11/08/2026
Mixed Pairs 2026
By SLBC on Thursday, July 30 2026, 18:00 - Current - Permalink
https://sligolawnbowls.com/index.php?post/2026/08/11/Mixed-Pairs-2026
The 2026 SLBC Mixed Pairs competition came to a thrilling conclusion this week after four days of exciting bowls, great sporting moments and plenty of support from members.
With 8 matches played on Day 1, including four that went all the way to deciding tie-breaks, the competition got off to a flying start. Despite a few spells of light drizzle, the weather largely behaved itself and members were treated to some excellent Mixed Pairs bowling across the two sessions.
Quarter-Finals – The Elements Join In!
Quarter-final day certainly tested the players, with persistent rain during the morning sets giving way to glorious sunshine in the afternoon.
All three morning matches went to deciding tie-breaks, adding plenty of drama and tension for those watching. There were also plenty of contenders for “Shot of the Day”:
Kathleen produced a perfect draw around a bowl barely an inch directly in front of the jack.
Maureen G demonstrated exactly how to play a tie-break end, ditching the jack — and following it into the ditch!
Dympna produced a superb draw to a respotted jack.
Pascal somehow found a route through a forest of bowls to rest out the shot bowl on the final tie-break end.
Tom played a perfect draw to close out his match when lying three shots down.
As was said during the week, this was free sporting entertainment - no paywall here!
Semi-Finals
Two excellent semi-finals followed, with one match going all the way to a thrilling final-end tie-break.
After three days of fantastic competition, everything was set for an exciting final between Maureen G & Paul and Dympna & Seamus Flanagan.
A Thrilling Final
The final certainly lived up to expectations, with top-quality bowling throughout.
Dympna and Seamus took the first set 8–3, putting themselves in a strong position. However, Maureen and Paul showed tremendous resilience. At half-time they switched positions, with Paul taking the skip, and the change paid dividends as they mounted an impressive comeback.
Going into the final end of the second set, Maureen and Paul were 7–6 ahead and were lying the one shot they needed to force the match into a deciding tie-break. Paul's bowl was sitting approximately six inches to the side of the jack.
Then came the decisive moment.
Dympna kept her composure and produced a superb shot, nestling her bowl perfectly between the jack and Paul's bowl. It was enough to tie the second set and, having won the first set, secure the match for Dympna & Seamus Flanagan.
A fantastic finish to a fantastic week of Mixed Pairs bowls!
Thank You
Ah huge thank you goes to all our members and supporters who came along throughout the competition and helped create such a great atmosphere.
And a special thank you to June, Rattana, Nuala and Michael G for bringing in the fabulous treats for the half-time refreshments. They were, quite simply, out of this world!
It was also lovely to see Mark Dunne coming along to watch the competition on both the semi-final and final days.
Congratulations to Dympna & Seamus, and well done to Maureen & Paul on a superb final and an excellent fightback.
Most importantly, congratulations to everyone who took part. The week showcased exactly what makes club bowls so enjoyable - competitive matches, great shots, plenty of drama, good humour and fantastic camaraderie.
Well done everyone!
