Unfurling the Flag at Leinster & The Final for the Paul Smyth Trophy 2026.

The annual unfurling the flag ceremony was held at Leinster on Sunday afternoon 29 March 2026.

The President, Annette Finn assisted by Ladies Captain Anne Fitzgerald unfurled the club flag and raised it high on the flagpole to mark the official opening of the Summer Bowling Season 2026 at Leinster Bowling Club. Annette welcomed the members present and wished all members a successful and enjoyable bowling season. Annette and Anne then rolled the symbolic first bowls of the season. The club secretary, Lynn Killen presented bouquets to Annette and Anne.

The unfurling ceremony was followed by the final for the Paul Smyth Trophy 2026. The finalists were Jim Lyons & Breda Barry v Tony Egan & Mary Kenny. It was a tight match throughout and the winners were Jim Lyons & Brenda Barry. A second match was played simultaneously to decide the 3rd. & 4th. places. The teams were, Pat Keenan & Pat MacDonagh v John O’Connor & Anne O’Herlihy.
The winners for 3rd. place were, Pat Keenan & Pat MacDonagh. The two matches were played under challenging conditions of high winds.
The tournament director was Anne Fitzgerald who did an excellent job.
Following the matches, light refreshments were served in the Bowlers’ Pavilion and presentation were made to the teams by Anne and Paul Smyth.
President Annette paid a special tribute to Pauline Day who is leaving the club after 46 years. Annette outlined Pauline’s bowling achievement down the years and the honour she brought to the club as a International Bowler. President Annette made a presentation to Pauline to mark the occasion. Pauline in turn thanked Annette and recalled her many happy years and fond memories in Leinster. A surprise for Pauline was the arrival of her family to celebrate this event.