Donegal’s proud indoor bowling tradition was once again illustrated at the Stonebridge Restaurant National Finals in Armagh which saw local bowlers coming out on top in two finals – the over 55’s and ladies’ pairs.

The over-55’s final was between Donegal’s Willie McGeehan and Graham Bell, From Raphoe Presbyterian, and Monaghan’ cousins Sean Hughes and the same named Sean Hughes.

This game had a tight beginning, with both teams getting on the scorecard early.

After five ends, they shared six shots with the score at three shots all.

The Monaghan duo then took the advantage, winning the next three ends to open up a five shot advantage after ten of the Final’s fifteen ends.

They were still in control by the start of the twelfth ends as they were six shots ahead with four ends to complete.

Donegal then grabbed a three and a two to haul themselves back in contention and put the pressure on the Monaghan men.

Although the Hughes got a single on the fourteenth end, a double by Willie and Graham on the fifteenth end took the game to a sudden death end. The Donegal men held their nerve to win the Trophy.

Ladies

The Ladies Pairs final was between Donegal’s Rose Dowds and Isobel Duncan and Monaghan’s Maureen Howe and Linda Carlton.

Although the Donegal duo lost a four on the fourth end, the score was tied at five all after seven of the final’s fifteen ends. Donegal then claimed a four on the eighth end but the Monaghan Ladies fought back to level the scores at nine all after eleven ends.

The Donegal Ladies claimed a single on the twelfth end but Monaghan came back with a single and a double to go into the last end with a two shot advantage.

The emotion of the leads took a battering over the skip’s last two bowls. Donegal had a definite one with a measure for second.

It then appeared that Isobel’s last bowl had run on and it was all down to the measure for three for a win or two for a tied end.

It was confirmed by the umpire that Rose, from Newtowncunningham, and Isobel, from Manorcunningham, held three and that they won the Golden Crust Trophy with a one shot victory.