The Crumlin Star

Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland return with a comprehensive roundup of the incredibly busy world of Irish bowls, covering everything from championship finals to international competitions.The hosts kick off with extensive coverage of recent events, starting with the men's and ladies' Irish finals held at CYM Bowling Club and Lurgan Bowling Club respectively. They examine the team competitions in both the men's and ladies' Irish cups before turning their attention to international action.The episode provides detailed analysis of the U18 International Series and the Ladies Inter-Association Series, alongside coverage of the men's junior inter-association competition. Looking ahead, they preview the upcoming U25 International Series in Ayr, building excitement for Ireland's young talent on the international stage.The hosts also recap the IBF Junior Premier League and the U21 Mixed and Open Pairs events, showcasing the depth of competition across all age groups. They conclude their news segment with discussion of the vacant roles within the IWBA and AIIB organizations.The spotlight then turns to an inspiring interview with Sarah Kelly from Crumlin Bowling Club, a distinguished Irish international with multiple national titles and extensive elite experience. Kelly opens up about the central role family plays in her bowls journey, sharing how she met her husband through the sport and discussing the invaluable support system her family provides.In a touching segment, Kelly reflects on her most memorable career moments, including winning four Irish pairs titles alongside her mother Noleen and her triumphant British Isles Singles title victory last year. These achievements highlight not only her individual excellence but also the special family bonds that bowls can create.The conversation delves into Kelly's motivations and future aspirations, exploring her thoughts on how to move the game forward and attract new participants. Her passion for developing the sport shines through as she shares her vision for Irish bowls.The episode concludes with Sarah taking on the entertaining "Jack in the Box Perfect Irish Bowler" challenge, offering her unique perspective on what makes an ideal player based on her years of experience at the highest level.From championship drama to family legacy, and from international competition to future vision, this episode captures the rich tapestry of Irish bowls through the eyes of one of its most accomplished players.