Last week I went along to meet some of the members of St James indoor Bowling Club, now for those of you out there (like me) that might be a bit confused, I’m not talking about ten pin bowling but the more reserved indoor bowls. When I got there I was greeted by four of its members Margret Philips, Chris Walsh, Carmel Keegan and Hugh O Byrne and before I knew what was happening they had me bowling with them.
For what it’s worth, I had a great time, I can’t say I won any matches because these guys and gals are really good at what they do, so I wasn’t surprised when they told me they had just won the Liberties Festival Cup. The team was delighted with it and said they really enjoyed the tournament. Deservedly, they were quite proud of their accomplishment but this team is no stranger to success. They also play in the league, where their team plays in the second division and they last won the league in 2012. Watching and playing with them the only surprise to me was why they haven’t won since.
Their Team, St James Bowling Club, was set up twenty one years ago by Eddie Finely from Mount Brown (who is 90 years young this year) and has attracted people from all over the area. Considering the warm welcome I got, I’m not surprised because the afternoon I spent with them was great craic altogether!
When I asked how each of them found out about the club they pretty much all had the same answer “it found me”, well I guess that says it all!
So if you’re looking to take up a new sport or even just make some new friends I can’t say enough good things about St James Bowling Club and the people that comprise the team.
They practice every Tuesday from 2pm till 4pm in the Parochial Hall (beside James street Church) and are always looking for new players and supporters, so pop along this is something you have to experience, oh there is one thing, you have to be over 50. You got keep some level of exclusivity afterall!
