The Minnis Trophy is contested annually between the NIPGL and Kenilworth Bowling club, with the match being played alternate years at Kenilworth or the club of the NIPGL President. The history of the trophy is outlined below.
Richard Minnis was a member of Larne Bowling Club, a member of Kenilworth Bowling Club and a former President of the NIPGL. For much of 1942 Richard had feared blindness but thanks to the ophthalmic surgeons his sight was saved and in gratitude he decided he would do something to help those similarly afflicted.
Richard came up with the idea of presenting this substantial trophy to be played for by Kenilworth Bowling Club and the NIPGL in the knowledge that his many friends in bowling would perpetuate an annual contribution to a charity in aid of the blind or those threatened with blindness.
