Active Retirement bowls teams from 12 counties, including the Mountbellew Chancers from Co Galway, have taken part in the 2024 Active Retirement Ireland national indoor mats bowling competition, the organisation’s twelfth annual flagship event, which took place at the Gleneagle INEC Arena in Killarney, Co Kerry last week.
Over three days, 42 four-person teams competed across the large and small bowls competitions, with Co Cork team the Magpies from Midleton taking home the large bowls cup, and the Tullow Rollers from Co Carlow taking home the small bowls cup.
The teams were presented with their trophies by Active Retirement Ireland national president Mai Quaid at a special gala ball to close the competition. Finalists from counties Kerry, Kildare and Wicklow were also presented with awards.
Speaking at the awards presentation, Active Retirement Ireland CEO Maureen Kavanagh said: “Congratulations to all the teams who took part in this year’s National Bowls Competition. This competition is testament to the drive and determination of older people of all ages to enjoy an active and social lifestyle and age well. The 168 bowlers who have competed this week, our volunteer officials and all Active Retirement Ireland members are the epitome of positive ageing and should be fully supported in their commitment to getting out there and living their best lives.
“Following the recent general election, the government has a real opportunity now to build strong policies into the new programme for government that will embed a positive ageing framework in Ireland and enable older people to live independent, active and full lives.
“We are grateful to our event host the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney for being an ally to older people and recognising the valuable contribution that they make, and for their generous support in making this event possible each year.”
There are 515 local Active Retirement Associations (ARAs) in local communities across Ireland, including in Co Galway — groups of older people who come together to organise social events and activities to reduce isolation and loneliness — supported by the national body Active Retirement Ireland.
For more information about Active Retirement Ireland, see www.activeirl.ie.
