CITY OF DERRY BOWLING CLUB TO LAUNCH 2015 SEASON

PROVING that lawn balls is not ‘just for old men’ is the aim for members of City of Derry Bowling Club at their annual Open Day later this week.

The Waterside club are aiming to boost their numbers significantly ahead of the 2015 season and they are targeting the youth of the city in order to do so.

With the better weather and longer evenings soon to be upon us, it could well be the optimum time for those looking for a new hobby to become interested in bowling.

The Open Day takes place at the club tomorrow, April 8 and all members of the public are welcome to attend, if only to find out if the game of lawn bowls is really for them. Those who satisfy their curiosity about the sport could well find themselves drawn into a sport that is both addictive and entertaining according to current City of Derry President Charlie McDaid.

“If you are not involved in bowls, you don’t know what you’re missing,” he said. “There is no end to the action when you become involved and the facilities locally and across Northern Ireland are great. The greens in Derry really are in pristine condition so please do feel free to come along to the club’s Open Day this week. You will not be disappointed.”

McDaid is determined to shed the reputation that the sport has gained in recent times, as that as one played by the older generation older. That’s most definitely not the case according to the President.

“It’s a myth,” he said. “Bowling is not just for older people, it can be played by people of any age. Bowling was a sport in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year after all, so it’s not just for one particular age group. Bowling is like any other game; you start young and you go on from there.”

Expanding the club’s membership is one of McDaid’s priorities during his tenure as President, and in his attempt to do so, he offered a unique challenge to those already at the club, as he explains:

“I persuaded everyone at the club at last year’s AGM to go out and find one new member each and if they do that we should be fine,” he laughed. “I personally have over 50 names of people so hopefully we can get the numbers we hope for. We currently have 60 members but we are looking to enhance that. We currently have three teams of 16 members each but we need more because of holidays etc. We do need in excess of 60 and we’re aiming at youth in particular.”

For those who may be developing an interest in the spot, there are no shortage of options in the city with Brooke Park Bowling Club also offering fine facilities in Rosemount. City of Derry however, boast immaculate facilities also, and McDaid admitted that the would-be-bowler could easily find himself spoiled for choice.

“Brooke Park and City of Derry are the only two bowling clubs in the city,” he explained. “Brooke Park have the use of great floodlights which is something we don’t have but what we do have is two amazing greens. They are hidden gems. They are based just behind the Garden Centre at Altnagelvin and they really are superb. The club also has great parking facilities for any new members to avail of and we have very affordable annual fees.”

Those intending to take Bowls up as a hobby will be required to pay the green fees which go to City of Derry Council but those looking to join City of Derry Bowling Club will be required to pay club fees, which are very affordable.

McDaid is passionate about the sport of bowling and he firmly believes that those who sample just a taste of what the sport has to offer could get hooked on it very easily.

“It’s just a case of showing up on Wednesday, wearing flat shoes and that’s you on the green. It’s as simple as that,” McDaid said. “Those who do visit will quickly discover that in bowls, the action never stops. This is a great time to join up with City of Derry Bowling Club.”

City of Derry Bowling Club’s Open Day will commence at 6pm on Wednesday, April 8, with the official unfurling of the club flag taking place at 6:30pm. All are welcome to attend.

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