Dungiven Outdoor Bowling Club celebrates its 40th anniversary

Dungiven Outdoor Bowling Club’s story is one of resilience and dedication to the sport of bowls. Over the past four decades, the club has transformed into a thriving sporting hub that embodies the spirit of perseverance and teamwork.

The club was born from a shared passion for bowls and a commitment to fostering community engagement. Although the club officially begin in 1985, the seeds of its existence were sown long before. A group of local enthusiastic bowlers envisioned creating a space where people from all walks of life could connect over the joy of the game. The decision to join the Northern Ireland Provincial Association marked the beginning of a glorious chapter in the club’s history, one built on ambition and camaraderie. Denis McMacken, Honorary Secretary, is the only founding member still actively involved within the club.

In its early years, the club faced logistical challenges, playing games at Limavady Recreation Club until the grass green at Chapel Road was completed in 1988. This achievement was not merely the construction of a bowling green but a symbol of the club’s growing stature and the collective efforts of its members. The Chapel Road green quickly became the heart of Dungiven’s bowling activities, nurturing talent and fostering a sense of belonging among players and their families.

ABOVE: Members of the Dungiven Outdoor Bowling Club. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

The first President of Dungiven Outdoor Bowling Club, Eamon McCloskey, alongside Jim Johnston as Vice President and all its members laid the foundations for the club. These individuals embodied the values of respect, dedication, and sportsmanship. Their efforts ensured that the club’s ethos was rooted in inclusivity and excellence, principles that continue to guide the organisation to this day. Another stalwart of the club was John Coyle who was made its first Honorary Member.

Over the years, the club has benefited from the contributions of numerous leaders and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to enrich its culture and facilities. From organising tournaments to maintaining the facilities, every member’s effort has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of Dungiven Outdoor Bowling Club.

While the club celebrated many successes, it also faced its fair share of challenges. One of the most significant was the relocation of its playing facilities in September 2020 due to the construction of a new green on the Curragh Road. This disruption could have hindered the club’s activities, but the unwavering support of Limavady Bowling Club ensured continuity. The kindness and generosity of Limavady Bowling Club reflect the strong bonds and mutual respect among local clubs, a testament to the collaborative spirit within the bowling community.

ABOVE: In 2011, the team were victorious as Junior League 3 winners.

By 2023, the club returned to Dungiven, greeted by a state-of-the-art synthetic green, constructed by Causeway Coast and Glens Council, which symbolised a new era of growth and opportunity. The facility, equipped with floodlighting and designed for players of all ages, stands as a beacon of progress. The addition of a modern electronic scoreboard in 2024 further enhanced the experience for players and spectators, demonstrating the club’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

At its core, Dungiven Outdoor Bowling Club is a community-driven organisation. Its annual Charity fundraiser with Brooke Park exemplifies the spirit of giving back, raising over £2000 for various charities over the past four years. This partnership is a testament to the club’s ethos of unity and compassion, as bowlers come together to make a meaningful impact beyond the greens.

The club first entered the Irish Bowling Association Junior Cup in 1990. This is an all-Ireland Knockout competition with Dungiven consistently punching above its weight by making it to the semi-finals in 2014, 2017 and 2018, a credit to all the members involved.

Club members also participate within the NIPBA league, Cup and Championships, highlighting its dedication to excellence. In 2011, the team were victorious as Junior League 3 winners and Senior 2 League runners up in 2018. In respect of the Championships, club members have impressively reached the final stages of this competition on several occasions, 2013, 2018, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

ABOVE: The club first entered the Irish Bowling Association Junior Cup in 1990.

Supporting Brooke Parks charity floodlight pairs tournament is important to members of the club, with Adrian Thompson and Gerry Ball emerging victorious in 2019. These events not only provide an opportunity for friendly competition but also strengthen bonds among players and contribute to causes that enrich the lives of others.

During the B teams’ inaugural year, 2024, they achieved commendable success, securing 4th place in their respective league and advancing to the finals of the Hyland Donaghy Cup, where they were narrowly defeated. This accomplishment marked an impressive beginning for this team.

Beyond competitive success, the club has fostered an environment that celebrates individuality and perseverance. Denis McMacken’s achievements on the international stage, including his selection for Ireland at the World Disabled Bowls and the Para Test Match Team, are shining examples of the club’s ability to nurture talent and resilience. Denis’s story inspires not only his fellow members but the entire community, showcasing the transformative power of sports. Currently Denis’s success emulates to 3 gold and 3 silver medals, with hopefully more to come!!

ABOVE: Denis McMacken’s achievements on the international stage, including his selection for Ireland at the World Disabled Bowls and the Para Test Match Team.

Bowls is more than just a game; it is a sport that transforms lives. At Dungiven Outdoor Bowling Club, members experience the physical and mental benefits of playing bowls, from improved fitness and coordination to enhanced strategic thinking and concentration. The sport fosters connections across generations, bringing together individuals of all ages to share laughter, stories, and memorable moments.

For many, bowls is a source of self-confidence and self-esteem, offering a platform to develop skills and achieve personal goals. The inclusive nature of the sport ensures that everyone, regardless of background or ability, can participate and thrive. At Dungiven Outdoor Bowling Club, these values are celebrated and nurtured, making it a sanctuary for growth and camaraderie.

As the club approaches its 40th anniversary, its vision for the future remains unwavering. Plans to construct toilet facilities close to the bowling green by the end of 2025 reflect the club’s commitment to creating a welcoming and accessible environment for all. With every improvement, Dungiven Outdoor Bowling Club reaffirms its dedication to providing exceptional experiences for its members and visitors.

The club’s legacy is not merely defined by its infrastructure or achievements; it is shaped by the stories and friendships that have blossomed within its community. As the members of Dungiven Outdoor Bowling Club continue to strive for excellence, they inspire others to join the journey, creating memories that will be cherished for generations to come.

The club currently boasts over 30 members and fields two teams in the NIPBA leagues, and it actively seeks new members and warmly invites interested individuals to visit the green on Monday evenings at 7pm, continuing through to the end of August.

ABOVE: Liam McNicholl who presented Ida Canning flowers to mark her birthday and her dedication over the years to the Dungiven Outdoor Bowling Club. Included is Ida’s husband, Ivor, honorary club member. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

The Club stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when people unite over a common passion, championing inclusivity, compassion, and excellence. As the club continues to write new chapters in its story, it remains a pillar of inspiration for the entire area, proving that the spirit of bowls goes far beyond the game itself.

Finally, the club would like to thank all its sponsors and grant providers, The Community Foundation Northern Ireland through Evishagaran & Craiggore Wind Farms Community Benefit Fund, The Honourable Irish Society, Euro Spar Dungiven, BMC Carton, Donaghy Electrical, O'Kane Road Markings, Ponderosa, PFS Accountants, Dungiven Tyre Centre, Roe Pharmacy, Compass Windows, JPM Contracts, Castle Coaches, Lynch's Spar, Go Safe, JJ Coyle Builders Merchants, P McDermott Property and Mortgages, Kintala Resort and Spa, Edenroe B&B, Ilex car sales, IMAC Construction Services, McKay Butchers, Glenshane Car Wash, Inspired CA, JP Timber Frames, McLaughlin’s Funeral Directors, Pizza Palace, Oak Leaf Insurance, NAPA Auto Parts, Eden Interiors, Apperley’s Butchers, Apache Pizza, SuperValu, and J&K Coaches

Current Office Bearers

President – Liam McNicholl

Vice President – Christopher Dunne

Immediate Past President – Willie Millar

Secretary – Denis McMacken

Treasurer – Adrian Thompson

Safeguarding Officer – Leslie Armstrong

Management Committee Member – Gerry Ball

Club Roll of Honour

• 2024 NIPBA Youth Singles Winner – Kyle Hutton

• 2024 NIPBA B Pairs – Runners up, JJ Mc Elmoyle, D Mc Macken

• 2024 NIPBA Rinks Runners up, A Thompson, G Ball, C Dunne, G Mullan

• 2023 NIPBA B Pairs – Semi-finalists– JJ Mc Elmoyle, D Mc Macken

• 2023 NIPBA Senior 4’s Semi-finalists JJ McElmoyle, D McMacken, G Ball and W Millar

• 2021 NIPBA Champion of Champion Pairs Winners – A Thompson and D Moore

• 2019 Brooke Park Floodlight Pairs Winners – J Ball and A Thompson

• 2018 NIPBA Triples – Semi-Finalists – JJ Mc Elmoyle, W Millar D Mc Macken

• 2018 NIPBA Senior League 2 - Runners up

• 2018 IBA Irish Intermediate Cup Semi Finalists

• 2017 IBA Irish Intermediate Cup Semi Finalists

• 2014 IBA Irish Junior Cup Semi Finalists

• 2013 NIPBA Triples - Runners Up - A Thompson, G Ball, C Dunne

• 2012 Hyland Donaghy Cup - Runners up

• 2011 NIPBA Junior League 3