Kildare woman Loreto Farrell captures All-Ireland outdoor Lawn Bowls title
North Kildare Bowls Club’s (NKBC) Loreto Farrell has won the All-Ireland Champion of Champions Outdoor Lawn Bowls tournament in Dún Laoghaire.
The Ardclough native used her exceptional skills to beat out the best of the best from clubs around Ireland as they visited the coastal suburb club for the championships.
Loreto earned her spot at the prestigious event last September when she secured the position of NKBC Lady Champion during a fiercely contested club championships and “was the last lady standing” as she eloquently put it.
Loreto’s Championship win is the first-ever major competition triumph for NKBC and the club referred to her achievements as “a testament to her dedication, passion, and hard work, inspiring all members of the club and the bowling community at large.”
Loreto said of the event, “I just go out to enjoy the game, I just do my best. I never give up, just keep going. I managed to get ahead in most of the matches, but I got more confident as I went on from winning each game.
“It was a busy day but sure I love the bowls so I was happy playing all day long.”
The NKBC ladies champion beat Terry McCarthy of Greenhills Bowls Club, Rita Saunders Dun Laoghaire Bowls Club and Anne O'Herlihy of Leinster Bowls Club before reaching the final.
There was naturally plenty of support for Loreto as she made her way through the various stages and en-route to the final.
She said, “My husband (Oliver) was there with me and I had a good bit of support from North Kildare members,. It was a brilliant day.”
In the final, Loreto's focus and talent were on full display as she went head-to-head against Patricia Ryan of Ierne Bowls Club in Drumcondra, Dublin. The remarkable victory marks a momentous milestone for both Loreto and North Kildare Bowls Club.
Loreto received her trophy in front of her family, friends and club mates before having to hand it back to have her name engraved onto the silverware. Loreto will also forever be etched into history of the Dún Laoghaire Bowls Club as her name will be engraved onto the wall of champions.
When asked about celebrations following a day of competing, the All-Ireland Champion of Champions said, “No I didn’t (go celebrating). When I came home I was wrecked, when you stop playing and come home and sit down you get tired. But we might have something down in the North Kildare club to celebrate.”
Kildare Bowls Club also extended its warmest congratulations to Loreto, celebrating her remarkable achievement as the 2023 Champion of Champions. Her outstanding performance, determination, and sportsmanship have brought immense pride and joy to the club and its members.
Joe Fitzsimons from Meath won the Men’s Cup which marked the first time the competition was won by two Clubs from outside Dublin.