Lawn Bowls truly is a sport for all. It is an all-year round sport with a number of dimensions including elite competitive, locally competitive and social outlet, the later having a key role to play in keeping participants active in their post-retirement years
Lawn Bowls has a long and proud history in Ireland, with the first Club being formed at the end of the 19th Century. After the formation of the Kenilworth Bowling Club in 1892, a number of Clubs were established in the following decades – Railway Union in 1904, Blackrock in 1906 and Leinster in 1913.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, several Clubs have seen substantial increases in membership levels as people have been keen to pursue more outdoor activities and in some cases try a new sport. There are so many diverse groups that could have an interest in taking up Lawn Bowls including, switchers from other sports, people re-entering sport (possibly at a time when they have more time on their hands) or indeed, people taking up a sport for the first time.
It is widely reported that taking up lawn Bowls could also lead to an improvement in your physical and mental health. These benefits but may include:
- Fitness – improving muscle strength (arm, shoulder, leg muscles), flexibility and endurance.
- Mental Health –It gets you out into the fresh air and could help ease depression and anxiety.
- Increases Skills– the game involves some element of problem-solving skills and also helps improve co-ordination and concentration.
- Improves Confidence– Participating in lawn bowls helps improve self-esteem and gets you active, meeting new people and making friends.
- Self-Discipline– being part of a team sport involves turning up on time and being organised.
The Irish Lawn Bowls Association will be participating at the 50 Plus Show at the RDS on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 March 2024. Please come and visit our stand and discuss how you could get into the game – our stall will be manned by friendly experienced players who will be more than happy to share their experiences with you. Register for Free Here
If you cannot make it along to the event in the RDS, please contact our National Development Officer Ian Wilson (ianwilson10@gmail.com) who will be more than happy to put you in contact with your local Club. There are currently 27 Clubs (18 in Leinster) and a number of stand-alone facilities spread across 10 counties in Ireland.
