LONDON
IRISH BOWLING ASSOCIATION (L.I.B.A.)
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History of LIBA The history of the first 25 years of the London Irish Bowling Association is recorded in a brochure entitled 'London Irish Bowling Association Silver Jubilee (1956 - 1981) Souvenir Brochure'. Most of that brochure is reproduced below.
The Founding of the London Irish Bowling Association
From our
records we learn that John Shea, who was to become the first Secretary of the
London Irish Bowling Association, was, in 1955, actively engaged in recruiting
Irish Bowlers and those with an Irish name or connection to join what he then
called the London Irish Bowls Club. He visited such clubs as Guinness, Laing,
Alexandra Palace. Welwvn Garden City, Northolt, Hayes Park, Hanwell and Hounslow
and those in the districts of Erith, Blackheath, Barnes, Drayton Court, Southall
and Twickenham to seek support. His aim was to get at least one contact in each
club in the hope that recruitment would develop from there. His endeavors were
rewarded especially by the Guinness Club, whose Chairman, Sir Hugh Beaver,
K.B.E, and Edward Guinness took the keenest interest right from the start. They
encouraged John by offering the use of the Guinness Club's facilities and
Bowling Green on match days. Both Sir Hugh Beaver, later to become our first
Patron, and Edward Guinness-who was to be our inaugural President were amongst
the first to join as founder members (Click on thumbnail picture) . By March 1956 there were 40 founder
members: C. E. Guinness
At the suggestion of John Kennedy, then the Hon. Secretary of the Hounslow and District Bowling Association, it was unanimously agreed that the Club become an Association.
Eight games were played in the that first season:
1. London Welsh B.A. at Pk Royal LOST 2. London Secretaries, LOST 3. Sandersons LOST 4. Alexander Palace WON 5. Hounslow and District B.A. WON 6. Welwyn Gdn City WON 7. Laing WON 8. Sandersons LOST
In those early days Bob Stevenson, Hon. Secretary of Laing B.C., gave John Shea considerable help. The inaugural Dinner and General Meeting was held on Saturday, 27th October 1956, at the Piccadilly Hotel. London, with C. E. Guinness, Esq., in the chair. Cost of the dinner: £1 7s. 6d.
Now that the Association was truly launched it was decided to have a tie, blazer badge and metal badge designed and available for the 1957 season. Sir Hugh Beaver gave permission for the Guinness Harp to be used as the Association's emblem on headed paper. After a time the Harp was replaced by the four Provinces design. Details of the changeover are not recorded but in a conversation which Jack Walker had with John Shea after he had taken over as Secretary from Larry Dalton in 1966, the emblem was discussed and John related that one day he had been to the Irish Embassy to see Dr Boland, then the Irish Ambassador to the Court of St James. As he waited to be called he studied a painting on the wall of the four provinces in the form of a Celtic Cross. He made an exact sketch of the painting and it was eventually translated into the Association's emblem. During the 1976 tour to Dublin Jack Walker related this story to Dr Boland who said that he could remember the painting well.
Probably this brochure could not have been written without the diligent research of our great administrator Jack Walker. Certainly it would never have seen the light of day without the pioneering spirit of John Shea, our founding Secretary. These two gentlemen, encouraged by our only President, Edward Guinness, and supported by the many officers and committees over the years, laid the foundation for successful administration so necessary when membership is as widespread as ours.
It was Jack Walker who first had the idea of producing a written document on the history of the London Irish Bowling Association and before his untimely death in 1977 had prepared detailed notes with this in mind. At the 1978 Annual General Meeting Andy Durkan was trusted with the task of producing a brochure. The financial backing came from the generous contribution of 56 members and from a substantial donation given by Arthur Guinness Son & Co. Ltd.
The purpose of the brochure is the same as Jack set out to do, to relate the history of our Association so that members will have a factual record of our first 25 years. Hopefully it will, for our founder and older members. rekindle memories now fading and remind them of the history they, perhaps unwittingly created. It also intended to inform newer members how the Association developed not just physically from 40 founder members to the present membership of 176 but how, after a faltering start, the Association grew in strength to become what it is today. thriving, happy and respected
There is no doubt that the early years of the Association were difficult. From members who were there from the beginning we learn that one of the big problems was getting fixtures and then fulfilling them. It seems there was always some doubt as to who was going to turn up for these games and more often than not there was ‘on the spot’ recruitment. But like all crusaders, enthusiasm and resolve to succeed overcame the inevitable pitfalls. Disappointment only served to bolster determination and foster camaraderie and team spirit. Gradually the hand of welcome was extended to us and the London Welsh Bowling Association, who had many experienced campaigners on the London Bowling scene by this time, helped John Shea and his committee to formulate an interesting fixture program
The Irish began to be known as good bowlers and good sports even then we had characters, and all the clubs visited went out of their way to make sure we would come back again the following year. A recent letter from our captain and founder member Mick Norris captures the real flavor of the London Irish then and now. Mick writes: ‘The very first game took place on the Guinness Green at Park Royal, where else! We played the London Welsh Bowling Association who were to become such good friends to us. I don't remember who won the game and I doubt if any record was kept. One thing I do remember was the hospitality of the Guinness Club, it was out of this world. The Guinness flowed freely and everybody got well lubricated; the London Irish Bowling Association was well and truly launched. ' Looking back over the years, the London Irish has become one of the most popular Associations in the bowling world. When we play competitive bowls our record speaks for itself-but it is in the friendly games that everyone lets their hair down. It is the friendly spirit and good humour and particularly the Moriarty, Moroney, Cummins, Waldock and Budgie, etc., sing-song in the Clubhouse afterwards that really sets the seal on the whole day.' 'I feel very honoured indeed to be Captain of such a wonderful Association on its Jubilee year. I can only hope I will be worthy of the confidence placed in me by the members, but then I never worry too much, because I know I can always rely on the help and co-operation that is always willingly given by all the members of the London Irish. So may I wish each and every one of you a very happy and enjoyable Silver Jubilee.'
During 1956 and 1957 Committee meetings were held at John Shear's home at 2 Furring Close. Harrow. Middlesex and in 1959, 1959 and 1960 Sid Lack's business premises at 53, South Molten Street, London W1.
Up to 1961 the Annual General Meetings were held in a variety of venues such as the Trocadaro, Piccadillv; The Green Man,39 Riding House Street, London W1; St Anne's Hall, Vauxhall, and Hammersmith Town Hall.
In 1961 an arrangement was arrived at with the Irish Club, 82 Eaton Square, SW 1, whereby we pay the subscription for one of our members to become a member of the Club and in return we are allowed the facilities of the Club for our A.G.M. and our four regular committee meeting, each year.
Our representative members have been:
The following chart shows our membership growth over 25 years
Patrons Sir HUGH BEAVER, K. B. E., LL. D.
On 19th October. 1962 Sir Hugh Beaver, K.B.E., LL.D., was elected Patron. Although an extremely busy man, he was at hand when necessary to give the London Irish Administration the muscle to carry them through the inevitable rocky beginnings. A man of immense energy, Sir Hugh not only played a taxing role in the world of commerce but retained enthusiasm for turning his attention to a variety of imaginative ventures. The Guinness Book of Records exists as a result of his initiative. He continuously encouraged the Bowlers of Irish extraction he came in contact with to form an Association and was only content when this objective was achieved. He died on 16th January, 1967 at his home in Crowborough, Sussex, aged 76 . Dr F. H. BOLAND, B.A., LL. D. (hc), N.U.I., D.Litt(hc) San Francisco. Knight Commander, Order of St Gregory (Holy See), Grand Cross, Order of the Northern Star (Sweden)
Dr Boland was elected Patron of our Association on 17th November, 1967.
Dr Boland has had a most illustrious career and can be justly considered one of the most famous Irishmen. Born in Dublin, 1904, he was educated at Clongowes Wood College, Trinity College and King's Inns, Dublin. From 1950-56 he was Irish Ambassador to the Court of St James; 1956-64 Permanent Representative to the United Nations; 1960-61 President of the United Nations General Assembly; from 1964 he was Chancellor of Dublin University. He was a Director of many Irish Companies including Arthur Guinness Son & Co. Ltd., and the Irish Distillers Group Ltd.
Despite his varied interests Dr Boland has been proud to be our Patron and kept in touch with our progress through our President. He has met and given hospitality to our touring parties to Dublin in 1968 and 1976. Those who were on the 1976 tour will remember with gratitude how he personally conducted us on a grand tour of Trinity College and afterwards lavishly entertained us in the Banquet Hall of the College. As a mark of our esteem Dr Boland was presented with a London Irish plaque by tour organizer Jack Walker.
Tours to the Homeland
Ever since our foundation the call of the exile homewards has been persistent. However efforts to formulate a touring party failed consistently until 1968 when a Tour Committee comprising W. McDonald, A. J. Wright, R. Stevenson. F. Evans and A. E. Walker at last got the show on the road.
The first tour (click on the thumbnail picture) was to Dublin from 12th to 19th May and the tourists met for a get-together on 5th April at the Irish Club. The tour cost per person was £30 and W. McDonald in his report said that the London Irish met true Irish hospitality wherever they went and the party had a grand time. They stayed in the Central Hotel, Dublin, and played the following Clubs: Blackrock, Crumlin, Clontarf, Knockrabo, Kenilworth, Herbert Park, St James Gate.
The Tour Committee, with the exception of Fred Evans, who had moved to
Northampton, agreed to carry on and set
.
The touring party met for a get-together at the Irish Club on 24th July and the tour commenced on Sunday, 16th August, the party (26 players and 15 ladies) returning home on 22nd August . The Chairman of the Tour Committee W. McDonald reported that the tour was an outstanding success. The cup of hospitality was filled to overflowing and the ladies had a very enjoyable time. Some special visits were arranged for them including one to the Irish Linen Mills.
The Tour Committee were justifiably pleased with the success of the two tours but around the corner was disappointment. Arrangements to tour Dublin 1972, Scotland 1973, Dublin 1974 and 1975 were cancelled through lack of support. In 1976 a Tour Committee of R. Stevenson, T. Moriarty, L. Cummins, A. E. Walker and A. Durkan brought 26 players and 10 ladies to Dublin from 22nd to 29th August. The party stayed at the Montrose Hotel, Ballsbridge and games were played against Blackrock and Dunlaoghaire, Leinster, Cym and Crumlin, Kenilworth and Clontarf, Bray and Knockrabo, Herbert Park and Railway Union, St James Gate. Claude Byrne, who liaised from the Dublin side, did a wonderful job for us, not least in arranging for Eamonn to be our coach driver. Eamonn, to put it mildly, has a facility for putting miles on even the shortest journey. Once again friendship and hospitality were the key points of the tour. Visits to Guinness where we were entertained to lunch and to Trinity College where our Patron Dr Boland gave us red carpet treatment were other highlights. As Captain Ted Moriarty in his report said: 'The tour was so enjoyable and successful I feel sorry for those who were unable to travel with us.'
Jack Walker, tour organiser, was presented with a splendid Waterford Claret Decanter from a happy and grateful tour party. This was to be Jack's last tour. He was in the throes of negotiating a tour to Northern Ireland 1978 when he died. Bob Stevenson took over the organization. Initially the tour was to be based at Portrush from 20th to 27th August. but was later changed to Ballycastle where the party was happily accommodated in the Marine Hotel. The Tour Committee of R. Stevenson, A. Durkan, J. Owens, L. Cummins, T. Moriarty and L. Nicholl were greatly assisted by Jim Barr from Limavady who liaised continuously with Bob Stevenson and formulated a tour program which included civic receptions, visits to Bushmills Distillery, The Glens of Antrim, Rathlin Island and the Giants Causeway.
Games were played against the Irish Bowling Association, The Provincial Towns B.A., The Northern Ireland B.A., The Private Greens League, The Limavady B.C. and the Ballycastle B.C. The party of 27 bowlers and 13 ladies, many on their first visit to Northern Ireland were greatly impressed with the warmth of the welcome and the continuous flow of hospitality.
Bob Stevenson in his report paid tribute to the Moyle District Council who entertained us and made themselves responsible for our cultural needs during our stay. The touring party presented Bob with a Tyrone Crystal Decanter to mark their appreciation of his hard work.
As this goes to print Syd Lack, assisted by Les Nicholl, is organizing a tour to Dublin in our Jubilee year. Pat McGuirk, the famous Irish International Bowler, has arranged the match program and the party will stay at the Montrose Hotel from 23rd to 30th August. Syd and Les together with our Captain Mick Norris, Vice-Captain Larry Cummings and Secretary Andy Durkan, form the Tour Committee Games have been arranged as follows: Monday August 24 v Bray August 27 v Kenilworth 25 v Herbert Park 28 v Leinster 26 v Crumlin 29 v St James Gate
Our Heraldry Blazer Badge There is no record of who designed our Blazer Badge which shows the crests of the Four Provinces with a Shamrock in the central position (The Badge of The London Irish Bowling Association) . The first badges were purchased from S. A. Cory, 5 Warbeck Road, London, S.E.20 on 26th March 1956. We have an account which shows the purchase of 36 badges at 4/- each plus a few at no charge and billed to John Shea, London Irish Bowling Club. From 1960 until 1967 a small consignment of badges was purchased from Messrs Collins of Southend, prices varying from 9/- to 12/- each badge.
In 1969 it was resolved to discontinue the provision of cloth badges and to provide gold wire ones only. Marks of Distinction, 124 Euston Road, London, N. W.1 were to be our suppliers and from the initial charge of 30/- per badge the price has increased yearly to the present charge of £3.90 per badge.
Know Your Badge The badge is explained in L.I.B.A. Badge
Tie At our inaugural meeting, the newly appointed management committee was requested to arrange for the provision of a suitable tie. Again there is no written evidence of how the design of the tie came about but the first consignment had a printed motif of the four provinces and cost 11/6d each. By 1965 the price had risen to 16/9d and John Orr suggested that future purchases should have the motif woven on to the tie. In 1967, 72 woven ties were ordered at a cost of 16/9d each.
At the 1978 A.G.M. it was decided to have a special tie produced to mark our Silver Jubilee in 1981. The following year some designs were submitted and the one by Andy Durkan approved. This design, purposely showing the London connection, is exactly as it appears on the front of this brochure. It incorporates the crests of the four provinces and the shamrock of Ireland as well as the coat of arms of the City of London-the cross of St George and the sword of St Paul.
Metal Badge In the years 1956 and 1957 the London Irish used a circular badge which showed the legend London Irish Bowls Club. Some of these can still be found with the older members. However, in 1958 this badge was replaced by the Celtic Cross shaped one, which shows the crests of the four provinces with the shamrock at centre.
The cost for many years was 2/6d per badge and the supply came from Messrs L. Simpson (London) Ltd. In 1979 1000 badges, at a cost of approximately 54p each, were purchased from the firm of Messrs R. E. V. Gomm Ltd, 14/15 Frederick Street, Birmingham B13 HE. These badges are particularly sought after by collectors and are considered to be amongst the finest bowls badges anywhere in the bowling world.
The Flag In 1961 Mrs. John Shea presented the Association with a flag which showed a large shamrock on a yellow background with the written words `London Irish Bowling Association'. This was to be unfurled at our opening game of the season against the Merton and Morden B.A. As they were unable to get a team together so early in the season, a hastily arranged President v. Captain game was substituted and Mrs. Shea did the honours on the day.
At our Jubilee Dinner/Dance on 7th February, 1981 Syd Lack, one of our Vice-Presidents, presented the Association with a magnificent new flag This shows the crests of the four provinces in the shape of a Celtic Cross with a shamrock in the central position. The field of emerald green has the words 'London Irish Bowling Association founded 1956' written in cambric orange lettering. This flag will be unfurled by SW Lack on Sunday prior to our game v. Balham B.C.
Outdoor Competition As can be seen in our President's Silver Jubilee message it was Edward Guinness and Wyn Jones, then Secretary of the London Welsh Bowling Association, who first had the idea of starting the Miniature International competition. There was immediate favourable reaction from the four Associations. In 1960 Wyn Jones, acting as competition secretary, got the blessing of the English Bowling Association to start the competition.
Edward Guinness presented a trophy to be played for annually. The Kodak Club
made their two greens available to stage
The competition started in 1961 and down the years several sets of Rules unsigned and undated were drawn up. In 1977 the Rules were revised and brought up to date as follows:
Constitution and Rules The Edward Guinness Bowls Competition Revised September 1977 1. The Competition shall be played under the laws of the International Bowling Board. 2. A 6 Rink competition to be played between the London Scottish, London Irish, London Welsh and a team representing the English. 3. DRESS. Whites will be worn. 4. The London Scottish, London Irish, London Welsh teams will be composed of players who are members of their respective Associations. 5. The English team will be selected from players who are affiliated to the London Associates or from clubs affiliated to any London Association within the metropolis and must include 2 players from Kodak B.C. and 2 players from Guinness B.C. 6. An exile (Scotsman, Irishman or Welshman) who is or is not a member of his Association or one who has previously represented his Association cannot represent the English team and a player who has represented one Association cannot represent another on a later occasion. 7. The draw to take place on the morning of the games. Each Secretary or his representative will draw a number 1, 2, 3, 4 numerically; they will then draw one of two coloured discs from a hat, identical coloured discs will play each other. The choice of green and jack to be tossed for by the Secretary or his representative. 8. Each Association may have FOUR reserves, and an Association may substitute players for the Final. 9. Any team playing a player or players short, in any one rink, will deduct 25% per player of their shots on that rink. 10. The Semi-final to be played at KODAK B.C. Harrow at 9.30 a.m. SHARP on the second Saturday in September. 11. LUNCH. The TEAMS (24 players and 4 reserves only ) making a maximum number of 28 from each Association will be guests of Guinness Brewery Ltd, at the Toucan Inn. Guinness Brewery Ltd, Park Royal at 1 p.m. SHARP. It is regretted that because of limited accommodation ladies and supporters cannot attend this luncheon. and that they will have to make their own arrangements for lunch elsewhere 12. The Final to be played at the GUINNESS GREEN, Park Royal at 3.15p.m. 13. HIGH TEA. At Guinness Brewery at 6.30 p.m. The Teams, ladies and supporters, will be guests of Guinness Brewery Ltd. 14. PRESENTATION OF TROPHY. The Trophy will be presented by the donor C Edward Guinness Esq., or his representative. 15. FINANCE. An amount to be agreed by the 4 Associations to be paid to Mr. R. B. Greenway (London Welsh B.A. Secretary and Secretary of the competition ) or to Mr. Ken Hopkins (Treasurer London Welsh B.A.) on the day of the competition. Amounts will be distributed to Groundsmen's gratuities: KODAK B.C. (2 Greens), GUINNESS B.C. (1 Green) and Catering Staff of GUINNESS BREWERY for mid-day and evening catering. Any surplus may be donated to a charity to be agreed by the 4 Associations. 16. LAPEL BADGES. Secretaries can obtain these from the London Welsh Treasurer. Please note: One issue only and there will be no replacements for lost badges.
The London Irish Bowlers made a very slow start in the competition and it was not until 1965 that we registered our first outright win, beating the Scots 123-112 in the semi-final and English 125-93 in the final.
Since then as the results show, we have had our fair share of successes. Click here to view the results since the competition started,
Miniature International Badge In 1970 our Association was asked whether it would support the purchase of special metal badges which would be available to players and reserves selected to represent their Associations in the Edward Guinness Trophy competition from 1971 onwards. The L.I.B.A. agreed and the first badges appeared in 1973. Distribution to those who played in the 1972 and 1971 games followed. The names of the recipients are recorded in the minutes book. The badge, which shows the emblems of the four Associations, is a 'once only' issue and losses can in no circumstances be replaced. The badges in bulk are held by the Miniature International Treasurer (Treasurer L.W.B.A.). The London Irish have to date (December 1980) a credit of 112 badges held in stock. L.I.B.A. holders of the badge are as follows:
Jim Barr, who lives in Limavady, Northern Ireland, has been a fervent supporter of our Association for many years. As President of the Irish Bowling Association in 1973 he was Principal Guest at our Annual Dinner and has been a frequent visitor to such occasions ever since. On 16th February, 1973 W. J. Taylor brought a trophy to the A.G.M. saying he wished to put it up for a London Irish pairs competition in the name of J. W. S. Barr. After considerable discussion it was decided that it was impracticable to offer it for a pairs competition and so it was resolved that the trophy should be presented annually to the Irish four with the highest aggregate score on the day of the Miniature Outdoor International. In the event of a tie, the four winning the most ends would receive the trophy and each would be presented with a prize at the Annual Dinner/Dance. This competition within a competition generates considerable enthusiasm amongst the London Irish Bowlers and adds another dimension of excitement to these games. Click here to see the winning rinks since 1973
Indoor Competition In 1977 Peter Dunkley, Match Secretary of the Croydon Indoor Bowling Club, wrote to the exiles Bowling Associations suggesting that there should be an Indoor Miniature Competition run on the lines of the well established outdoor one. His idea had the support of his own club and Croydon was prepared to offer its green and facilities to stage the competition on the last Sunday in April each year. The response showed the Association to be keenly in favour of such a competition and an appropriate set of rules was drawn up. Each Association would be represented by three rinks and the two Associations winning the semi-final games in the morning would contest the final in the afternoon. The beaten semi-finalists would play off for third place. Bill and Pat Gibbs of the Croydon Club donated an inscribed Silver Trophy and the competition started in 1978 . London Irish were the first winners of the trophy, beating the English selection in the thrilling final. For the record the L.I.B.A. team was as follows: N. Carroll S. O'Grady A. Durkan G. B. Orr C. McCarthy J. Culbert M. Connor M. Bradford A. J. O'Connell W. Dabbs J. Brady K. Ward
London Irish repeated their success in the following year and in 1980 the English were victorious, beating the L.I.B.A. by one shot in the semi-final and then went on to win the final.
No one could have anticipated how competitive and popular these games were to become. The vision and fortitude of the Croydon Club has been well rewarded. With so much bowling talent available, the London Irish selectors are always faced with the difficult job of picking the best combinations to represent the Association Since the original 1978 side J. Cross, J. J. Gilmore, M Norris, G A Smith and D Walsh have come into the team. Click here to view the results since the competition started
In 1962 four Vice-Presidents. Harry Frenchum, John Kiely, Bill Donovan and Jack Walker presented a cup to the Association for a singles championship competition. The entry fee was 3/- and the competition started, attracting 33 entries. Each year the competition is a popular item on our Bowling Calendar, the early rounds are zoned to cut down on travelling. The semi-finals and final are always played on the Guinness green at Park Royal on a Sunday in September. As the results indicate our Commiserations must surely go to Arthur Wright who has been runner-up on five occasions. Click here to view the results since the competition started
Captain v Vice-Captain Match On 13th November, 1964 W. J. Taylor suggested that there should be an annual match between the North and South Bowlers for a Challenge Cup which he was prepared to donate. The Balham Constitutional Club, he felt sure, would agree to release their green. The first game took place in 1966, 48 Bowlers participated, the result going in favour of the South. After that the results became one way traffic with the North selection winning repeatedly.
In 1975, because of declining interest, it was decided to change the game into a Captain v. Vice-Captain match; in effect that is what it had become over the years. By this time the venue had changed to Park Royal. To stimulate more interest in the trophy the game, it was decided, would be allowed to count for the award of the Blazer Badge and for qualification to be selected in the Miniature Outdoor International. This game is perhaps the most carefree of the season with varying results never affecting the enjoyment in the Clubhouse afterwards. |
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