PJ McManus shines in Coghlan showpiece
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The newly crowned John D Coghlan Perpetual Singles champion, PJ McManus, receiving his prize from David Coghlan, on left, with Eugene McComb, Chairman, Mullingar Bowls Club, on right.Image 2 of 4
Defeated finalist, Kevin Nolan, centre, with David Coghlan, on left and Eugene McComb, following the John D Coghlan Perpetual Singles decider.Image 3 of 4
Joe Kincaid, centre, the John D Coghlan Plate Champion, accepted his prize from David Coghlan, on left and Eugene McComb, Chairman, Mullingar Bowls Club.Image 4 of 4
The runner-up in the John D Coghlan Plate competition, Mary J McCormack, with sponsor, David Coghlan, on left and Eugene McComb.Mullingar's competitive season drew to a wonderful conclusion with the staging of the John D Coghlan Perpetual Singles finals last Sunday night. Ultimately, the overall honours went to the ever consistent PJ McManus who overcame the sternest of challenges from Kevin Nolan in a thrilling decider.
In the Plate final, Joe Kincaid had too much craft for a gallant Mary J McCormack, who is one of our newest members, who did very well to reach the decider.
The evening, which was attended by David Coghlan, brother of the late John, our founding Chairman, commenced with the semi-finals of the main competition.
Kevin Nolan faced the ever improving Bernie FitzSimons in his penultimate round tie. A quick start was important for Bernie but it was Kevin who established early control. Despite her best efforts, Bernie was unable to match his consistency, allowing Kevin to advance to the decider.
The issue was much tighter on the opposite mat where PJ faced the formidable challenge of Denis Burke. The evergreen Denis has played some superb bowls of late and put PJ under pressure. Little separated the pair through the opening seven ends before PJ took control to edge the win. And so to the final proper. Here again Kevin and his conqueror served up a cracker.
It was nip and tuck throughout a wonderful contest, with members treated to a tremendous spectacle. The level of bowls was of the highest order and the outcome was in the melting pot coming down the stretch.
In the white heat of the final ends, it was PJ who showed the greatest resolve to get a firm hand on the trophy and Kevin had to concede defeat after a truly thrilling game.
Following the presentation of the prizes by David, on behalf of the Coghlan family, very appetising refreshments rounded off the club's domestic season.