Leinster/Crumlin Open Tournament 2023.

The Leinster/Crumlin Open Tournament was hosted this year by Leinster Bowling Club. The event which took place over 7 days concluded with the finals played on Sunday 13 August at Leinster. Much credit for the success of the event is due to the Tournament Director, Robbie Meany and the tournament committees at both clubs who worked tirelessly to ensure its success. Robbie was assisted by Mary Kenny and Anne Fitzgerald in dispensing prizes. Bowling throughout the week and especially in the semi-finals & finals was of a very high standard and a joy to watch.

Only two finals were played on Sunday, the Mens Singles and the Mens Pairs. The Ladies Singles and Mixed Pairs were played earlier in the week and the Ladies Pairs was played on Monday 21 August. This unusual situation evolved due to the number of players who qualified to participate in the National Finals in the North on the same weekend as our finals. As might be expected a large number of supporters also travelled North and this was reflected in the poor attendance at our finals.

At the prize giving event, Robbie Meany made a presentation to Eileen Smyth in recognition of her work recording and collection score cards etc. In a departure from the norm, the winner of the Mens Singles, Shane Leonard made a speech. In his own words, “I am angry, I am very angry at the lack of participation of other clubs in this competition. This is a great tournament, a tournament which has history and should be supported.” Shane then thanked the players who participated in the competitions over the week, he thanked the organising committees at both clubs, the sponsors, markers and helpers. Shane also thanked Crumlin, Leinster and Kenilworth Bowling Clubs who made their bowling greens available for the competitions.

Leinster Ladies Captain, Mary Kelly made a presentation to outgoing Tournament Director Robbie Meany in recognition of the many years he controlled the tournament. Mary also thanked the ladies who provided refreshments on the day. Robbie thanked Mary and the tournament committee, he then introduced the new Leinster Tournament Director, Anne Fitzgerald.

The competition results are as follows:

Mens Singles: Winner: Shane Leonard, Crumlin B.C.
– – – – – – – – Runner-up: Drew Logan, Crumlin B.C.

Ladies Singles: Winner: Rita Saunders, Dun Laoghaire B.C.
– – – – – – – – Runner-up: Pat MacDonagh, Leinster B.C.

Mens Pairs: Winners: Robbie Maher & Richie Leonard, Crumlin B.C.
– – – – – – -Runners-up: Paul Smyth, Leinster B.C. & Stephen Millane Crumlin B.C.

Ladies Pairs: Winners: Pat MacDonagh & Mary Kenny, Leinster B.C.
– – – – – – – – Runners-up: Olive Byrne & Mary Hanlon Kenilworth B.C.

Mixed Pairs: Winners: Nicky Smyth & Nikki Ryan, Crumlin B.C.
– – – – – – – Runners-up. Rita Saunders & Michael Cusack, Dun Laoghaire B.C.

Ladies Bowler of the week, Rita Saunders, Dun Laoghaire B.C.

Mens Bowler of the week, Shane Leonard, Crumlin B.C.