Update Re Squads for 2020 and 2021 Season

Given the rather unique situation in 2020 with Covid 19 we have been unable to name a conventional Emerging Squad and Elite Squad for the 2 year build up to the Commonwealth Games.

 It is our intention to select an Elite Squad following World Bowls in May/ June 2021.This will stay in place until the completion of the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Those players currently in the Elite Squad will remain in place this year.

 A new Emerging Squad will be selected at the start of 2021.

 In the meantime for the remainder of the 2020 bowling season it is our intention to have Squad Sessions with both the World Bowls Squads and the 2020 Emerging Squad which is listed below. It is hoped sessions will take place at several locations to cut down travelling for players. Other names may be added to the Emerging Squad as the year progresses. It is hoped to use some players from the current Elite Squads also in these sessions.

Emerging Squad 2020

Mitchell Albert           Sam Barkley               Laura Cassells

Ryan Cavan                Cameron Gaw             Cathal Gillen

Matthew Hastings       Robert Kirkwood        Stephen Kirkwood

Ryan McElroy            Sophie McIntyre         Allana McKee

Dean Mills                  Zoe Minish                 Jack Moffett

Colm O’Brien           Mia Patterson             Jordan Rankin

Adam Rankin              Lara Reaney                Adam Stratton

Chloe Wilson

Could all players in the Emerging Squad please confirm acceptance by text to High Performance Coach, Neil Booth on 07834958136.

Neil Booth

Issued by the Government Press Office

19 June 2020

Government approves revised Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business

Places of worship, gyms, cinemas, leisure facilities & hairdressers can open from June 29th

 Announcement provides businesses with time to prepare

The Government has today (Friday) approved a revised Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, with most activity now being moved to Phase 3, beginning on Monday June 29^th. The acceleration of the Roadmap has been made possible thanks to the progress made by the Irish people in supressing the virus and keeping transmission levels low. The announcement is being made today to give businesses time to plan ahead of June 29^th.

As our country is reopened in a controlled, measured way personal responsibility will be more important than ever. We must maintain physical distancing to the greatest extent possible, for as much time as possible, to prevent the spread of infection.  We are asking everyone to consider four things before making a decision about doing something and at all times to evaluate the risk:

• Distance
• Activity
• Time
• Environment

The revised Phase 3 includes the reopening of churches and places of worship, gyms, cinemas, leisure facilities, hairdressers and barber shops. All sporting activities, including close contact sports, can recommence including team leagues for adults and children. However, these sports will take place with a very limited number of spectators.

Mass gatherings will be limited to 50 people indoors and 200 people outdoors.  If the presence of the virus remains low, this will rise to 100 people indoors and 500 people outdoors in Phase 4. 

Members of the public are continuing to be advised to use a face covering (i.e. a non-medical face covering) as an additional hygiene measure, when using busy public transport or when in enclosed indoor public areas such as retail outlets. A new communications campaign launched this week encourages more people to wear face coverings in these circumstances, and when you are visiting people vulnerable to Covid 19.

Speaking this evening the Taoiseach said:

“The virus hasn’t gone away.  We are all still susceptible to it. Certain types of activity are more risky than others, so we must lower that risk by taking appropriate steps, wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distancing, washing our hands and so on. 

“Taking personal responsibility means not entering a place if you see it is packed.  It means leaving somewhere, even if you are having a good time, if you have been there beyond a certain point.  It means exercising judgement and self-control for your own sake as well as the collective good.

“This re-phasing of the Roadmap has been made possible by the solidarity of the Irish people and the sacrifices made by so many over the past few months in suppressing the virus.  Instead of being forced back, we have been able to push the spread of the virus back and advance forward.

“We will need to continue to act responsibility, understand that we have no treatment or vaccine for this virus and until such time as we do we will be living a different type of life. But a life where we can again do so many things that are important to us and our families. We have been through a shared experience and as we move forward, we will never forget what we have lost and learned.”

IRISH BOWLING ASSOCIATION – NEWS LETTER

WORLD BOWLS.

2020 World Championships – cancelled – re-scheduled for 2021 – 25/5 to 6/6 at same venue – Broadbeach, Australia.

John Bell re-elected as President for a further 2 years from 1/6/2020.

Garry Collins re-elected as Director for Europe for a further 2 years from 1/6/2020.

2020 Champion of Champions – cancelled. This event was to be held in Adelaide, Australia. There is no venue for the 2021 competition as yet.

The next Meeting of World Bowls will be on Sunday, 21^st June, 2020.

ATLANTIC SENIOR FOURS

This inaugural tournament was to be held in Cyprus in December, 2020 however, the organising committee have decided to cancel and will continue to work towards staging the event in 2021.

BRITISH ISLES BOWLS COUNCIL

The A G M was held in March where David Graham OBE handed over the Presidency to Mike Flanagan (Wales). Robert Madden (Ireland) was elected as Vice President.                                                                                                                            Treasurer Ken Woodcock & Secretary Duncan McLaren gave notice to retire after 10 years and were proposed and seconded for Honorary Membership. 2020 Senior Championships & International Series – cancelled.

A further Executive meeting was held on 16/5/2020 via Zoom.                                           2020 Junior International Series – cancelled

It was agreed that all 2020 Events & Venues be carried forward to 2021. Therefore, the Senior Championships & International Series will be in Wales and the Junior International Series will be in Ayr. In 2022 Ireland will host the Senior Championships & International Series at Belmont B. C.

The President and Vice President will remain in office for 2021. Ken (Treasurer) & Duncan (Secretary) will remain in post for 2021.

A discussion took place on the amalgamation of the B I B C & B I W B C. Bowls England to produce a document for further discussion.

I B A EVENTS ETC.

2020 Senior Inter-Association Championships – cancelled – This event was to be hosted by the B L I in Dublin and will be in Dublin in 2021.

Irish Cups Competition – cancelled. All Cup entry fees for 2020 will be transferred to 2021.

2020 Junior Inter-Association Championships – cancelled.

There will be no Irish Championships this year therefore, the 2019 Irish Champions will represent Ireland at the B I B C Championships in Wales in 2021.

The President and Vice President will remain in office for 2021.

There will be no Annual Dinner in October.

All Tournament Licence Fees paid will be transferred to 2021.

Club Membership £40 – This is a yearly fee which is necessary for all Clubs to retain Membership of the Association. The same fee will apply for 2021.

There will be no Capitation Fees this year as there will be no competitive bowling.

The appointment of the International Team Manager (Neil Booth) for a further 3 years has been approved. I am delighted to announce that Neil has accepted the offer and wishes to thank the Council for all their support.

A decision regarding the Annual General Meeting will be taken later.