Bowls

Short mat bowls is an indoor sport in which players attempt to score points by rolling a heavy ball along a flat surface to gain as many “shots” as possible by getting their bowls nearer to the “jack” than their opponents and to outscore them.

The club meets on Monday evenings from 7.30 to 10.00pm during the period from the beginning of September each year to the end of the following April.  There is an annual membership charge of £5.00 per person.

Club membership is open to both ladies and gents and while it is mostly St Donard’s parishioners who participate, membership is not restrictive and others are encouraged to join the club.  Age range is from 16 years upwards.

Beginners who have not played bowls before will be made especially welcome, and need have no worries regarding equipment.  Bowls will be provided and experienced club bowlers will be only too keen to assist those requiring coaching.

Bowling takes place upstairs in the Parochial Hall, which is bright, spacious and comfortable in winter.  There is a lift available for anyone who has difficulty with stairs.  The hall is big enough to allow for the laying of three mats which will accommodate up to twenty-four players at any time.

During the course of the season the club plays three competitive matches against other Church clubs and after Christmas the club arranges a competition amongst its own members as well as allowing time for those not wishing to take part to enjoy informal bowling.

A normal club evening will consist of selected teams playing against each other for the best part of two hours with an interlude of up to thirty minutes for refreshments.

In addition to bowls there is an enjoyable social aspect to the club programme which encourages fellowship among members through annual outings to the Ice Bowl and Odyssey for ten-pin bowls, followed by a meal afterwards.  There are numerous other occasions throughout the year, such as Halloween and Christmas, when a party atmosphere tends to overshadow the bowls.

Anyone requiring further information should contact one of the following:

Chairman John Banford Telephone 028 90 483156

Captain Ruth Cassidy Telephone 028 90 482439