Oriel Zone Championships

Every year Oriel run 4 tournament's which are only open to member's of our Zone. They are;

Mickey McGee Singles.

Mickey was a prominent member of Redeemer Bowls Club and was always seen on the circuit playing with Benny Casey. He was a pure character and is severly missed. His wife Rosie is still heavily involved in Redeemer and a member of the Women's Zone team. Unfortunately Mickey died in .... and this shield was put up in his honour. The current holder is John Murnaghan

Pat Nuegent Pairs

Pat was a member of Crossmaglen Bowls Club and also heavily involved in the Zone Committee. He was at one stage Zone Chairman and was also on the Men's Zone team. His wife Maureen was also on the Women's Zone team and proudly present's this shield to winner's of the Zone pairs each year at the Dinner Dance. The current holder's are John and Stephen McMahon

Tommy Byrne Trips

Tommy was member of Inniskeen Bowls Club and from the first Zone game for Oriel till his death never missed a match. Him and Charlie McSkane together were a phenomanal pair and won many a tournament. He also was in one of the toughest rink's around at the time playing with Tommy McGee, Sean O'Reilly and Charlie. When Tommy died all 3 of these drifted from bowls and Inniskeen has basicaly folded since. Tommy had problem's with his heart and had a pacemaker installed. Unfortunately he died of a heart attack in ..... Every year his shield is one of the most sought after prizes around. The current holder's are Bridge McAleer, Fra Dillon and Billy Taaffe

Paddy Martin Rinks

Paddy Martin was our first Chairman of the Zone and one of the main men involved in setting up the Zone. He was the man who designed the crest. Paddy was also an important member of St Pat's Dundalk and a partner of Bernard McInerny in all the tournaments. He was an official umpire and a stickler for rules. Many's a night people were terrified of hearing the 3 words "Stop that Bowl". With him in the hall nobody dared cheat and everyone always double checked their feet. It would be much nicer if more umpires took his belief's. Paddy also won many tournaments in his time and played on the Zone team. It can said that without his contributions Oriel may not be were it is today. He is sorely missed and in his honour we put up a magnificent trophy. The current holders are Patsy Duff, Eddie Murphy, Andrew Meegan and Paul Duff.

 

These tournaments are always played after Christmas but the dates will be confirmed very shortly.