David Murphy secures All-Ireland road bowling glory again

David Murphy is back on top of the bowling world after winning his second All-Ireland senior title, for just under €50,000, with almost two shots to spare on Ulster’s Thomas Mackle at Port Mór-Blackwatertown on Sunday.

In 2008, he defeated the great Michael Toal in Skibbereen and the road ahead looked to be paved in gold. His next All-Ireland appearance was in 2011 at Tassagh. By then his reputation had soared and Conor McGuigan was given virtually no hope, but Murphy didn’t perform on the day and McGuigan did everything to perfection.

The four years since the August weekend in 2011 must have seemed an age for Murphy. Before that shock defeat he looked destined to totally dominate senior bowling in Ireland. What was interpreted then as a blip turned into a four year famine.