John triumphs in Alo Gowran final
Image 1 of 5
John Fitzpatrick, the winner of the Alo Gowran Memorial Singles, receives his prize from Derek Gowran, sponsor, with Eugene McComb, Chairman, Mullingar Bowls Club, on right.Image 2 of 5
With Eugene McComb, Chairman, Mullingar Bowls Club, on right, beaten semi-finalist, Bernie FitzSimons accepts her prize from sponsor, Derek Gowran.Image 3 of 5
Defeated semi-finalist, Eugene McComb is presented with his prize by Derek Gowran, sponsor.Image 4 of 5
Glen Ridsdale, runner, accepting the Alo Gowran Shield from Derek Gowran, sponsor. Also included are Eoin and Shauna Gowran and Eugene McComb, Chairman, Mullingar Bowls Club.Image 5 of 5
Glen Ridsdale receiving the Westmeath League Ladies Singles trophy from Darragh McLoughlin, Secretary, Westmeath Bowls League.Having navigated a difficult passage to the business end of the event, John Fitzpatrick produced wonderful bowls to annexe the Alo Gowran Memorial Singles title.
On Saturday evening last, in Mullingar Bridge and Amenity Centre, the club welcomed our sponsor, Derek Gowran, accompanied by his children, Shauna and Eoin, for the culmination of the event.
The evening commenced with the penultimate round meeting of Glen Ridsdale and newly elected Chairman, Eugene McComb, while on the opposite mat, Bernie FitzSimons stood in John's way.
In truth, both Eugene and Bernie found themselves up against two players imbued with a winning mindset and the outcome of both games was never in doubt after just four ends.
That set the scene for the finale of one of the club's premier events.
Unfortunately, Glen, who was in inspired form earlier, struggled to match the consistency and accuracy of John.
Just as he had done in the semi-final, he established control from the off. Despite her best efforts, Glen couldn't gain a foothold and so John wrapped up yet another title.
In presenting the trophies, Eugene expressed the club's gratitude to the Gowran family for their continued, generous support of the club over so many years.
Equally, the club is delighted to perpetuate the name of the late Alo, who was a very dedicated member of the club in its formative years.
Following the completion of the formalities, our ladies served very welcome refreshments.
Glen crowned Ladies Champion
In a warm up to the Alo Gowran finale, Glen Ridsdale travelled to represent Mullingar in the Westmeath Ladies Singles Championship.
With all the elite players from all clubs in the county, Glen faced some formidable opposition.
Over the course of the evening, Glen retained her focus and progressed through the rounds to book her place in the final.
In the decider, the bowls Queen of Mullingar faced Brigid Daly from host club, Tyrrellspass.
An excellent player, Brigid had excelled in advancing to the decider. However, in the white heat of battle, Glen wasn't to be denied and came through to claim the coveted Ladies Singles title. Congratulations Glen, once again you have proved to be an excellent ambassador for Mullingar Bowls Club.
John D Coghlan Memorial Singles On Sunday night last, we had the draw for the John D Coghlan Memorial Singles competition, the principal event in the club's calendar.
It is hoped to get games under way this coming weekend.