Gerald McDonagh powers clear to win Munster U18 bowling final

Culann Bourke did his best bowling in the early part of the score

Gerald McDonogh in action during the Munster u18 bowling final at Ballinagree. Pic: Paul Stack.

Gerald McDonagh gave a powerful second-half display to pull clear of a game Culann Bourke in the Munster u18 bowling final at Ballinagree.

Bourke did his best bowling in the early part of the score and looked at times the likely winner. McDonagh’s bowling grew in speed and confidence as the contest progressed, finally pushing his winning margin to two bowls.

Bourke won the first shot to Coakley’s lane and played a great second one past An Capaillín Bán cross to increase his lead to ten metres. McDonagh won his first lead with a great third one up the left, his right hand spin brought it out onto the middle. He increased his lead in the following exchange.

Bouke then played a great bowl to the double gates to regain the lead by a metre. Bourke’s next was his best of the day. He delivered a searing bowl up the middle towards the pink cottage, beating a big throw from McDonagh by 40m. From that high point though Bourke’s challenge ebbed as McDonagh seemed to find a higher gear.

McDonagh played a sensational seventh bowl tight left, but it had speed and his right hand spin on its side. Bourke replied with a good bowl too, but he missed the tip by eight metres. McDonagh increased his odds to the falling pole. After that he was unstoppable.

He played an incredible bowl to the post office to go 100m clear. He followed with an equally good one to the quay wall to push his lead well over a bowl. After two more to the white wall he was edging close to a second bowl.

He raised the second bowl with his following shot towards the village. That ensured his place in next month’s All-Ireland final at the same venue. Given that Bourke is still u16 and McDonagh only a few months older, they both look like huge future prospects.