David Murphy proves he's the number one road bowler in Ireland

DAVID Murphy’s magnificent triumph over Thomas Mackle tilted the balance in Cork’s favour as the curtain came down on a weekend of All-Ireland action that had upsets, excitement and many memorable moments.

The O’Donovan Dairy Services sponsored finals on Saturday and Sunday gave Grenagh Bowling Club and the North East division the perfect swansong to their two-year term as hosts.

Murphy’s win in the premier event keeps Cork bowling on the front foot, for the time being at least. 

Veronica O’Mahony (intermediate ladies), Wayne Parks (boys’ U16) and Cathal Creedon (boys’ U12) claimed glory too but the Armagh colours were also kept flying with successes for, Malachy Lappin (junior B), Joe Shortt (veteran men) and the precocious Shannon McGuire (girls’ U16). 

David Murphy’s extraordinary campaign came to the ideal climax but this time devoid of the late drama that surrounded many of his county scores. It was a stakeless event and the tentative early exchanges had Murphy shading the lead but poor third and fourth efforts gave Mackle an opportunity to go clear. 

The Ulster champion didn’t take them and missed another chance with his sixth. He followed and beat a huge seventh of Murphy’s with a sensational shot to hold a 70-metre lead. 

The contest swung Murphy’s way then when a brilliant eighth shot was missed by 30 metres and Mackle’s ninth wasn’t good either, all of which transferred to the Cork champion going almost a bowl up after ten to ‘boula lane’. 

Despite Mackle’s best efforts, Murphy, thanks to a super throw past ‘Davis castle’, held a full shot lead to the no-play lines in fourteen and fifteen.

There was too little road left for Mackle to make inroads and David Murphy took the Hughie Trainor Cup by a bowl of odds margin.