Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland return with an episode celebrating new chapters and transitions, as the Irish bowls calendar shifts from outdoor to indoor season.

The hosts open with reflection on the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games, celebrating the gold medal achievements of Adam McKeown and Gary Kelly representing Northern Ireland. This triumphant moment caps off an extraordinary competition that has showcased Irish bowls talent on the global stage.

The conversation then pivots toward the future as the hosts look ahead to the start of the indoor season, previewing the upcoming PBA qualifiers that will kick off a new phase of competitive bowls. They also look back on the conclusion of the outdoor season with final coverage of the Men’s and Women’s Irish Cups.

The episode includes recognition of the Para bowls achievements with coverage of the Para singles winners and reflection on the Para development test match in Scotland. In a solemn moment, the hosts pause to remember Mary Stevenson, a recent Scottish para gold medalist who competed in that test match and has since passed away. Her memory and legacy in para bowls will be cherished by the community.

Looking forward with optimism, the hosts discuss the exciting disability hubs being developed at The Grove and Ballybrakes CIBC, expanding opportunities for para bowlers. They also highlight upcoming VI director training, further strengthening the support system for visually impaired players.

Continuing the “Legend’s Corner” series, Ian unveils the final rink of the all-time Ireland bowls legends team, completing the dream squad that has been constructed throughout the season. The hosts also recap the ongoing club surveys gathering feedback from across Irish bowls.

The interview segment welcomes two players embarking on new beginnings in bowls: Paddy Mallon and Grace Henry. Their stories are unique – both have transitioned from successful careers in other sports, Paddy from Football and Grace from Hockey, to embrace bowls at this stage of their sporting lives.

Ian and Chris explore how each player discovered bowls and what drew them to make this transition. The conversation delves into the motivations behind leaving established sports to pursue bowling, and what they’ve found to love about the game. They discuss how bowls compares to their previous sporting experiences and what makes this transition feel right for them.

Looking ahead, Mallon and Henry share their aspirations for their bowling futures and offer their perspectives on what the sport needs to do to continue attracting players from other sporting backgrounds. Their insights as recent converts provide valuable perspective on bowls’ appeal beyond traditional pathways.

The episode concludes with both guests taking on the “#Jack in the Box Perfect Irish Bowler” challenge, drawing on their unique experience as athletes transitioning from other sports.

From celebrating Commonwealth gold to welcoming new voices and perspectives, this episode embodies the spirit of new beginnings and the sport’s ability to attract talent from diverse sporting backgrounds.