Magheradroll extend invitation to public

Magheradroll extend invitation to public

20 March 2024

SIXTY-FIVE years after the first bowls match at Magheradroll Bowling Club, Ballynahinch, the members are holding their first ever Come and Try Bowls Open Day on Saturday, April 6, at 1.30pm.

Magheradroll, a cross community sports club, is the only outdoor bowling club in the greater Ballynahinch area. 

In 1957, 20 members of the indoor bowling club met to try to establish an outdoor bowling club. The first sod was cut in June and two years later the club played its first inter club match, winning against Saintfield. 

The clubhouse was purchased by the members in 1966 as a temporary prefab. 

That clubhouse is still in use and, whilst certainly not luxurious, it successfully serves the purpose of providing kitchen facilities, new toilets and a place to meet before and after matches.

Being well tucked away off the main road, not a lot of people know where the bowling green actually is. 

“It is in a beautiful setting below an old wall on the right hand side of the road out of Ballynahinch, a quarter of a mile past Magheradroll Parish Church and Saint Patrick’s Church,” said club secretary Philip Vance. 

“Men and women, young and old, should come along for a few weeks and try bowls for themselves. There will be no obligation to join.”

Margaret Cochrane, the club treasurer, emphasised the friendly and informal nature of the club. 

“We have approximately 30 members and if someone comes along to try bowls for the first time they will receive a hearty welcome from the members,” she said. 

“Bowls is an easy sport to try. Even as a beginner, everyone will get a degree of success almost immediately. All you need is a pair of flat shoes.”

Participation through choice is important at the club. Long time club member Sammy Johnston said: “Some members choose only to play casually. Many choose to represent the club by playing for one of the teams competing in leagues and most members choose to enter the various in-house club competitions. 

“Come along on Saturday afternoon on April 6 and give it a try. The friendly members will only be too glad to lend you bowls and to give you advice and guidance.”

If anyone is unable to attend on the open afternoon, just come along thereafter on a weekday evening as there are usually some members practicing on the green who will give you a warm welcome.