Bowls
Irish bowlers enjoyed a very successful weekend in the World Short Mat Championships at the National Sports Stadium, Cardiff, writes Ray McClean.
They lifted three of the four titles up for grabs and narrowly failed to complete the clean sweep.
Former triples champion Kevin Conroy claimed his second world title when he won the singles.
The Oriel player remained undefeated throughout the tournament and lifted the trophy with an impressive nine-shot victory against Luke Hadden of Wales.
He booked his final berth with a 12-7 defeat of Donegal's John Quinn, who eventually finished in third spot. Husband and wife Joe and Pauline Beattie of Armagh were also in superb form over the three days to claim the pairs title.
Twice Irish singles champion Alan Paul of Mid Ulster maintained the Irish momentum when he skipped his triple to victory against Mike John, along with Willie Lennox and Clarke Hill. Oriel's Billy Taafe, Sean Trainor and Paddy Hanlon had to settle for third place in this competition.
The latter had hoped to repeat his fours success at Ballymoney two years ago when Hanlon had also struck gold in the triples.
There was disappointment for another Mid Ulster combination in the fours final. Colin Hogg, Glen Smith, Dwayne Jordan and Mark Wilson were all-square with their Welsh opponents going into the final end but eventually lost out by a single shot.
Team manager Artie Rice said he was delighted with his side's performance. "It was a great display and our best showing for quite some time. "Everyone played their part and with a little luck we could have repeated the success of 2009 when we won all four titles."
GAA
Down Supporters Club are running buses to Down's last NFL Division Two game away to Laois on Sunday, April 6, leaving Castlewellan at 9.15am and Newry at 10am. To book seats contact Seamus McClean on 0787 376 1804. Fares: Adults £15; U16 £10. Bus for those staying overnight leaves on Saturday, April 5 from Castlewellan at 9.15am and Newry at 10am.