News & Announcements

The Annual General Meeting will be held in N.I.C.S. Bowling Club on Saturday, 29th November 2025 at 1.30pm.

All clubs are requested to ensure that their appointed delegates (up to two) attend, together with the Office Bearers of the League.

Any club wishing to purchase additional tickets for NIPGBL Annual Dinner should contact Honorary Treasurer John Nicholl (tel: 07715 004382) no later than Friday 10th Oct. Cost will be £28.

Also, the same date is the deadline for clubs to pay additional capitation fees, as per the invoice given at the recent Management Committee meeting ( posted to those clubs who were not in attendance).

The I.B.A Championship Finals concluded over the weekend of Thursday 4th - Saturday 6th September at CYM. B.C. Congratulations to our N.I.P.G.B.L. Championship Winners who went on to win their respective Irish Titles and now go forward to the British Bowls Championships to be held in Ayr, Scotland in June 2026. Commiserations to all who represented the N.I.P.G.B.L. and those who finished as Runners-Up.

Congratulations to the winners of the NIPGBL Cup competitions for the 2025 season.

Thanks also to our sponsors, Rod Coleman @ Parkgate Bowls & Accessories.

As we approach the end of the season could clubs please check their membership numbers and pay any additional capitation fees.

At present our teamsheet records show over 100 players have played in leagues / cups for which clubs did not pay capitation fees at the beginning of the season.

This issue will be on the agenda at the next Management Committee meeting in September.

Honorary Treasurer - John Nicholl.

On Saturday 23rd August the Finals of the NIPGBL Championships were concluded at Old Bleach B.C.

Congratulations to all the winners & those of who will now go onto represent the NIPGBL at the Irish Finals on the weekend of Friday 5th & Saturday 6th September at CYM B.C. , Dublin.

Commiserations to all runners up and all who competed throughout the week.

Thanks also to our Championship sponsor, Stephen Coleman Building & Joinery Services.

WINNERS

In line with guidance surrounding Notices of Motion for the AGM, clubs are reminded that these must be submitted to the Honorary General Secretary of the NIPGBL, in writing not later than 30th September.

The schedule for the NIPGBL Championship Finals for Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd August , being hosted by Old Bleach B.C. can be viewed using the link below.

All competitors are requested to have their bowls available on their rink of play 15 minutes before starting time.

Players and spectators travelling for the Saturday afternoon session are advised that due to a rugby match taking place in the vicinity of the bowling club, parking may be busier than normal and there are two additional car parks in John Street & New Street within walking distance from the town.

Irish Bowls Federation will be hosting Open Days for individuals with physical impairments or sight loss. The events are open to new and existing bowlers with all equipment provided.

Belfast Open Day
🗓️ Tuesday 26th August
⏰ 10am - 1pm
🏟️ The Grove, Belfast

Portrush Open Day
🗓️ Thursday 28th August
⏰ 10am - 1pm
🏟️ Portrush Bowling Club, Portrush

For further information contact Chris or Ian:

Chris Mulholland - chris@irishbowlsfederation.co.uk or 07733111052
Ian McClure - ian@irishbowlsfederation.co.uk or 07815180573

Live scoring throughout this weeks championship semi-finals can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

Could we ask for anyone in possession of PGL Championship trophies - Winners or Runners-Up - to please return them ASAP next week to Old Bleach Bowling Club ready for presentation after the finals are completed.

Thank you.

As President, I very much look forward to welcoming you all to Old Bleach during Championships Week – from 18th to 23rd August – whether you're joining us as a player, official, guest, or visitor.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my home club for generously making their facilities available for the duration of the Championships. A special word of appreciation goes to the club committee and our dedicated greenkeeper for their hard work and preparation in ensuring everything is ready for the week ahead.

Throughout the week, refreshments including tea, coffee, and light snacks will be available for purchase at the club. All proceeds from these sales will go towards the Old Bleach President’s chosen charity for the year – Brainwaves NI. In addition, collection buckets will be placed around the club for anyone who wishes to make a donation.

Let’s hope for kind weather and enjoyable games for players and spectators alike. Best of luck to all the semi-finalists – we’re looking forward to a fantastic week of bowls.

Warm regards,

Mark Tait

President

The schedule for the NIPGBL Championship Semi Finals, being hosted by Old Bleach B.C. can be viewed using the link below. Play will begin on Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd August.

All competitors are requested to have their bowls available on their rink of play 15 minutes before starting time.

Also, all competitors are requested to be available for play on Friday 22nd August depending on semi final results.

Live Scoring will be available throughout the week.

Folks, we are almost at the semi-finals stage of the Championships, one more week should determine who will have reached the semi-finals in all disciplines.

As there will now be 22 semi-finals to play there will be a minimum of 4 days play Monday to Thursday with the possibility of semi-finals and finals on Friday 22nd as well as finals on Saturday 23rd. There could also be an overspill in to Sunday 24th depending on results.

We would just like to remind all players that they will need to make themselves available for play on any night during that week. Once the triples quarter finals are completed next Friday 8th August we will endeavour to have the programme up on the website over the weekend so that everyone knows who and when then are playing.

Thank you.

Congratulations to the following NIPGBL players who have been selected to represent Ireland in the British Bowls Junior International Series to be held at Northfield, Ayr, from Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th September.

Congratulations to the NIPGBL Junior Inter Association Team who won the series at Belmont Bowling Club today, following victories over the NIBA & NIPBA.

Players selected to represent the NIPGBL in the upcoming Junior Inter Associations series, please see updated information regarding the times of play and format.

All games will now take place on Saturday 26th July. Team including reserves to report to Belmont B.C. at 8.45am on the Saturday morning.

FORMAT

• Teams will comprise of 12 players
• Each team will have 1 Singles Player, 2 Pairs, 1 Triple and 1 Four
• All games will have a time limit of 2 Hours 15 Mins
• Singles (4 bowls) – first to 21 Shots
• Pairs (3 bowls per player) – 18 Ends
• Triples (2 bowls per player) – 18 Ends
• Fours (2 bowls per player) – 15 Ends
• No Burnt Ends – Respot on the T
• Scoring – 18 points available for each game
  • 2 points for a win in each discipline
  • 1 point for a draw in each discipline
  • 8 points for an overall win
  • 4 points each if the overall score is drawn
• Team with the most points will win the series. In the event of tied points – Series will be decided by Shot Difference.

A meeting of the Management Committee will be held on Thursday, 24th July 2025 in Belmont Bowling Club at 7.00pm. (Function room in main building)

AGENDA

1. To consider the issues that led to the General Purposes Committee postponing the Hilden v Shaftesbury match which was scheduled to be played on Saturday, 19^th July. Committee will be charged with establishing what actions it will require to be taken in order for the matter to be resolved.

David McCloy

Honorary General Secretary

Congratulations to all those selected in the NIPGBL squad for the upcoming Junior Inter Association. All kit has now been distributed - if there are any issues please contact Gary McElroy or JR Nicholl ASAP.

Cost is £30 for the shirt / shorts / trackies. £50 for new caps who also have a jacket included.

Payment can be made:

• Before, or on the day in cash or cheque (to Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League)
• Or via Bank transfer (Santander, Sort code 090129, Account number 08694917).

Now that the British Isles Bowls Championships have concluded could I as PGL President congratulate all the players representing Ireland who competed over the past two days in Llandindrod Wells. A special mention must go to the following players:

SENIOR FOURS GOLD MEDALLISTS
Tommy Turkington
Drew Donaghy
David Peden
Clifford Craig
(Balmoral Bowling Club)

UNDER 25 PAIRS SILVER MEDALLISTS
Jayden Kyle and Jack Kidd (Larne & Dunbarton Bowling Clubs)

UNDER 25 SINGLES SILVER MEDALLIST
Ian Gingles (Larne Bowling Club)

Many congratulations - you have done Ireland, the Private Greens and your clubs proud.

The play now moves on to the British Bowls International Series where Team Ireland will take on the other home nations over the next few days. Again as PGL President can I wish all players representing Ireland the very best and a special mention goes to our own representatives:

Stuart Bennet, Mark Foster & Simon Martin (Belmont Bowling Club)
Conor McCarten & Ryan McElroy (Dunbarton Bowling Club)
Stephen Kirkwood (Captain), Martin McHugh & Adam McKeown (Old Bleach Bowling Club
Terry Crawford (Salisbury Bowling Club)

Thank you
Mark Tait - President

The following players have been selected to represent the NIPGBL in the Junior Inter Association Series on Saturday 26th July. Team to report to Belmont B.C. at 8.45am on the Saturday morning.

New kit will be provided to the team selected. Cost will be £30, prior to the series. Details on how to make payment to J.R. Nicholl will be issued to players in due course.

Should any player be unavailable please contact Gary McElroy (tel: 07725358482). Players selected should also contact Gary to confirm kit sizes.

* NEW CAP