Bowling's best of the best stake their claims at the European championships

Both Gary Daly and James O’Donovan are the kind of player who could hit a perfect ten in Meldorf

Picture: Cathal Noonan

We don’t always get perspective on a player of unique ability while they are still competing. We need the diluting grace and perspective of time to finally place them in the firmament of the greats.

In this week’s European Championships there are three bowlers who are in the frame for joining the gods like Mick Barry, Martin Siefken, Hans-Georg Bohlken, Bill Daly and Gretta Cormican – each of whom elevated themselves above mere mortals. David Murphy, Kelly Mallon and Silke Tulk are all on a shortlist to join them.