#Jack in the Box

Irish Bowls Federation

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UPDATED WEEKLY

Join us as we discuss the latest news, prevalent issues, and everything in between surrounding our beloved sport. Hear from special guests, featured experts, and engaging panel discussions - this podcast has it all. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or just getting started, there's something for everyone.

JAN 1

Kelly's Eye Number 1 (Part 2)

Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland return with the second part of their festive special, concluding their compelling interview with Gary Kelly and looking ahead to an exciting year in Irish bowls. The hosts open by previewing the year ahead, with the major event being the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. They discuss team selection processes and address the disappointing news that Irish para athletes will not be competing at the event. On a positive note, they celebrate the confirmation that bowls will be included in the 2030 Commonwealth Games, securing the sport's future on the international stage. Team selection continues to feature as the hosts examine the newly announced men's U25 squad and discuss the senior men's international trial process that will determine Ireland's elite team. The episode introduces an exciting new segment - "Legend's Corner" - where Ian and Chris look back at the greats of Irish bowls history. In this inaugural edition, Chris reveals his selections for the first rink of an all-time legends team, sparking what promises to be an entertaining ongoing series. The spotlight returns to Gary Kelly for the conclusion of his remarkable story. Kelly shares the fascinating details of his move to Australia, explaining how the opportunity arose and the impact it had on his career development. He discusses the Australian bowls scene and how competing at that level elevated his game. The conversation turns to his Commonwealth Games selection and Kelly candidly reflects on whether his move to Australia influenced the selectors' decision. He opens up about the immense pressure he felt to win a medal and the overwhelming relief of securing silver. Kelly's honesty about the mental challenges of elite competition provides valuable insights into the psychological demands faced by top athletes. Following his Commonwealth success, Kelly recounts his achievements at the subsequent World Bowls Championships, where he captured both gold and silver medals - career-defining moments that cemented his status among Ireland's bowling elite. Looking to the future, Kelly reveals his burning ambition to achieve the one medal that has eluded him - Commonwealth Games gold. The conversation explores his aspirations and dedication to reaching this goal. The discussion also touches on the intriguing possibility of bowls being included in the Olympic Games and what that could mean for the sport and for Kelly's career. The episode concludes with Gary taking on the "#Jack in the Box Perfect Irish Bowler" challenge, using his wealth of international experience to construct his ideal player. From looking ahead to Glasgow 2026, celebrating legends of the past, and completing Gary Kelly's inspirational journey, this New Year's Day special provides the perfect blend of nostalgia, achievement, and anticipation for the exciting year ahead in Irish bowls.

55 min
12/26/2025

Kelly's Eye Number 1 (Part 1)

Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland kick off a festive two-part Christmas and New Year special, featuring one of Ireland’s most accomplished international bowlers, Gary Kelly. The hosts begin with celebratory coverage of the World Bowls Junior International Series held at CAIBC, where Ireland crowned another world champion as Lara Reaney captured the women’s singles title. The triumphant theme continues with coverage of the Atlantic Senior Fours event in Cyprus, where the Irish ladies returned home with gold medals. The hosts also discuss the inaugural Mixed Pairs competition before turning their attention to Gary Kelly’s recent success on the World Bowls Series. Gary Kelly joins the podcast to discuss his remarkable recent achievements, including the outstanding performance of Warilla at the UBC. The conversation then rewinds to explore Kelly’s extraordinary early career, revealing how he first discovered bowls and achieved success at an incredibly young age - winning the British Isles U25 Singles at just 14 years old and making his international debut at 16. The interview traces Kelly’s impressive journey through the ranks, from his roots at Ballymoney through Provincial Towns representation and onto the Ireland senior team, culminating in Commonwealth Games bronze in Delhi. His progression to elite level showcases the dedication and talent that has defined his career. In a candid and emotional segment, Kelly opens up about the challenging lows of his career - the disappointment of not being selected for the 2012 World Championships and missing out on the 2014 Commonwealth Games. These setbacks tested his resolve and passion for the sport. The conversation then celebrates Kelly’s inspiring comeback to the international scene in 2015, highlighted by success at the Atlantic Rim competition. This resurgence led to selection for the 2016 World Championships in New Zealand and the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Throughout the interview, Gary and Ian share entertaining stories and memorable moments from these international trips, with Kelly emphasizing his immense pride in representing Ireland on the world stage. His passion for wearing the green shirt comes through as he reflects on the honour and responsibility of international competition. This Boxing Day special offers listeners an intimate look at the highs, lows, and triumphs of one of Ireland’s finest bowlers before his journey to live in Australia – which follows in Part 2 on New Years Day.

59 min
12/01/2025

Boss Hogg

Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland deliver a jam-packed episode celebrating Irish success on the world stage and introducing a new era in Irish indoor bowls management. The hosts open with comprehensive coverage of recent Irish triumphs, leading with David Copeland's spectacular Champion of Champions victory, crowning him as Ireland's newest world champion. They analyze Irish performances at the World Cup in Malaysia before turning their attention to the results from the Hong Kong Classic and reflecting on the memorable multi-nations trip to Canada. On the domestic front, the episode covers the recent Inter-Stadium Series and Potters qualifiers, with exciting news of local players securing their spots for Potters in January. Team selection announcements feature prominently as the hosts discuss the newly selected Under 18 squad, alongside the ladies U25 and senior teams who will be representing Ireland in upcoming competitions. The short mat internationals receive detailed coverage before the hosts look ahead to two major events on the horizon: the World Bowls Junior Indoor Championship at the Jim Baker Stadium and the Atlantic Senior Fours in Cyprus. These competitions promise to showcase Irish talent across multiple age groups and disciplines. The conversation then addresses recent managerial changes within Irish bowls, providing the perfect segue to this week's featured guest - Colin Hogg, the newly appointed men's Irish Indoor team manager. In this insightful interview, Hogg takes listeners through his early playing career, candidly discussing both the highs and lows he experienced as a competitor. This personal journey provides valuable context for his transition into management and shapes his unique perspective on the role. Hogg opens up about his vision for the men's indoor team, discussing his philosophy, what he brings to the position based on his playing experience, and his aspirations for Irish bowls at the international level. His passion for developing players and building team culture comes through as he outlines his approach to the demanding role of team manager. The episode concludes with Hogg taking on the challenge of naming his perfect Irish bowler, drawing on his extensive experience both as a player and now as a manager to construct his ideal combination of skills and attributes. From world championship glory to new leadership, and from domestic success to international ambition, this episode marks an exciting new chapter in Irish indoor bowls.

1h 3m
09/13/2025

The Crumlin Star

Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland return with a comprehensive roundup of the incredibly busy world of Irish bowls, covering everything from championship finals to international competitions. The hosts kick off with extensive coverage of recent events, starting with the men's and ladies' Irish finals held at CYM Bowling Club and Lurgan Bowling Club respectively. They examine the team competitions in both the men's and ladies' Irish cups before turning their attention to international action. The episode provides detailed analysis of the U18 International Series and the Ladies Inter-Association Series, alongside coverage of the men's junior inter-association competition. Looking ahead, they preview the upcoming U25 International Series in Ayr, building excitement for Ireland's young talent on the international stage. The hosts also recap the IBF Junior Premier League and the U21 Mixed and Open Pairs events, showcasing the depth of competition across all age groups. They conclude their news segment with discussion of the vacant roles within the IWBA and AIIB organizations. The spotlight then turns to an inspiring interview with Sarah Kelly from Crumlin Bowling Club, a distinguished Irish international with multiple national titles and extensive elite experience. Kelly opens up about the central role family plays in her bowls journey, sharing how she met her husband through the sport and discussing the invaluable support system her family provides. In a touching segment, Kelly reflects on her most memorable career moments, including winning four Irish pairs titles alongside her mother Noleen and her triumphant British Isles Singles title victory last year. These achievements highlight not only her individual excellence but also the special family bonds that bowls can create. The conversation delves into Kelly's motivations and future aspirations, exploring her thoughts on how to move the game forward and attract new participants. Her passion for developing the sport shines through as she shares her vision for Irish bowls. The episode concludes with Sarah taking on the entertaining "Jack in the Box Perfect Irish Bowler" challenge, offering her unique perspective on what makes an ideal player based on her years of experience at the highest level. From championship drama to family legacy, and from international competition to future vision, this episode captures the rich tapestry of Irish bowls through the eyes of one of its most accomplished players.

1h 12m
08/13/2025

Mr & Mrs 100, Cup Magic & The Big Cheeses

Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland deliver a milestone episode featuring historic achievements and behind-the-scenes insights into Irish bowls. The hosts open with a detailed review of the Para International Series at Leamington Spa, where Ireland participated for the first time, marking a significant moment in the development of Irish para bowls. They analyze the performances and discuss what this participation means for the future of the sport. The conversation then turns to the current state of this year's Irish Cup competitions, with all three categories - senior, intermediate, and junior cups - having reached the exciting semi-final stages. The hosts provide comprehensive coverage of the progress across all three competitions and offer their predictions for the upcoming semi-final matches. The episode's first guest segment features the remarkable husband and wife duo Gary and Donna McCloy, who achieved the extraordinary feat of both reaching 100 caps for Ireland during the same international series. This historic milestone makes them a unique couple in Irish bowls history. The McCloys share their journey to this achievement and reveal major news about their careers that will captivate listeners. The conversation with the McCloys also covers their triumphant Irish Cup success last year, winning the competition for the first time, and discusses their impressive current run in this year's competition as they aim to defend their title. The second guest segment shifts focus to the administrative heart of Irish bowls, featuring Jennifer Dowds (IWBA Secretary) and Colin Campbell (IBA Secretary). These dedicated officials provide valuable insights into their crucial roles within the sport, revealing the complexities and challenges of managing bowls at the highest level. They discuss the day-to-day responsibilities that keep Irish bowls functioning smoothly, from organizing competitions to managing player selections and coordinating with international bodies. The conversation explores what they bring to the game beyond administration, their current initiatives to grow and improve the sport, and their ambitious hopes for the future development of Irish bowls. Listeners get a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work that makes elite competition possible. From historic para bowls participation to administrative vision, and from personal milestones to cup competition excitement, this episode captures the diverse elements that drive Irish bowls forward.

1h 3m
07/18/2025

Marty The Machine (Uncovered)

Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland return with comprehensive coverage of the latest Irish bowls developments and an inspiring interview with one of the sport's most dedicated players. The hosts kick off with analysis of the Men's Inter-Association competition and its crucial role in the subsequent Men's International Team selection. They examine how Irish players performed at the British Bowls Championships and International Series, with particular focus on several players who reached significant milestones in terms of international caps. The episode also reviews the successful test match against Jersey and looks ahead to the highly anticipated test match against England in Dublin, providing insights into team preparations and expectations. The spotlight then turns to an extraordinary interview with Marty McHugh, affectionately known as "The Machine." This compelling conversation celebrates McHugh's recent achievement of earning his 100th cap for Ireland, a milestone that speaks to his remarkable longevity and consistency at the highest level of the sport. McHugh takes listeners on a journey through his stellar career, from his early beginnings in bowls to his first taste of success, and through his numerous appearances at Commonwealth Games and World Bowls competitions. The interview reveals what drives this exceptional athlete to continue competing at elite level, exploring the hunger and determination that has sustained him throughout his career. In a deeply personal segment, McHugh discusses the central role his family plays in his success and opens up about the sacrifices that elite players and their families must make in pursuit of sporting excellence. His candid reflections provide valuable insights into the dedication required to compete at international level. The episode concludes with McHugh's take on the "#Jack in the Box Perfect Bowler" challenge, where he selects Irish-born players to construct his ideal bowler, offering unique perspectives shaped by his extensive experience competing alongside and against Ireland's finest players. From international competition updates to personal stories of dedication and sacrifice, this episode captures the essence of what it means to represent Ireland at the highest level of bowls.

1h 3m
06/04/2025

Nelly: A Load of Bowls (Part 2)

Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland return with the compelling second part of their conversation with Neil "Nelly" Booth, shifting focus from his illustrious playing career to his impactful role as Ireland's High Performance Coach. The episode begins with the hosts covering recent developments in Irish bowls, including a historic milestone for the Irish Para bowls squad – their first home test match against Scotland. They also discuss the successful open days that have been taking place around the country, the recent U18 pathway day designed to develop young talent, and analyze the recently announced IBF podium and development squads. The main feature continues the fascinating conversation with Neil Booth, exploring his transition from champion player to influential coach. Booth candidly shares how he moved into coaching, the philosophy he brought to the role, and the significant changes he has implemented in Ireland's high-performance program. This revealing interview delves into the highs and lows of Booth's coaching career, including the challenges of developing elite players and the satisfaction of seeing Irish bowlers succeed on the international stage. Booth offers insight into his coaching methods, team selection processes, and how he has helped shape the current generation of Irish bowls talent. Looking to the future, the conversation explores Booth's vision for Irish bowls, his goals for upcoming major competitions, and the legacy he hopes to build as High Performance Coach. From the pressures of international competition to the strategic planning behind Ireland's bowls development, this episode completes a comprehensive portrait of Neil Booth's extraordinary contribution to the sport, both on and off the green.

46 min
05/14/2025

Nelly: A Load of Bowls (Part 1)

Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland present the first installment of an extraordinary two-part interview with one of Ireland's greatest bowls legends, Neil Booth. The episode opens with a comprehensive wrap-up of the indoor season, as the hosts analyze the performances at the British Isles Championships and International Series in Llanelli. They also examine the highlights from the World Indoor Singles and Mixed Pairs in Aberdeen, providing insights into the Irish performances and standout moments from these prestigious competitions. The spotlight then turns to an in-depth interview with Neil "Nelly" Booth, exploring his remarkable playing career that stands as one of the most decorated in Irish bowls history. This candid conversation takes listeners through Booth's journey across 65 international caps indoor and 79 international caps outdoor, examining the discipline, dedication, and skill that led to his extraordinary success. The hosts and Booth revisit his five Commonwealth Games appearances, where he secured an impressive medal haul of one gold, two silver, and one bronze. They delve into his four World Bowls Championships, which yielded one gold and three bronze medals, discussing the pivotal moments and challenges faced at the pinnacle of the sport. The interview also covers Booth's outstanding domestic achievements, including his 10 PGL titles, Irish Fours, and British Fours in outdoor competition, alongside 14 Irish titles, a British Isles Singles title, and British Isles Fours crown indoors. Through personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes insights, and reflections on career-defining moments, this episode provides an intimate portrait of one of the sport's most accomplished figures and sets the stage for Part 2, which will explore his transition to coaching.

54 min

Join us as we discuss the latest news, prevalent issues, and everything in between surrounding our beloved sport. Hear from special guests, featured experts, and engaging panel discussions - this podcast has it all. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or just getting started, there's something for everyone.

Creator

Irish Bowls Federation
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

14
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Irish Bowls Federation
Show Website

#Jack in the Box