Bennekerry bowlers take home prize from national event
Helen Foley from the Bennekerry Gold team in action at the INEC in Killarney, watched by teammates George Nolan, Ann Dunne and Mary McDonald Photo: Don MacMonagle
MEMBERS of the Bennekerry Gold Active Retirement bowls team brought back one of the top prizes at the Active Retirement National Bowls Competition, which took place at the Gleneagle INEC Arena in Killarney recently.
The Bennekerry Gold team, which was comprised of Helen Foley, Ann Dunne, Mary McDonald and team skipper George Nolan, won the small bowls plate runners-up prize and were presented with their award by Active Retirement Ireland national president Mai Quaid and Active Retirement CEO Fran Brennan.
The competition took place over the course of three days and consisted of 64 four-person teams competing across the large and small bowls categories.
Carlow was well-represented at the tournament, with nine teams in total taking part. Bennekerry entered two teams, Bennekerry Gold and Bennekerry Red, while the Tullow Rollers, Rockers and Smilers took part, as did Leighlinbridge A, Myshall Red, Myshall Green and Ballon Bulltree Bowls.
Speaking at the awards presentation, Mr Brennan said: “This tournament is a celebration of older people and their right to live independent, full lives in which they can stay socially connected and be active participants in their communities.”
He added: “The more than 450 competitors, volunteer officials and spectators who have joined us in Killarney this week exemplify the drive and self-determination of older people to live their best life in later life.”
There are 516 local Active Retirement Associations (ARAs) in local communities across Ireland. For more information about Active Retirement Ireland and to find your local group in Co Carlow, see www.activeirl.ie.
