Some Special Games

Because Kenilworth has a long established presence on the bowling scene in Ireland, there are some special relationships that continue to the present day. Annual matches are played home and away on alternative years and are very jolly affairs indeed!

Belfast Bowling Club

As Kenilworth celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2017, Belfast Bowling Club celebrated its 175th Anniversary.  The annual match between the two clubs in 2017 was a special occasion with a reception in Stormont Castle and a display of a ledger recording over a 100 years of matches between the two clubs.

Minnis Trophy

The Minnis Trophy was presented by Richard Minnis in 1940 for an Annual Game between Kenilworth and a team from the Northern Irish Private Greens Association. Traditionally a collection for Guide Dogs for the Blind is taken up at the match.

The following text is taken from the Private Greens Association web site:

The Minnis Trophy is contested annually between the NIPGL and Kenilworth Bowling club, with the match being played alternate years at Kenilworth or the club of the NIPGL President. Richard Minnis was a member of Larne Bowling Club, a member of Kenilworth Bowling Club and a former President of the NIPGL. For much of 1942 Richard had feared blindness but thanks to the ophthalmic surgeons his sight was saved and in gratitude he decided he would do something to help those similarly afflicted.  He came up with the idea of presenting this substantial trophy to be played for by Kenilworth Bowling Club and the NIPGL in the knowledge that his many friends in bowling would perpetuate an annual contribution to a charity in aid of the blind or those threatened with blindness.  The edges of the trophy display an image of the two clubs and a cigarette case is included for the use of the winning Club Captain – changed times!

 

 

 

The K&C Cup

The Kenilworth & Clontarf Cup (which isn’t a cup at all) is usually the first friendly match played in the season against Clontarf Bowling Club. 

It is played home and away on alternative years since 1941.

 

 

 

 

The WH Morton Cup

WH (William Henry) Morton was a member of Leinster Cricket & Bowling Club. In 1944 when President of Leinster, he presented a cup to be played annually between Leinster and Kenilworth Ladies Bowling Members.

It is still played home and away on alternative years at the beginning of the season. A granddaughter of WH Morton is currently a member of Kenilworth Bowling Club.