The lawn bowls club that is re-igniting people’s passion for sport in North Kildare
Sitting amongst rugby pitches, tennis courts and much more, the North Kildare Bowls Club (NKBC) is one of the more subtle aspects of the North Kildare sports centre between Maynooth and Kilcock.
However, it may perhaps be the most charming. I received a warm welcome when arriving at the club. President Dudley Foster welcomed me and reminded me that I was welcome back anytime following my initial visit because bowls are for people of all ages. Many retirees have found great enjoyment in the sport, the reduced need for major mobility but a necessity for careful skill makes bowls perfect for people of all ages and abilities.
I had never played bowls before, and aware of the typical demographic I brought my grandmother Mary for good measure. I felt the varying perspectives we could offer would add something to this piece. My thinking unfortunately was incorrect, despite our significant gap in age (sorry Mary), after giving it a go we came away with the same conclusion…’I could really get into that’.
We were both immediately invested in bowls as soon as we stepped onto the stunning NKBC green. I believe it is because the sport is something that is simple in its rules but far from straightforward when it comes to skill, as both took time to try to weigh and angle our attempts.
We spoke with club President Dudley alongside members of the club and one of the main takeaways was that there is no advantage in bowls based on gender, age or anything other factor for that matter. Bowls is for all and if either yourself or someone you know is interested in starting, I can personally attest to the wonderful social and sporting scene in North Kildare Bowls Club.
Dudley, who was one of the founding members, said about starting the bowls club, “There is cricket, rugby and tennis here and people were retiring from those sports and the clubs were losing members, which is natural. The idea was that we could have something that people could keep up their competitive spirit, so bowls started and now over five years on we have above 60 members.”
The club was established just five years ago, the North Kildare Bowls Club has quickly become a staple of the local community. Its beautiful green and well-maintained facilities provide the perfect setting for league play, tournaments, and social events. But the club is more than just a place to play bowls for the members, it's a community where retirees can come together and build lasting relationships.
One of the club's most active members, Billy Kennedy, has been a member since the opening of the club. He said, "After being cooped up for so long during the pandemic, I was eager to get out and stay active. The North Kildare Bowls Club provided me with the perfect opportunity to do just that. The club's facilities are top-notch, and the community of members is welcoming and friendly."
The North Kildare Bowls Club is more than just a place to play bowls. It's a community where retirees can come together, stay active, and make new friends. The club's Public Relations Officer, Johann Taljaard said, "We're proud to offer this service to the retirees in our community, and we're always looking for new members to join us."The club's facilities are not just restricted to retirees, it welcomes players of all ages and abilities. The club also provides an opportunity for families to bond over the sport, and to create lasting memories together.
North Kildare Bowls Club also plays an important role in the community, by partnering with local organisations. This helps to reach potential members who may not be aware of the club or the sport of lawn bowls.
The club's dedication to the community extends beyond providing a place for retirees to stay active. The North Kildare Bowls Club is also committed to giving back to the community through annual fundraisers. On last year’s October bank holiday, the club raised €2550 for Parkinson's, showing their dedication to the community.
The sport of lawn bowls may not be as popular as it once was, but the North Kildare Bowls Club is working hard to change that. With its beautiful facilities, friendly community of members, opportunities for league play and tournaments and its commitment to giving back.
If you are looking for a way to stay active, make new friends and be part of a community that cares, North Kildare Bowls Club is the place for you. People can contact the secretary via their website northkildarebowlsclub.org or via email at [email protected], and the club will be happy to assist you with any information or questions you may have.