a skip of one of the Irish rinks. Syd served with distinction as a NIPGBL and Irish selector and as international team manager in the 1980s and early 1990s. The 1991 international series in Ebbw Vale, which proved to be his last as the international team manager, nevertheless represents a significant point in the development of Irish bowls at international level. Under Syd’s management the international selectors made 8 changes to the previous year’s team and launched the international careers of promising new players such as Neil Booth, Noel Graham and Gary McCloy who, along with others, contributed so much to Ireland’s steadily improving fortunes over the next number of years.

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PT Watson MBE Located on the Milltown Road at Shaw’s Bridge the Belfast Indoor Bowls Club stadium serves as a permanent reminder of the lifetime achievements of Percy T Watson after whom it is named. The modern, comfortable premises, the welcoming environment, the thriving atmosphere of friendly competition, the ethos of developing and nurturing an interest in the sport of bowls represent a fitting legacy for, and tribute to, the memory of PT Watson to whose foresight and endeavour it owes its construction and existence. PT Watson enjoyed success throughout his bowling career. At club level he won the IBA Cup with Cavehill in 1932, 1941 and 1962, played an integral role in PG Senior League successes with the same club on at least three occasions and also added wins in the 1941 and 1959 PGL Senior Cup. Inter-Association and international honours came quickly and he was selected to represent Ireland at ten international series. He made his international début in 1930 and played his last series in 1947. The highlights of his international career were selection for three Commonwealth Games in which he won a gold medal in the 1954 Pairs in Vancouver alongside Billy Rosbotham (Portadown) and a silver medal in London in 1934 in the Fours with Cecil Curran (Shaftesbury), Charlie Clawson (Shaftesbury) and George Watson (Larne). PT Watson’s involvement in any bowling competition generated a level of interest which we now find difficult to comprehend. The ISN of 3/6/50 reported that ‘a gallery of about 300 at Cliftonville green last night saw PT Watson (Cavehill) beat Harry Whiteside (Castleton) in the third round of the Private Greens Singles.’ The list of championship honours which he accumulated in his career is incredible. PT Watson won the PGL Singles title on eight occasions between 1927 and 1957, added seven Pairs titles between 1930 and 1963 and won the Fours title on three occasions. He enjoyed success at national championship level also, winning the IBA Singles in 1933 and 1938, the IBA Pairs in 1926 and 1930 and the IBA Fours in 1926. He was also a formidable and respected administrator who served as President of Cavehill in 1937 and 1955 and of Ewarts in 1948. He was President of the IBA in 1944 and the NIPGBL in 1952 before becoming President of the International Bowling Board in 1959 and 1960. Additionally he was President of the Irish Indoor Bowling Association which regulates the short mat version of the sport. In advance of the 1933 British Isles international series PT Watson submitted for publication to the local press the following lines as a rallying cry to the Irish side of which he was captain. ‘Remember that selectors and officials have every confidence in you. Adverse criticism is harmful – forget it. Do not let your morale be undermined by outside opinion. We are a good team. Ireland has suffered too long from inferiority complex. Forget past failures, forget harmful criticism and individualities, and remember that we are a good team. Co-operation is essential to success. Sink your personality –

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remember you are playing for your country. Foster a team spirit. Mistakes will be made – overlook them. Encouragement will minimise mistakes, but adverse criticism will engender further errors. Remember each one is doing his utmost. A word of praise, encouragement or even sympathy may invoke a burst of brilliance. Encourage one another – act in harmony and blend as rinks and as a team. Be loyal to yourself – be loyal to your rink and skip – be loyal to your country. Play to win, but play the game.’ The content of this contribution reflects a period in which public criticism of all those associated with the efforts of the international team, including players and selectors, was prevalent. However, it testifies also to PT Watson’s positive and purposeful vision of success, his determination to get the very best from his team, to foster a culture of encouragement and support, to promote a team ethic and to apply the highest standards and highest expectations to all those upon whom the highest honour of representing their country had been conferred. The same values characterised his long association with our sport as a player and as an administrator and ensure that he will continue to be remembered as one of the preeminent figures not just in the history of the NIPGBL but also in the history of Irish bowls.

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NIPGBL OFFICIALS NIPGBL PRESIDENTS 2017 M Nutt NIPGBL/Old Bleach 2016 R McKitterick Forth River 2015 D McCloy Ards 2014 P Butler MSc Falls 2013 T O’Boyle Mossley 2012 D Forsythe NIPGBL/NICS 2011 W Cockcroft Willowfield 2010 C Marsden Hilden 2009 G Walsh Cliftonville 2008 H Johnston Belfast 2007 R Orr Comber 2006 T McIlvenna NIPGBL/Old Bleach 2005 RG Hogg Cavehill 2004 E Conville North Belfast 2003 G Strong Belmont 2002 R Blair Larne 2001 D Newell Knock 2000 TJ Kilpatrick Shaftesbury 1999 DA Graham OBE Dunbarton 1998 N Lamont Shorts 1997 H Montgomery NIPGBL/Cavehill 1996 B Burns RVH 1995 N Haffern Northern Telecom 1994 S McKeown Ballywalter 1993 GR Millar RUC 1992 CE Gillett NIPGBL/Hilden 1991 T Gibson Owenbeg 1990 CH McDonald Malone 1989 WH Robinette Saintfield 1988 JH Graham NICS 1987 F Robinson Salisbury 1986 D Shivers Gallaher 1985 W Patton Old Bleach 1984 S Baxter Ulster Transport 1983 JA Thompson Pickie 1982 JF Quinn BEM Castleton 1981 WE Courtney Ballymena 1980 J Billingsley Albert Foundry

1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942

H Beattie D Fulton J Lowry EJ Gordon JDB Dennison SJ Thompson OBE W Caves J Patterson BSc JR McClune JW Boyce TD Sutton J McCullough RC Brown AR McKay E McMaw S Laverty MM HA Pulford G Higgins JP H Simpson WS McVeigh C de G SG Kane WT Hill S Frew F Rollins R Carson JN Lamont F Allen PT Watson J Cummings J Black JP J Hopkins JP MH Henry JP J Thompson J Stevenson J Ritchie J MacBride T Bill H Livingstone

Ewarts Forth River Ards Falls Mossley Willowfield Hilden Cliftonville Belfast Comber Cavehill North Belfast Belmont Larne Civil Service Knock Shaftesbury Dunbarton Short Brothers Salisbury Gallaher Old Bleach Ulster Transport Pickie Castleton Ballymena Albert Foundry Ewarts Forth River Ards Falls Mossley Willowfield Hilden Cliftonville Belfast Cavehill North Belfast

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1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929

HT Coulter HT Coulter R Minnis W Montgomery W Roberts WJ Baird T Agnew WM Gibson MD, JP H Carson DE Gardiner R Baines WJ Murdoch TR Neville

D McCloy 2015

Belmont Belmont Larne Knock Ewarts Forth River Falls Willowfield Cliftonville Belfast Ulster Cavehill North Belfast

T O’Boyle 2013

1928 HT Coulter Belmont 1927 J Ross Larne 1926 CP Knight Knock 1925 WJ Eves Queen’s Island 1924 J Harris Cliftonville 1923 W Lindsay Belfast 1922 A Wilson Ulster 1921 W Irvine Cavehill 1920 W Allen North Belfast 1919 HT Coulter Belmont 1918 J Walker Larne 1917 S Pink Knock

W Cockcroft 2011

H Johnston 2008

R Orr 2007

T McIlvenna 2006

RG Hogg 2005

E Conville 2004

G Strong 2003

DA Graham OBE 1999

B Burns 1996

CE Gillett 1992

WH Robinette 1989

F Robinson 1987

WE Courtney 1981

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NIPGBL HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY 2015- D McCloy Ards 2005-2014 R Blair Larne 2002-2004 N Haffern Nortel 1989-2001 H Montgomery Cavehill 1985-1988 R McKeown Belmont 1979-1984 TC McGookin NICS 1970-1978 JR Stirling MBE Belfast 1966-1969 WS McVeigh C de G Salisbury 1963-1965 S Dornan Belmont 1948-1962 J Thompson Willowfield 1939-1947 T Lemon Willowfield 1934-1938 H Russell Forth River 1930-1933 AD MacColl Belmont 1917-1929 WJ Murdoch Cavehill

JR Stirling MBE

NIPGBL HONORARY ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

2012- G Walsh BEM Cliftonville 2010-2011 T McIlroy Nortel 2002-2009 D Forsythe NICS 1998-2001 N Haffern Nortel 1997 CE Gillett Hilden 1959-1962 S Dornan Belmont 1958 RR Forbes Cliftonville 1948-1956 TR Neville North Belfast

NIPGBL HONORARY TREASURER

2009- D Forsythe NICS 2000-2008 DA Graham OBE Dunbarton 1981-1999 CE Gillett Hilden 1975-1980 JW Boyce Comber 1972-1974 S Getty Cliftonville 1953-1971 H Lutton Cavehill 1939-1952 W Montgomery Knock 1934-1938 WJ Murdock Cavehill 1921-1933 AD MacColl Belmont 1917-1920 HT Coulter Belmont

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NIPGBL COMPETITIONS SECRETARY 1993- 1989-1992 1980-1988 1963-1979

D Irvine S McKeown JS Paxton J Scott

Ulster Transport Ballywalter Knock Belmont

Sam McKeown

NIPGBL HONORARY LEAGUE SECRETARY

2011- T McIlroy 1994-2010 T McIlvenna 1993 D McCloy 1990-1992 J Williamson 1989 JS Paxton

Nortel Old Bleach Comber Cavehill Knock

T McIlroy presenting Centenary Trophy 2017

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NIPGBL SELECTORS SINCE 1940 JR Nicholl Ballymena M Nutt Old Bleach C Mulholland Dunbarton S Bell Larne P McVeigh Falls R Horner Belmont SB Allen Ballymena W Cockcroft Willowfield I Orchin Ulster Transport E McNally Falls R McCune Ballymena J Nutt Pickie J Greer Falls W Patton Old Bleach JW Ralph MBE Nortel D Cubitt Ballymena A Smith Knock E Cruickshanks Shaftesbury SJ Thompson OBE Willowfield J Buchanan Cliftonville S Leslie Belmont J Lowry Ards J Boyce Comber A Kennedy Ballymena EJ Gordon Falls JR McClune Belfast S McCaw Castleton J Stirling MBE Belfast J McPartland Falls J Fee Cavehill

Selectors 2016

E McMaw Civil Service J McCullough North Belfast W Caves Hilden WS McVeigh C de G Salisbury S Laverty Knock J Thompson Pickie H Pulford Shaftesbury AB McLoughlin Cavehill WJ Artt Cliftonville J Heasley Gallaher H Donaldson Belfast H Lutton Cavehill S Dornan Belmont WA Long Hilden J Thompson Willowfield RR Forbes Cliftonville R Carson Castleton MH Henry Mossley S Mitchell Comber J Stevenson Hilden W Montgomery Knock WR Hewitt Knock J Ritchie Cavehill J MacBride Belfast JP McConnell Falls TR Neville North Belfast T Lemon Willowfield J Girvan Larne T Bill Cavehill

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NIPGBL HONORARY MEMBERS 2015 R Blair Larne 2013 D Irvine Ulster Transport 2013 E McNally Falls 2003 R Harper Pickie 2003 JN McQuay Knock 1996 CE Gillett Hilden 1996 H Montgomery Cavehill 1990 J Lowry Ards 1990 JS Paxton Knock 1987 TD Sutton MBE Cavehill 1986 JBD Dennison Mossley 1985 J McCullough North Belfast 1985 AR McKay Larne 1985 SJ Thompson OBE Willowfield 1982 J Dawson Castleton 1978 W Chapman Belmont

1976 1973 1971 1970 1970 1969 1968 1968 1966 1959 1944 1939 1935 1933

W Caves J Cummings WS McVeigh C de G G Hatch F Allen JP J Thompson F Greer WA Stewart S Dornan JP PT Watson MBE A Brown JP H Russell AD MacColl WJ Murdoch

Hilden Forth River Salisbury Willowfield Albert Foundry Willowfield Willowfield Knock Belmont Cavehill Belmont Forth River Belmont Cavehill

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IBA OFFICIALS Between 1930 and 1959 Major Sir William Baird DL JP held the position of Honorary Life President in recognition of his valued contribution to bowls in Ireland. Those listed between these years, therefore, held the position of Chairman of the Irish Bowling Association.

IBA PRESIDENTS 2017 D Forsythe NICS 2013 R Blair Larne 2010 T McIlvenna Old Bleach 2007 DA Graham OBE Dunbarton 2004 AR McKay Larne 2003 N Haffern Nortel 2000 H Montgomery Cavehill 1996 CE Gillett Hilden 1994 W Patton Old Bleach 1991 J McCullough North Belfast 1988 EJ Gordon Falls 1986 JF Quinn BEM Castleton 1983 TC McGookin NICS 1980 AR McKay Larne 1978 W Caves Hilden 1975 T Sutton Cavehill 1972 C Clawson Shaftesbury 1970 JR Stirling MBE Belfast

1967 1964 1962 1958 1957 1955 1953 1949 1944 1940 1939 1937 1936 1935 1927 1924 1923

N Haffern 2003

J McCullough 1991

CE Gillett 1996

W Patton 1994

H Lutton Cavehill SJ Thompson Willowfield MH Henry JP Mossley Simon Logan MC Pickie Simon Logan MC Pickie F Allen Albert Foundry J Gribbon BA Larne S Mitchell Comber PT Watson Ewarts Councillor J Hopkins Falls W Coe Ballymena A Brown JP Belmont DE Gardiner Belfast J Patterson JP Mossley TH Barr Cliftonville W McLean North Belfast S Pink Knock

EJ Gordon 1988

JF Quinn BEM 1986

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TC McGookin 1983

W Caves 1978

C Clawson 1972

JR Stirling MBE 1970

IBA HONORARY SECRETARY 2012- WJ Millar Old Bleach 2006-2011 T McGarel Larne 1992-2000 JN McQuay Knock 1963-1980 R Thompson Shaftesbury 1956-1961 R Beattie Cavehill 1935-1936 T Bill Cavehill 1927-1934 T McCrindle Ulster/Belmont 1913-1920 W Govan Ulster/Belmont

WJ Millar

IBA HONORARY ASSISTANT SECRETARY 2012- 2011 2004-2006 2001-2003 1985-1991 1939-1947 1937-1938

C Campbell WJ Millar D Forsythe D Hunter JN McQuay T Lemon H Russell

Knock/CI Knock Old Bleach NICS NICS Knock Willowfield Forth River T McGarel

R Thompson

H Lutton 1967

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IBA HONORARY TREASURER 2009- DA Graham Dunbarton 1977-1988 TD Sutton MBE Cavehill 1969-1976 AR McKay Larne 1955-1968 C Clawson Shaftesbury 1928-1954 TH Barr Cliftonville

IBA COMPETITIONS SECRETARY 2015- D McCloy Ards 2005-2014 R Blair Larne 2002-2004 N Haffern Nortel 1989-2001 H Montgomery Cavehill 1985-1988 R McKeown Belmont 1979-1984 TC McGookin NICS 1970-1978 JR Stirling MBE Belfast 1966-1969 WS McVeigh C de G Salisbury 1963-1965 S Dornan Belmont 1948-1962 J Thompson Willowfield

IBA HONORARY MEMBERS 2003 H Montgomery Cavehill 2001 R Harper Pickie 2001 JN McQuay Knock 1988 TD Sutton MBE Cavehill 1984 S Nash Cavehill 1978 AR McKay Larne 1973 R Thompson Shaftesbury 1968 J Cummings Forth River 1968 C Clawson Shaftesbury 1967 S Dornan Belmont 1967 SJ Thompson Willowfield 1958 PT Watson Cavehill 1955 TH Barr Cliftonville 1944 A Brown JP Belmont 1936 T McCrindle Belmont 1929 S Pink Knock 1922 W Govan Ulster/Belmont 1904 JC Hunter Belfast

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BRITISH ISLES BOWLS COUNCIL HONORARY MEMBERS AR McKay (Larne)

TD Sutton MBE (Cavehill)

JN McQuay (Knock)

PRESIDENT 2005 H Montgomery Cavehill 1980 TD Sutton MBE Cavehill 1976 AR McKay Larne 1968 C Clawson Shaftesbury 1964 SJ Thompson Willowfield

HONORARY SECRETARY 1981-1985 and 1988-1992 AR McKay Larne 1970-1980 R Thompson Shaftesbury

AR McKay BIBC Honorary Secretary and TD Sutton MBE BIBC Honorary Treasurer with V Hubbard (Wales) BIBC Past President, W Gracey (Ireland) BIBC President and HJ Hall (England) BIBC Vice President Larne 1992

HONORARY TREASURER 1986-1996 TD Sutton MBE Cavehill 1970-1980 R Thompson Shaftesbury

INTERNATIONAL BOWLING BOARD PRESIDENT 1970 R Thompson Shaftesbury 1959-60 PT Watson Cavehill 1953 TH Barr Cliftonville TH Barr

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INTERNATIONALS SENIOR INTERNATIONALS

S Adamson Dunbarton C Allen Shaftesbury SB Allen Ballymena/Cliftonville W Artt Cliftonville D Atkinson Belmont J Baker North Belfast/Forth River J Baker Cliftonville/Ballymena DW Barnett Belmont W Barr Ballymena R Battersby Knock R Beattie Cavehill AK Bell Belfast S Bennett Belmont G Best Willowfield RC Blakely Cavehill N Booth Cliftonville/Old Bleach S Boyd North Belfast J Brankin Falls A Brown Belmont J Busby Ulster H Bustard Belfast J Cameron Belmont R Campbell Cavehill J Carlisle Belmont H Caruth Belmont J Cathcart Ballymena W Caves Hilden J Clements Cavehill S Coleman Ballymena DS Corkill Knock R Corry Knock J Coulter Knock J Craig Salisbury JA Craig Larne JM Craig Cliftonville S Craig Larne G Crossey Falls J Crowther Castleton J Cummings Forth River J Curry Cliftonville

P Daly Belmont/Ulster Transport P Davey Falls Dr JR Davison Ulster A Dickson Belmont JJ Donnelly Falls A Duncan Ballymena HE Eaton Cavehill S Elliman Falls S Espie Falls/Willowfield J Fee Cavehill S Ferguson Knock R Fiddis Ulster Transport B Fitzmaurice Cliftonville/Castleton F Fitzpatrick Falls WR Forsythe Ulster D Gardiner Belmont DE Gardiner Belfast W Gardiner Ulster/Belfast Dr JH Getty Cavehill EJ Gordon Falls W Govan Belmont WK Graham Belfast M Greenfield Dunbarton J Greer Falls W Greer Willowfield S Hall Old Bleach D Hamilton Belmont W Hanna Hilden WR Hanna Forth River EJ Haslem Shaftesbury S Hegan Shaftesbury WR Hewitt Knock E Heyburn North Belfast J Hicks Ulster M Higgins Dunbarton J Hoey Falls R Horner Belmont D Hull Castleton AP Hunter Larne W Irvine Cavehill WJ Irwin Cliftonville A Jamieson Belfast

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D Johnston Cliftonville J Kane Larne TJ Kearney Belfast/Larne A Kennedy Ballymena T Kennedy Shaftesbury S Kerr Dunbarton D Kirkpatrick Belmont S Kirkwood Old Bleach A Kyle Ballymena/Larne S Laverty Knock D Livingstone Ewarts H Livingstone North Belfast H Logan Cavehill K Lynn NICS W Lyons Cavehill G Madine Albert Foundry W Mahood Falls S Martin Belmont A McAlpine Queen’s Island/Cliftonville B McBrien Falls J McCann Falls C McCartan Dunbarton CC McCartney Castleton F McCartney Belmont J McCavana Falls F McClements Hilden A McConnell Belmont G McCrea Belfast T McCrea Ulster/Belfast J McCutcheon Cliftonville W McDowell Castleton P McGarrity Falls JP McHaffie Cavehill M McHugh Ballymena J McIntyre Belfast R McKane Ballymena W McKelvey Falls P McKernan Belmont AB McLaughlin Cavehill W McLetchie Belmont E McNally Falls J McPartland Jnr Falls J McPartland Snr Falls M McPeak Belmont J McPherson Willowfield JN McQuay Knock

D McRandal Larne R McReavie Forth River P McVeigh Falls D Millar Falls J Millar Ballymena R Minnis Larne A Montgomery NICS H Montgomery Forth River W Montgomery Falls C Mulholland Belmont N Mulholland Old Bleach JK Neave Ballymena J Nelson Ballymena A Nixon Willowfield JL Nutt Pickie M Nutt Old Bleach S O’Brien Falls T Oswald Belmont HH Palmer Belfast J Park Forth River SH Park Cliftonville E Parkinson Belmont J Patterson Cavehill J Patterson Cliftonville W Pimley Falls S Pink Knock RM Rae Cavehill T Reeves Gallaher N Robinson Ballymena J Rogan Falls Dr J Rusk Cavehill H Russell Forth River T Russell Belmont S Shields Ballymena B Sloan Belmont J Sloan Cliftonville W Sloan Castleton A Smith Falls G Smyth Knock E Steele Saintfield WA Stewart Knock LE Stone Castleton TD Sutton Cavehill J Talbot Old Bleach WS Tate Shaftesbury JB Teuton Ulster/Belfast

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B Thompson J Thompson SJ Thompson SJ Thompson WJ Thompson W Thomson T Topping J Walker G Watson PT Watson

Ulster Transport Cliftonville/Cavehill Ulster Willowfield Belfast Shaftesbury Cavehill Larne Larne Cavehill

W Watson Knock TH Watt Knock GWC Wells Belfast J Wilkin Castleton DJ Wilson Dunbarton J Wilson Belfast C Worthington Knock FJ Wright Cliftonville S Wylie Old Bleach

A Duncan

A Hughes

A Kyle

A Montgomery

A Smith

C Worthington

D Gardiner

D Hamilton

D McRandal

DJ Wilson

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 131

E Parkinson

J Greer

JL Nutt

M Higgins

N Mulholland

S Adamson

S Bennett

S Coleman

S Espie

SH Park

S Martin

S O’Brien

W Pimley

W Watson

WS Tate

132 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

JUNIOR INTERNATIONALS P Adamson Dunbarton C Allen NICS D Atkinson Belmont S Barkley Old Bleach A Barr Dunbarton D Beattie Dunbarton R Bell Mossley S Bennett NICS D Bintley Belmont A Bonnar Ballymena P Brennan Falls R Cavan Belmont S Cavan Ballywalter/Belmont A Coleman Ballymena D Copeland Falls D Coulter Ulster Transport T Crawford Salisbury/Belmont P Daly Belmont C Dennison Dunbarton A Dilworth Ulster Transport D Dilworth Ulster Transport A Duncan Ballymena D Duncan Ballymena C Eadie NICS G Ervine Forth River S Falls Ballymena R Fleming Ballymena R Fiddis Ulster Transport J Gaston Ballymena M Greenfield Dunbarton G Harper Pickie A Harrison Willowfield I Harrison Old Bleach M Higgins Dunbarton P Hutton Knock/Willowfield J Kelly Dunbarton N Kennedy Salisbury J Kerr Larne R Kirkwood Hilden/Old Bleach

S Kirkwood Old Bleach A Kyle Larne T Law Cliftonville A Leckey Dunbarton R Lynn Pickie J McBride Comber M McCafferty Falls C McCall Falls C McCartan Dunbarton D McElroy Dunbarton S McKinley Ulster Transport D McRandal Larne J Millar Ballymena/Old Bleach D Mills Pickie J Moffett Dunbarton D Morrow Comber N Murray Old Bleach D Nixon Shorts/NICS D Olphert Cliftonville D Palmer Ballywalter G Robinson Salisbury T Robinson Knock P Rooney Owenbeg A Scott Old Bleach N Scott Knock D Shields Ballymena S Shields Ballymena C Snoddy Larne J Talbot Old Bleach G Thompson Knock D Torrington Ballymena/UlsterTransport M Torrington Ballymena S Walker Belmont J Watson Pickie A Whisker Saintfield/Knock DJ Wilson Dunbarton D Witherspoon Larne G Young Belmont

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 133

A Whisker

C McCartan

D Atkinson

D Mills

G Harper

A Leckey

J McBride

J Moffett

J Watson

P Hutton

R Bell

R Kirkwood

S Barkley

S Falls

S Shields

134 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

COMMONWEALTH GAMES MEDALLISTS AND REPRESENTATIVES 2014 Glasgow Triples P Daly (Belmont) and N Booth (Old Bleach) Silver medallists with N Mulholland (Lisnagarvey) Fours

P Daly (Belmont) and N Booth (Old Bleach) with N Mulholland (Lisnagarvey) and I McClure (Portrush)

2010 Delhi Triples

2014 Glasgow

P Daly (Belmont) and N Booth (Old Bleach) with M McHugh (Whitehead)

2006 Melbourne Triples M McPeak (Belmont) and N Booth (Old Bleach) Silver medallists with J Henry (Portrush) 2002 Manchester Fours M Nutt (Old Bleach), N Booth (Old Bleach) and J Baker (Ballymena) Bronze medallists with N Graham (Lisnagarvey)

2002 Manchester

1998 Kuala Lumpur Pairs SB Allen (Cliftonville) with N Graham (Lisnagarvey) Fours

N Booth (Old Bleach) Gold medallist with M McHugh (Whitehead), I McClure (Portrush) and G McCloy (Portrush)

1998 Kuala Lumpur

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 135

1994 Victoria Pairs S Adamson (Dunbarton) and SB Allen (Cliftonville) Bronze medallists 1990 Auckland Singles

DS Corkill (Knock)

Fours SB Allen (Cliftonville) and J Baker (Cliftonville) Silver medallists with R McCutcheon (Bangor) and J McCloughlin (Lisnagarvey) 1986 Edinburgh Singles

S Espie (Willowfield)

Pairs

D Hamilton (Belmont) with R McCutcheon (Bangor)

Fours W Montgomery (Falls) and W Watson (Knock) Bronze medallists with R McCune (Limavady) and E Parkinson (Ormeau)

1994 Victoria

1982 Brisbane Singles

DS Corkill (Knock)

Pairs

W McKelvey (Falls) and B McBrien (Falls)

Fours SB Allen (Ballymena) and W Watson (Knock) Bronze medallists with J McCloughlin (Lisnagarvey) and F Campbell (Carrick)

1990 Auckland

1978 Edmonton Singles

S Espie (Falls)

Pairs

B McBrien (Falls) with J Higgins (YRCD)

Fours

JJ Donnelly (Falls) and W Watson (Knock) with M Dunlop (Ormeau) and W Murray (Portrush) 1986 Edinburgh

136 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

1974 Christchurch Pairs

W Pimley (Falls) and WS Tate (Shaftesbury)

Fours

JJ Donnelly (Falls) and J Craig (Salisbury) with G Sloan (Bangor) and J Dennison (Banbridge)

1970 Edinburgh Pairs

1974 Christchurch

JJ Donnelly (Falls) and SJ Thompson (Willowfield) Bronze medallists

Fours E Gordon (Falls) Bronze medallist with J Higgins (YRCD), H Stevenson (Donaghadee) and WS Tate (Bangor) 1962 Perth, Australia Singles

PT Watson (Cavehill)

1970 Edinburgh

1958 Cardiff Pairs PT Watson (Cavehill) with W Rosbotham (Portadown) Fours

G Best (Willowfeld) and G Crossey (Falls) with TL Henry (Londonderry) and J Webb (Musgrave)

1954 Vancouver Pairs PT Watson (Cavehill) Gold medallist with W Rosbotham (Portadown) 1934 London Singles

Dr J Rusk (Cavehill)

1954 Vancouver

Fours G Watson (Larne) and PT Watson (Cavehill) Silver medallists with C Curran (Shaftesbury) and C Clawson (Shaftesbury) 1934 London

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 137

WORLD BOWLS MEDALLISTS AND REPRESENTATIVES 2016

Christchurch

Triples

S Martin (Belmont) and N Mulholland (Old Bleach) with M McHugh (Whitehead)

Fours S Martin (Belmont) and N Mulholland (Old Bleach) Bronze medallists with I McClure (Portrush) and M McHugh (Whitehead) 2012 Adelaide Singles

M McHugh (Ballymena)

Pairs

M McHugh (Ballymena) with I McClure (Portrush)

Triples

P Daly (Belmont), J Talbot (Old Bleach) and N Booth (Old Bleach) Bronze medallists

2016 Christchurch

Fours P Daly (Belmont), J Talbot (Old Bleach) and N Booth (Old Bleach) Bronze medallists with I McClure (Portrush) 2008 Christchurch Pairs J Baker (Ballymena) with M McHugh (Whitehead) Triples

N Booth (Old Bleach) with J Ross (Lisnagarvey) and J Henry (Portrush)

Fours

N Booth (Old Bleach) and J Baker (Ballymena) with J Ross (Lisnagarvey) and J Henry (Portrush)

2012 Adelaide

2004 Ayr Pairs

J Baker (Ballymena) Silver medallist with N Graham (Lisnagarvey)

Triples

N Booth (Old Bleach) Bronze medallist with J Ross (Lisnagarvey) and J Henry (Portrush)

Fours N Booth (Old Bleach) and J Baker (Ballymena) Gold medallists with J Ross (Lisnagarvey) and N Graham (Lisnagarvey)

2004 Ayr

138 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

2000 Johannesburg Pairs

N Booth (Old Bleach) with J Henry (Portrush)

Fours

N Booth (Old Bleach) with M McHugh (Whitehead), I McClure (Portrush) and G McCloy (Portrush)

1996 Adelaide Singles

SB Allen (Cliftonville)

Pairs SB Allen (Cliftonville) Gold medallist with J Henry (Portrush) 1992 Worthing Singles

S Adamson (Dunbarton)

Pairs S Adamson (Dunbarton) and SB Allen (Cliftonville) Silver medallists Fours

1996 Adelaide

SB Allen (Cliftonville) with V Dallas (Coleraine), J McCloughlin (Lisnagarvey) and E Parkinson (Ormeau)

1988 Auckland Singles

S Espie (Willowfield)

Triples

S Espie (Willowfield), SB Allen (Ballymena) and J Baker (Cliftonville)

Fours SB Allen (Ballymena) and J Baker (Cliftonville) Gold medallists with R McCutcheon (Bangor) and J McCloughlin (Lisnagarvey)

1988 Auckland

1984 Aberdeen Singles

DS Corkill (Knock)

Pairs

DS Corkill (Knock) and T Kennedy (Shaftesbury)

Triples

S Espie (Willowfield), SB Allen (Ballymena) and J Baker (Cliftonville) Gold medallists

Fours

S Espie (Willowfield), T Kennedy (Shaftesbury), SB Allen (Ballymena) and J Baker (Cliftonville)

1984 Aberdeen

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 139

1980 Melbourne Singles

S Espie (Falls)

Pairs

S Espie (Falls) and B McBrien (Falls)

Triples

J Greer (Falls) and W Watson (Knock) with J Higgins (YRCD)

Fours

J Greer (Falls), B McBrien (Falls) and W Watson (Knock) with J Higgins (YRCD)

1976 Johannesburg

1980 Melbourne

Triples D Hull (Castleton) Bronze medallist with J Higgins (YRCD) and W Murray (Portrush) Fours

D Hull (Castleton) with J Higgins (YRCD), J Henry (Ballymoney) and W Murray (Portrush)

1972 Worthing Pairs

WS Tate (Shaftesbury) with R Fulton (Coleraine)

Fours WS Tate (Shaftesbury) with G Sloan (Bangor), T Kennedy (Leinster) and J Dennison (Banbridge) 1966 Kyeemagh Pairs

J McPartland Jnr (Falls) with P McGuirk (Leinster)

Fours

J McPartland Jnr (Falls) with C Taylor (Coleraine), C Beck (Banbridge) and P McGuirk (Leinster) 1966 Kyeemagh

140 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

NIPGBL CHAMPIONS PGL SINGLES WINNERS 2016 M McPeak Belmont 2015 P Convery Dunbarton 2014 A Morrison Ballymena 2013 T Rainey Old Bleach 2012 D Dubois Belmont 2011 P Daly Ulster Transport 2010 M McPeak Belmont 2009 N Robinson Ballymena 2008 T Budde Belmont 2007 N Booth Old Bleach 2006 S Hall Old Bleach 2005 M McPeak Belmont 2004 N Booth Old Bleach 2003 DJ Wilson Dunbarton 2002 M Greenfield Dunbarton 2001 C Dennison Dunbarton 2000 DJ Wilson Dunbarton 1999 D Hamilton Belmont 1998 J Talbot Old Bleach 1997 J Talbot Old Bleach 1996 P Daly Belmont 1995 SB Allen Cliftonville 1994 A Whisker Saintfield 1993 C Best Willowfield 1992 J Patterson Cliftonville 1991 W Montgomery Falls 1990 S Adamson Dunbarton 1989 J Baker Cliftonville 1988 DS Corkill Knock 1987 S Elliman Falls 1986 W McKelvey Falls 1985 M Horner Belmont 1984 TD Sutton Cavehill 1983 SB Allen Ballymena 1982 P McVeigh Falls 1981 TD Sutton Cavehill 1980 DS Corkill Knock

1979 SB Allen 1978 JM Craig 1977 JN McQuay 1976 JJ Donnelly 1975 WS Tate 1974 JN McQuay 1973 W Curragh 1972 W Pimley 1971 W Crothers 1970 TC McGookin 1969 A McConnell 1968 TD Sutton 1967 SJ Thompson 1966 E Cruickshanks 1965 J Carlisle 1964 A McConnell 1963 C Matthews 1962 T Nixon 1961 A Smith 1960 J Hood 1959 M Fleming 1958 SJ Thompson 1957 PT Watson 1956 SJ Hendron 1955 A Dougan 1954 T Craig 1953 PT Watson 1952 B Fitzmaurice 1951 J Johnston 1950 SJ Thompson 1949 RH Kelly 1948 FJ Wright 1947 H Whiteside 1946 FJ Wright 1941-45 1940 PT Watson 1939 PT Watson

Ballymena Cliftonville Knock Falls Shaftesbury Knock Ards Falls Ewarts NICS NICS Cavehill Willowfield Hilden Belmont Belmont Gallaher Willowfield Falls Cavehill UTA Willowfield Cavehill Belmont Cavehill Willowfield Cavehill Cliftonville North Belfast Willowfield Belfast Cliftonville Castleton Cliftonville No Competition Cavehill Cavehill

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 141

1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932

FJ Wright WJ Thompson PT Watson G Brennan J Park WJ Thompson PT Watson

Cliftonville Cliftonville Cavehill Falls Forth River Belmont Cavehill

1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926

WJ Thompson Dr Rusk C Clarke PT Watson PT Watson T McCrea

Ulster Cavehill North Belfast Cavehill Cavehill Ulster

M McPeak Belmont PGL Singles 2016

DJ Wilson Dunbarton PGL Singles 2000, 2003

M Greenfield Dunbarton PGL Singles 1996

C Dennison Dunbarton PGL Singles 2001

A Whisker Saintfield PGL Singles 1994

W Crothers Ewarts PGL Singles 1971

142 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

PGL PAIRS WINNERS 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975

M Nutt, S Kirkwood P Daly, S Martin C McCartan, DJ Wilson S Shields, J Baker S Shields, J Baker T Rainey, N Booth R Eynon, A Trueick P Daly, B Thompson T Mulholland, C Mulholland P Robinson, A Kyle P Daly, D Coulter P Daly, B Thompson P Daly, B Thompson G Wilson, B Magrath B Matchett, A Harrison J Baker, SB Allen J Baker, SB Allen DJ Wilson, C Dennison M McPeak, R Horner JM Craig, J Craig M Nutt, J Talbot M McPeak, B Daly R Saunders, A Montgomery J Talbot, M Nutt J Baker, SB Allen J McGinn, P McWilliams D Thompson, B Thompson B Caruth, JL Nutt B Caruth, JL Nutt B Craig, J Baker H Evans, R McReavie W Chambers, S Hegan C Worthington, DS Corkill C Worthington, DS Corkill E McNally, S Elliman A McComb, A Smith S Espie, W McKelvey J Rogan, JJ Donnelly WJ Thompson, J Campbell J Rogan, JJ Donnelly I Orchin, T Reeves W McKelvey, W Pimley

Old Bleach Belmont Dunbarton Ballymena Ballymena Old Bleach Ewarts Ulster Transport Dunbarton Larne Ulster Transport Ulster Transport Ulster Transport Ballymena Willowfield Ballymena Ballymena Dunbarton Belmont Cliftonville Old Bleach Belmont NICS Old Bleach Cliftonville Cliftonville Ulster Transport Pickie Pickie Cliftonville Forth River Shaftesbury Knock Knock Falls Knock Falls Falls Ards Falls Gallaher Falls

M Nutt, S Kirkwood Old Bleach PGL Pairs 2016

T Rainey, N Booth Old Bleach PGL Pairs 2011

B Caruth, JL Nutt PGL Pairs 1988, 1989

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 143

1974 S Espie, JJ Donnelly 1973 J Burgess, R McCullough 1972 S Cheddy, D Hull 1971 S Cheddy, D Hull 1970 J Webb, JJ Donnelly 1969 A Smith, W Pimley 1968 A Smith, W Pimley 1967 J Sloan, S Park 1966 H McCullough, J Holland 1965 C Park, T Russell 1964 C Allen, EJ Haslem 1963 H Wright, PT Watson 1962 J Montgomery, H Montgomery 1961 H Watterson, G Crossey 1960 C Allen, EJ Haslem 1959 AB McLaughlin, PT Watson 1958 C Allen, EJ Haslem 1957 G Best, SJ Thompson 1956 R Sterling, J Boyd 1955 SH Park, WJ McDonald 1954 JJ Burns, G Crossey 1953 J McPherson, C Fox 1952 WJ Artt, B Fitzmaurice 1951 R Hayes, JG McNabb 1950 AB McLaughlin, PT Watson 1949 G Best, SJ Thompson 1948 R McCartney, J Leadbetter 1947 J Gregson, G Arthurs 1946 A Glass, WJ Baird 1941-45 1940 G Wells, WJ Thompson 1939 W Lyons, PT Watson 1938 A Boyle Jr, A Boyle 1937 J Baker, H Russell 1936 W Lyons, PT Watson 1935 J Baker, H Russell 1934 AD MacColl, A Winder 1933 W McKenzie, S Craig 1932 J Kane, G Watson 1931 W Lyons, PT Watson 1930 W Lyons, PT Watson 1929 D Clarke, H Livingstone 1928 A Harvey, J Clements

Falls Forth River Castleton Castleton Falls Falls Falls Cliftonville Pickie Belmont Shaftesbury Cavehill Forth River Falls Shaftesbury Cavehill Shaftesbury Willowfield Shaftesbury Cliftonville Falls Willowfield Cliftonville Willowfield Cavehill Willowfield Castleton Albert Foundry Forth River No Competition Belfast Cavehill North Belfast Forth River Cavehill Forth River Belmont Larne Larne Cavehill Cavehill North Belfast Cavehill

WJ Thompson, J Campbell Ards PGL Pairs 1978

H McCullough, J Holland Pickie PGL Pairs 1966

144 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

PGL TRIPLES WINNERS 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970

D Duncan, M Torrington, A Duncan S Shields, G Wilson, A Morrison M Higgins, T Bell, A Hughes D Copeland, C McCartan, DJ Wilson JR Nicholl, S Coleman, A Kyle P Daly, S McKinley, B Thompson M Nutt, B Magrath, S Hall A Bonar, G Wilson, B Magrath D McElroy, G McElroy, C Dennison D Copeland, P McGarrity, M Merritt M Nutt, S Hall, N Booth P Daly, B Daly, B Thompson G Lithco, M Nutt, S Hall D Coulter, S McKinley, R Fiddis R Horner, T Mulholland, C Mulholland T Law, M Nutt, J Talbot N Robinson, S Herbison, J Baker J Dickson, C Dennison, G McElroy M Nutt, F Robb, J Talbot M Nutt, J Talbot, N Booth P Daly, B Daly, D Hamilton I McKeown, D Gardiner, T Budde W Kinkead, T Seymour, A McDowell W McCandless, J Robinson, R McCune B Matchett, R Chalmers, A Briggs D Thompson, R Craig, B Thompson D Carson, D Heatley, D Johnston W Magill, D McCullough, V Atkinson D Carson, D Heatley, D Johnston T Lavery, S Nash, TD Sutton I McKeown, D Gardiner, D Hamilton P Reynolds, C Worthington, DS Corkill D Moore, J Bainbridge, T Hamill P Reynolds, C Worthington, DS Corkill W Shivers, D Griffin, J McCullough J Greer, W McKelvey, B McBrien J Dickey, WJ Harrison, D Newell R Gray, JM Craig, J Craig E McNally, W McKelvey, J Brankin E McNally, W McKelvey, J Brankin E McNally, W McKelvey, J Brankin E Hamilton, G Mitchell, G Neill D Gillespie, I Waring, R Best A Smith, J Greer, B McBrien R Hamilton, J Shaw, E Steele S Millar, F Anderson, T Reeves J Webb, A Smith, W Pimley

Ballymena Ballymena Dunbarton Dunbarton Ballymena Ulster Transport Old Bleach Ballymena Dunbarton Falls Old Bleach Ulster Transport Old Bleach Ulster Transport Belmont Old Bleach Ballymena Dunbarton Old Bleach Old Bleach Belmont Belmont Larne Ballymena Willowfield Ulster Transport Cliftonville Castleton Cliftonville Cavehill Belmont Knock Mossley Knock North Belfast Falls Knock Cliftonville Falls Falls Falls Belmont Willowfield Falls Saintfield Gallaher Falls

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 145

Ballymena PGL Triples 2016

Old Bleach PGL Triples 2010

Dunbarton PGL Triples 1999

Belmont PGL Triples 1996

Larne PGL Triples 1994

Willowfield PGL Triples 1992

Belmont PGL Triples 1975

146 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

PGL FOURS WINNERS 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975

S Cavan, R Horner, S Martin, S Bennett W Scott, N McNally, B Trimble, N Booth M Higgins, A Hughes, DJ Wilson, M Greenfield S Trainor, C Trainor, M Trainor, M Merritt F Larkin, J Kelly, T Bell, C Dennison M Nutt, S Hall, J Talbot, N Booth M Higgins, A Hughes, DJ Wilson, M Greenfield S Trainor, D Nixon, M Merritt, M Trainor P Campbell, D Boal, S Denley, S Braniff S Falls, J Hodges, N Robinson, J Baker M Higgins, I Perry, DJ Wilson, C Dennison M Nutt, C Barnes, S Hall, N Booth P Adamson, I Perry, T Bell, C Dennison M McPeak, J Boyd, D Hamilton, R Battersby P Harrison, B Matchett, J McMullan, A Harrison M Nutt, S Hall, J Talbot, N Booth M McPeak, T Mulholland, R Horner, C Mulholland J Dickson, G McElroy, P Moore, M Greenfield A Smith, P Davey, S O’Brien, P McFall M McPeak, A McComb, R Horner, C Mulholland JR Nicholl, D Hamilton, S Herbison, R McCune H Robb, N McNally, F Robb, N Booth R Smith, R Gray, J Patterson, D Johnston P Daly, R Stothers, G Mitchell, B Daly J McConville, S Kerr, T Greenfield, M Greenfield JR Nicholl, S Herbison, D Hamilton, R McCune D Carson, J McDonnell, C Porter, J Baker D Mineely, M Horner, B Sloan, R Horner W Montgomery, J McGettrick, W Pimley, S Elliman G Thompson, C McGrath, JD McDowell, T Porter T Evans, W McFadden, W Patton, S Wylie H Hayes, R Burns, G Sloan, JL Nutt JM Craig, R Gray, J Craig, J Baker J Warden, E Cruickshanks, T O’Neill, EJ Haslem B Sloan, M Horner, I McKeown, R Horner A Smith, H Snoddy, W Pimley, W McKelvey D Corkill, DS Corkill, JN McQuay, W Watson M Murray, A Dornan, J Greer, B McBrien D Hamilton, A McCormick, I McKeown, J Carlisle DS Corkill, K Kilpatrick, JN McQuay, W Watson JJ Stewart, T Brennan, R Balmer, K Lynn W McKelvey, E McNally, W Pimley, J Brankin

Belmont Old Bleach Dunbarton Dunbarton Dunbarton Old Bleach Dunbarton Falls Pickie Ballymena Dunbarton Old Bleach Dunbarton Belmont Willowfield Old Bleach Belmont Dunbarton Falls Belmont Ballymena Old Bleach Cliftonville Belmont Dunbarton Ballymena Cliftonville Belmont Falls Knock Old Bleach Pickie Cliftonville Shaftesbury Belmont Falls Knock Falls Belmont Knock NICS Falls

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 147

1974 R Bell, G Perry, S Coulter, L Cowden 1973 H McCullough, W Ballance, E McDuff, J Holland 1972 J Flanagan, P Gregory, H Watterson, G Crossey 1971 R Beattie, G Gillespie, S Kerr, J Dawson 1970 D Marshall, T Lindsay, R McBriar, WJ Norwood 1969 T Branagh, R Jamison, JN McQuay, R Tosh 1968 H Watterson, J Webb, JJ Donnelly, G Crossey 1967 W Pimley, T McKelvey, A Smith, B McBrien 1966 T Branagh, R Jamison, JN McQuay, R Tosh 1965 T Branagh, R Jamison, R Tosh, J Blakely 1964 T Russell, A McConnell, W Clarke, J Carlisle 1963 J Boyd, J Duncan, C Curran, RT Clawson 1962 H Watterson, G McNeill, J Webb, G Crossey 1961 G Best, W Greer, F Greer, SJ Thompson 1960 G Best, W Greer, F Greer, SJ Thompson 1959 G Best, W Greer, F Greer, SJ Thompson 1958 G Fitzell, W Brown. J Colgan, J McKittrick 1957 G Best, W Greer, F Greer, SJ Thompson 1956 C Park, T Russell, J Scott, H Caruth 1955 G Best, W Greer, F Greer, SJ Thompson 1954 J McCavana, E Bradley, JJ Burns, G Crossey 1953 RH Carson, J Maguire, L Sone, W McDowell 1952 W Greer, H Beck, FW Anderson, RJ Anderson 1951 W Andrews, C Hoey, WR Hanna, WJ Baird 1950 J Wilson, J Barr, G McNeill, D Millar 1949 W Manderson, R Martin, H McCalmont, E Heyburn 1948 D King, H Logan, J McGarry, AB McLaughlin 1947 H McClean, J Watson, W Malcolm, A McAlpine 1946 CW Lord, J Patterson, R Francis, J Thomson 1941-45 No Competition 1940 W Lyons, W Clarke, J Patterson, AB McLaughlin 1939 W Beattie, A Boyle, W McCutcheon, J Watson 1938 W Lyons, J Clements, RM Rae, PT Watson 1937 W Blair, I Bennett, C Elwood, S Bradley 1936 S Logan, M Gibson, WW Fulton, J McCutcheon 1935 J Robinson, J Billingsley, H Livingstone, E Heyburn 1934 AB Glover, WJJ Johnston, C Walker, R Minnis 1933 RM Rae, J Clements, W Irvine, PT Watson 1932 T McQueen, H Morton, P Cunningham, WJ Thompson 1931 J Wilson, T Chambers, RJ Thompson, W Gardiner 1930 T McCluney, C Walker, JC Madden, G Watson 1929 R Campbell, J Clements, C Tinsley, PT Watson 1928 J Kane, T Gardiner, JC Madden, G Watson

Shaftesbury Pickie Falls Dunbarton Saintfield Knock Falls Falls Knock Knock Belmont Shaftesbury Falls Willowfield Willowfield Willowfield Forth River Willowfield Belmont Willowfield Falls Castleton Willowfield Forth River Falls North Belfast Cavehill Cliftonville Cavehill Cavehill North Belfast Cavehill Ewarts Cliftonville North Belfast Larne Cavehill Queen’s Island Ulster Larne Cavehill Larne

148 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

Old Bleach PGL Fours 2015

Dunbarton PGL Fours 2004

Dunbarton PGL Fours 1999

Old Bleach PGL Fours 1995

Willowfield PGL Fours 1955, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961

Ewarts PGL Fours 1937

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 149

PGL JUNIOR SINGLES WINNERS 2016 S Shields Ballymena 2015 R Bell Mossley 2014 S Kirkwood Old Bleach 2013 C Mullen Forth River 2012 A Coleman Ballymena 2011 A Duncan Ballymena 2010 T Crawford Salisbury 2009 S Shields Ballymena 2008 C McCall Falls 2007 M Torrington Ballymena 2006 R Fleming Ballymena 2005 K McGarry Larne 2004 R Fleming Ballymena 2003 J Millar Ballymena 2002 M McCafferty Falls 2001 R Fleming Ballymena 2000 S McKinley Ulster Transport 1999 J Kelly Dunbarton 1998 B Smyth Larne 1997 S Falls Ballymena 1996 M Greenfield Dunbarton 1995 D Coulter Ulster Transport 1994 T Law Cliftonville 1993 P Daly Belmont 1992 N Booth Cliftonville 1991 N McAleese Ballymena 1990 A Harrison Willowfield 1989 J Frazer Willowfield 1988 J Patterson Gallaher 1987 N McBratney Shorts 1986 JD McDowell Knock 1985 M Leckey Shaftesbury 1984 A McComb RUC 1983 DS Corkill Knock 1982 JR Nicholl Ballymena 1981 J Baker Cliftonville 1980 C Worthington Knock 1979 D Livingstone Ewarts 1978 D Hamilton Belmont 1977 I McKeown Belmont 1976 D Shivers Gallaher 1975 WJB Higgins Dunbarton 1974 D Hull Castleton 1973 D Philip Shaftesbury

S Shields Ballymena PGL Junior Singles 2016

R Bell Mossley PGL Junior Singles 2015

C Mullen Forth River PGL Junior Singles 2013

JR Nicholl Ballymena PGL Junior Singles 1982

D Shivers Gallaher PGL Junior Singles 1976

150 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

PGL YOUTH SINGLES WINNERS 2016 A McKeown Mossley 2015 A McKeown Mossley 2014 S Kirkwood Old Bleach 2013 S Kirkwood Hilden 2012 R McKeown Mossley 2011 S Coleman Ballymena 2010 R Kirkwood Hilden 2009 T Crawford Salisbury 2008 S Shields Ballymena 2007 D Green Ulster Transport 2006 A Duncan Ballymena 2005 D Massey Comber 2004 D Torrington Ballymena 2003 D Torrington Ballymena 2002 C McCall Falls 2001 G Eaton Salisbury 2000 G Eaton Salisbury

R McKeown Mossley PGL Youth Singles 2012

G Eaton Salisbury PGL Youth Singles 2001, 2002

PGL SENIOR FOURS WINNERS 2016 2015 2014 2013

J McLaney, R Barr, R Battersby, R Horner JR Nicholl, RA Coleman, J Hodges, R Torrington J McLaney, R Barr, R Battersby, R Horner R Nesbitt, J Mooney, JL Nutt, W Angus

Belmont PGL Senior Fours 2016

Belmont Ballymena Belmont Pickie

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 151

IBA CHAMPIONS IBA SINGLES WINNERS 2011 2002 1993 1990 1989 1988 1985 1982 1980 1979 1978 1973 1968 1960 1954 1950

P Daly M Greenfield C Best S Adamson J Baker DS Corkill M Horner P McVeigh DS Corkill SB Allen JM Craig W Curragh TD Sutton J Hood SH Park SJ Thompson

Ulster Transport Dunbarton Willowfield Dunbarton Cliftonville Knock Belmont Falls Knock Ballymena Cliftonville Ards Cavehill Cavehill Cliftonville Willowfield

1948 1946 1940 1939 1938 1936 1934 1933 1932 1925 1924 1921 1920 1918

FJ Wright B Fitzmaurice J Baker J Baker PT Watson W Brown J Park PT Watson Dr J Rusk TJ Kearney DW Barnett S Boyd WR Forsythe W Dougal

M Greenfield Dunbarton IBA Singles 2002

S Adamson Dunbarton IBA Singles 1990

P McVeigh Falls IBA Singles 1982

W Curragh Ards IBA Singles 1973

Cliftonville Cliftonville Forth River Forth River Cavehill Knock Forth River Cavehill Cavehill Larne Belmont North Belfast Ulster North Belfast

152 | NIPGBL 1917-2017

IBA PAIRS WINNERS

2012 S Shields, J Baker 2008 T Mulholland, C Mulholland 2007 P Robinson, A Kyle 2001 J Baker, SB Allen 1987 B Craig, J Baker 1986 H Evans, R McReavie 1985 W Chambers, S Hegan 1979 J Rogan, JJ Donnelly 1965 C Park, T Russell 1961 H Watterson, G Crossey 1957 G Best, SJ Thompson 1956 R Sterling, J Boyd 1955 SH Park, WJ McDonald 1954 JJ Burns, G Crossey 1953 J McPherson, C Fox 1949 G Best, SJ Thompson 1948 R McCartney, J Leadbetter 1937 H Jones, WJ Thompson 1933 W Andrews, S Bradley 1930 W Lyons, PT Watson 1926 RM Rae, PT Watson 1924 S Craig, TJ Kearney 1923 R Campbell, Dr J Rusk

Ballymena Dunbarton Larne Ballymena Cliftonville Forth River Shaftesbury Falls Belmont Falls Willowfield Shaftesbury Cliftonville Falls Willowfield Willowfield Castleton Belfast Forth River Cavehill Cavehill Larne Cavehill

J Baker, SB Allen Ballymena IBA Pairs 2001

IBA TRIPLES WINNERS

2014 M Higgins, T Bell, A Hughes 2013 D Copeland, C McCartan, DJ Wilson 2012 JR Nicholl, S Coleman, A Kyle 2011 P Daly, S McKinley, B Thompson 2008 D McElroy, G McElroy, C Dennison 2005 P Daly, B Daly, B Thompson 2003 D Coulter, S McKinley, R Fiddis 2001 T Law, M Nutt, J Talbot 1996 P Daly, B Daly, D Hamilton 1995 I McKeown, D Gardiner, T Budde 1988 D Carson, D Heatley, D Johnston 1982 W Shivers, D Griffin, J McCullough 1980 J Dickey, WJ Harrison, D Newell 1979 R Gray, JM Craig, J Craig 1978 E McNally, W McKelvey, J Brankin 1976 E McNally, W McKelvey, J Brankin

Dunbarton Dunbarton Ballymena Ulster Transport Dunbarton Ulster Transport Ulster Transport Old Bleach Belmont Belmont Cliftonville North Belfast Knock Cliftonville Falls Falls

Old Bleach IBA Triples 2001

North Belfast IBA Triples 1982

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IBA FOURS WINNERS

2016 S Cavan, R Horner, S Martin, S Bennett 2014 M Higgins, A Hughes, DJ Wilson, M Greenfield 2012 F Larkin, J Kelly, T Bell, C Dennison 2010 M Higgins, A Hughes, DJ Wilson, M Greenfield 2009 S Trainor, D Nixon, M Merritt, M Trainor 2007 S Falls, J Hodges, N Robinson, J Baker 2003 M McPeak, J Boyd, D Hamilton, R Battersby 2001 M Nutt, S Hall, J Talbot, N Booth 2000 M McPeak, T Mulholland, R Horner, C Mulholland 1994 R Smith, R Gray, J Patterson, D Johnston 1993 P Daly, R Stothers, G Mitchell, B Daly 1992 J McConville, S Kerr, T Greenfield, M Greenfield 1986 T Evans, W McFadden, W Patton, S Wylie 1982 B Sloan, M Horner, I McKeown, R Horner 1977 DS Corkill, K Kilpatrick, JN McQuay, W Watson 1972 J Flanagan, P Gregory, H Watterson, G Crossey 1968 H Watterson, J Webb, JJ Donnelly, G Crossey 1964 T Russell, A McConnell, W Clarke, J Carlisle 1962 H Watterson, G McNeill, J Webb, G Crossey 1961 G Best, W Greer, F Greer, SJ Thompson 1960 G Best, W Greer, F Greer, SJ Thompson 1951 W Andrews, C Hoey, WJ Hanna, WJ Baird 1948 D King, H Logan, J McGarry, AB McLaughlin 1935 W Smyth, H Morrow, J Tait, H Deering 1933 W McClean, H Savage, F Sheppard, H Livingstone 1930 J Fullerton, H Jones, WG Weir, F Speed 1926 R Campbell, J Clements, RM Rae, PT Watson 1923 M Gibson, S Halliday, R Gillen, J Robinson 1922 W McClean, TR Neville, A Boyle, J Gillespie 1921 T Taggart, A Wilson, R Blakeley, D Wilson 1917 P Sheridan, A Wilson, W Irvine, Dr JR Davison

Belmont IBA Fours 2003

Old Bleach IBA Fours 1986

Belmont Dunbarton Dunbarton Dunbarton Falls Ballymena Belmont Old Bleach Belmont Cliftonville Belmont Dunbarton Old Bleach Belmont Knock Falls Falls Belmont Falls Willowfield Willowfield Forth River Cavehill Belmont North Belfast Queen’s Island Cavehill North Belfast North Belfast Ulster Ulster

Belmont IBA Fours 1935

North Belfast IBA Fours 1922

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IBA JUNIOR SINGLES WINNERS

2016 S Shields Ballymena 2012 A Coleman Ballymena 2011 A Duncan Ballymena 2009 S Shields Ballymena 2008 C McCall Falls 2003 J Millar Ballymena 2000 S McKinley Ulster Transport 1998 B Smyth Larne 1996 M Greenfield Dunbarton 1980 C Worthington Knock 1979 D Livingstone Ewarts

B Smyth Larne IBA Junior Singles 1998

IBA YOUTH SINGLES WINNERS

2016 A McKeown Mossley 2013 S Kirkwood Hilden 2010 R Kirkwood Hilden 2008 S Shields Ballymena 2006 A Duncan Ballymena A McKeown Mossley IBA Youth Singles 2016

IBA SENIOR FOURS WINNERS

2016 J McLaney, R Barr, R Battersby, R Horner 2015 JR Nicholl, RA Coleman, J Hodges, R Torrington 2014 J McLaney, R Barr, R Battersby, R Horner

Ballymena IBA Senior Fours 2015

Belmont Ballymena Belmont

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BRITISH ISLES CHAMPIONS BIBC SINGLES 2011 1993 1980 1979

P Daly C Best DS Corkill SB Allen

P Daly BIBC Singles 2011

Ulster Transport Willowfield Knock Ballymena

C Best BIBC Singles 1993

DS Corkill BIBC Singles 1980

SB Allen BIBC Singles 1979

BIBC PAIRS 1979 M Murray, J Rogan

Falls

BIBC TRIPLES 2014 1996 1988 1979

Falls BIBC Pairs 1979

M Higgins, T Bell, A Hughes P Daly, B Daly, D Hamilton D Carson, D Heatley, D Johnston R Gray, JM Craig, J Craig

Dunbarton BIBC Triples 2014

Belmont BIBC Triples 1996

Dunbarton Belmont Cliftonville Cliftonville

Cliftonville BIBC Triples 1988

Cliftonville BIBC Triples 1979

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BIBC FOURS 2001 2000 1982 1977 1968 1964 1962

M Nutt, S Hall, J Talbot, N Booth M McPeak, T Mulholland, R Horner, C Mulholland B Sloan, M Horner, I McKeown, R Horner DS Corkill, K Kilpatrick, JN McQuay, W Watson J Webb, H Watterson, J Donnelly, G Crossey T Russell, A McConnell, W Clarke, J Carlisle J McPartland, G McNeill, J Webb, G Crossey

Old Bleach BIBC Fours 2001

Belmont BIBC Fours 1982

Falls BIBC Fours 1968

Old Bleach Belmont Belmont Knock Falls Belmont Falls

Belmont BIBC Fours 2000

Knock BIBC Fours 1977

Belmont BIBC Fours 1964

Falls BIBC Fours 1962

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 157

BIBC JUNIOR SINGLES 2003 J Millar 1980 C Worthington

Ballymena Knock

J Millar BIBC Junior Singles 2003

C Worthington BIBC Junior Singles 1980

BIBC SENIOR FOURS 2014 J McLaney, R Barr, R Battersby, R Horner

Belmont BIBC Senior Fours 2014

Belmont

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DID YOU KNOW THAT...?

….the following NIPGBL clubs have all hosted matches in the British Isles Home International series. Larne (1922, 1938, 1984, 1988, 1992), Belfast (1926), Cavehill (1934), Ewarts (1956), Albert Foundry (1960 and 1964), Belmont (1968, 2001, 2005, 2009), Ulster Transport (1996). ….the 1972 Olympic pentathlon gold medallist Mary Peters played lead for Jim Baker in the mixed pairs at the Dale Farm Ulster Games in June 1986. Albert Foundry 1964

…the only two players to win the PGL Singles in consecutive years are PT Watson, Cavehill (1927 and 1928, 1939 and 1940) and James Talbot, Old Bleach (1997 and 1998). ….the format for the 1946 Private Greens Senior and Junior Cups allowed for the completion of the entire competition on just one day.

….the IBA previously ran an IBA Junior rinks championship. Winning fours from Private Greens clubs included North Belfast (1922 and 1933), Queen’s Island (1924 and 1929), Cavehill (1928), Larne (1931) and Mossley (1934 and 1935).

North Belfast 1922

….Private Greens players Sam Thompson, Ulster, HE Eaton, Cavehill, Tom McCrea, Ulster and J Walker, Larne, lost 11-12 in a particularly low scoring 21 end international game against Scotland in 1921. ….the sponsors of the PGL leagues, cups and championships have included Progressive Building Society, Greenline Products, JHS Associates, Nambarrie, Noraut, Age Concern, MK Electrics, Calor Gas, Royal Mail, First Trust Bank, Crown Berger, ICL, Dairy Council for NI, Charles Hurst, and TSB. In the 2016 season the cup competitions were sponsored by Mervyn Stewart Motors and the championships by Crawfords Accident Repair Centre.

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 159

….the last match of the 1927 season was played between Cavehill and North Belfast B teams on 8th October. ….the first bowl of the 1958 season at Belmont was delivered by the legendary Irish rugby international Jack Kyle. ….the first bowl of the Harp Bowling tournament in 1970 was delivered by future Northern Ireland football manager Billy Bingham. ….Coleraine BC competed in the PG Senior Cup competition in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

…. the longest-serving selector in the history of the NIPGBL was John McCullough (North Belfast) whose period in office began in 1967 and continued uninterrupted until 2000.

….Hugh T Coulter (Belmont) is the only person to hold the office of NIPGBL President in four different years. He also enjoyed a reputation as a writer, producing the following lines for the Australian tourists in 1932. ‘The oldest green in Ireland Is Belmont’s verdant sod, By bowlers from all arts and parts Its turf has oft been trod. And there we bid you welcome, A sterling one we mean, For golden ties bind bowling hearts, On good old Belmont green.’

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HOLD THE BACK PAGE ‘AND WAS JUVENTUS BUILDED HERE’ John Roberts memorably reworked the opening line of Blake’s famous hymn ‘Jerusalem’ to headline a piece in the Independent about Sir Jack Walker’s ambitious plans to build a European footballing superpower in the northern English town of Blackburn. Occasionally, over the years, correspondents and headline writers have found similar inspiration for their headlines attributed to items related to NIPGBL bowlers and clubs.

BLEACH BOYS MAKE GOOD VIBRATIONS It was party time in Randalstown last night as Old Bleach took a clut ch of trophies from the PGL championships finals. Sam my Hall was the main man for Ble ach as he lifted the singles award after disposing of Dunbarton’s Myles Greenfield in the final, 21-12, while there was glory for the triples as they too beat Dunbarton. Chris Holt, Sunday Life, 7 August 2006

FABULOUS BAKER BOYS ON TOP WORLD

OF THE

he belongs … on top of Jim Baker is back where rtners Neil Booth of Old the world. Baker and his pa o Jonathan Ross and Noel Bleach and Lisnagarvey du rs World champions at Graham were crowned fou iving golden memories Ayr Northfield yesterday, rev day at Auckland in 1988 for Baker of that glorious when he last struck gold. ly 2004 Ronnie Harper, ISN, 7 Ju

CLIFTONVILLE DAVIDS TURN TRIPLE GIANTS Cliftonville’s trio of Davids – Carson, Heatley and Johnston – are the 1988 Private Greens League ICL Triples Champions. Today at Stormont, home of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Club, they scored a narrow 13-12 victory over John Greer, Billy McKelvey and Brendan McBrien. Cliftonville were never headed in this technical battle. ‘I have never played as well and lost,’ said McBrien after the match. Ronnie Harper, ISN, 6 August 1988

NIPGBL 1917-2017 | 161

SCOTLAND THE NOT SO BRAVE The so-called great spirit of bowling has been proved nothing more than a myth, with the decision of Scotland to pull out of the Home Countries Internationals which were to be played in Larne next week – a decision which caused the cancellation of the event. Scotland and England’s withdraw al is hard to take, but shining through the gloom like a beacon is the complete sportsma nship and professionalism of the Welsh Bowling Association who never once refused to play bowls in Northern Ireland. Ronnie Harper, ISN, 5 June 1976.

STARS ON BROADWAY nd round of the IBA Senior Cup Portrush looked to be heading for the seco It was a tough opening cup match against Pickie at a blistering Broadway today. e skips who were Commonwealth for Pickie, considering Portrush fielded thre year – Jeremy Henry (bronze), Ian Games medal winners in Kuala Lumpur last McClure and Gary McCloy (both gold). Ronnie Harper, ISN, 8 May 1996

S REEL

IRISH DANCE A JIG AS SCOT

t and Jim Boyle Rattray, Doug Lamber ian Br of e sid s ple tri and Jim Scotland’s an Espie, Sammy Allen St d’s lan Ire as ay rd ste ld medal in a stood dejected ye er winning their first go aft ht lig de of jig a ed ph. The Baker danc r it was a personal trium ke Ba r Fo . hip ns pio World Bowls Cham his second world m Belfast had claimed fro ial fic of ce an ur ins oor title 26 year old taking the Embassy Ind er aft hs nt mo e fiv of title in the space that yesterday’s e could be no doubt er Th ry. ua br Fe in ge Sammy at Coatbrid ll deserved. ‘Stan and we s wa en de er Ab in n crushing 29-11 wi ry easy for me,’ end which made life ve nt fro h tis ot Sc e th out-bowled Baker said. ly 1984 Glasgow Herald, 19 Ju Gordon Dunwoodie,

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Acknowledgements Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for their generous practical and financial support

Our charity partners 2017 – Macmillan Cancer Support

The members of the Centenary Sub-Committee Our advertisers and sponsors The staff of Belfast Central Library, Newspaper Archive Jim Forsythe, Signtech John McIlwaine Freddie Parkinson Graham Pierpoint Trevor Robinson Alex Mills and Richard Mulligan, News Letter Printed by WG Baird Designed by Noel Brown All the member clubs who contributed information All the individual bowlers who gave interviews or supplied photos and reminiscences All those who have held office or been members of NIPGBL clubs 1917-2017

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