Council Chair hosts a reception for the Western Zone Bowls All Ireland Inter Zone Boomer Cup Champions
14th May 2025
Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a reception for the Western Zone Bowls Team who won the All Ireland Inter Zone Boomer Cup 2024-2025.
The following is the speech made by the Chair at the reception:
Good evening Councillors, ladies and gentlemen,
As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here to the Townhall, Enniskillen for this reception in honour of the Western Zone Bowls Team, winners of the All Ireland Inter Zone Boomer Cup 2024-2025.
The Senior Men’s Team is made up of 24 players and 3 reserve players representing 8 different Clubs from within the Western Zone area.
You journey in the Inter Zone Boomer Cup began with a narrow victory over the Northern Zone following a draw in the original match. This was followed by a win over the Mid Ulster Zone, and I understand they were tough opponents as they are the most successful Zone in Ireland.
In the next round you faced another close encounter against the Mid Antrim Zone. I believe these matches gave you confidence and determination to succeed as you progressed further in the competition. This was evident in your next match against the Oriel Zone as you had a determined 7 shot win which was also your first win over this Zone who are regarded as a powerhouse in Inter Zone Bowls.
This earned you a much-deserved place in the final where your opponents were West Down. I understand this was another close encounter, however, your determination once again shone through and you emerged victorious with a score of 58 to 54. The 08 March 2025 will be a date that will be etched in the memories of everyone involved in the team and in the Western Zone as this is the 8th Boomer Cup win for the Zone. It is even more historic as it is your first win since 2007 and in 2023 you were competing in the Plate Competition which you won.
Bowls is a unique sport in that it is truly intergenerational and this is evident with the range of teams you have including Under 18, Over 55s, Senior Men and Senior Ladies.
It also requires a high level of technical ability including consistency in delivery, accuracy in drawing to the jack and a great deal of focus and concentration.
I would like to commend Niall Cox, Stuart Cochrane and Ian McElroy as Selectors of the Team. You all have an eye for talent to select the best players but you also play a key role in building the team morale, confidence and friendship to ensure the team performs effectively enabling them to enjoy special moments like this.
I also commend each and every member of the team for your commitment to practice, your exceptional talent, your support for each other to come together and play as a professional team and for the determination you demonstrated throughout the competition to achieve this historic victory.
I would like to particularly mention Jude Morris as I understand that this is your 8th Boomer Cup win having played your part in all of the wins to date. I also want to commend Robert Egerton on winning your first Boomer Cup on your debut season for the Western Zone and I am sure you will follow in Jude’s footsteps.
The current Zone Convener is Jean Parkinson and Jean, I am told that you play a pivotal role in the Zone at both a local and national level which undoubtedly contributes to its success. I understand that much of this work is done behind the scenes, however, it does not go unnoticed and your work enables the players to enjoy opportunities to play, compete and achieve success such as this.
On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate the Senior Men’s Team on winning the All Ireland Inter Zone Bommer Cup 2024-2025. I would also like to congratulate the Western Zone on everything you have achieved since your formation in 1960 and this is a fitting way to celebrate your 65th anniversary. I wish you continued success for the future; I am confident that your will enjoy success for many years to come as you continue to encourage and develop the next generation of bowls players.
Thank you.