Ian McClure has shown that he is literally our golden boy as he takes gold in the Commonwealth games! In a stunning performance the Northern Ireland team soundly beat India to take gold.

Northern Ireland took gold in a world class performance in bowls. Our own Ian McClure a veteran of previous winning teams was outstanding and helped clinch victory. 

It was a proud moment for the Institution as we watched him play a great game on Saturday. Northern Ireland’s bowlers have scored the country’s second gold medal of the Commonwealth Games and helped make it our most successful games ever. Its now official Ian McClure, is Northern Ireland’s most successful Commonwealth bowler of all-time.  

The four of Sam Barkley, Adam McKeown, Ian McClure and skip Martin McHugh produced an amazing performance in Birmingham to defeat India 18-5 in the gold medal match. It was a remarkable display of skill and patience from the quartet, who were in control from the first end.

It’s the first time Northern Ireland have won bowls gold in the Commonwealth Games since Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

India’s Men’s Fours team win the silver medal. They were no match, though, of the Northern Ireland team who won 18-5. It is an incredible result when you compare the size of the two nations. India has a population of over 1.4 Billion people whereas we have little over a million.

The weather and location were perfect making Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games one to remember. Ian spoke of his elation over the result and thanked the fans. When interviewed he said 

“The support has been absolutely terrific from back home and I think we’ve won over a few fans here in Leamington. With our energy and the way, we play the game, the way we encourage each other, we build a great rapport with the crowd. That was evident today and we’re very appreciative of their support”

Ian has done us all proud and we look forward to welcoming him back to his home lodge very soon.