Jim Ansbro (1941 -2022)

It is with great sorrow that we announce the death, on 10th Oct 2022, of our beloved past ITBA President, Jim Ansbro. For many years, Jim, a true gentleman and accomplished bowler, was very actively involved with the monthly Seniors Touring League and loved his annual trips to the European Senior (ESBC) event.

Jim was conferred with Honorary Membership in 2019 in recognition of his highly significant contribution and distinguished service, including his pivotal role in representing the Association at both Sport Ireland and the Department of Sport. He served with such distinction as ITBA President from 2014 to 2018.

Many benefited from Jim’s encouragement and sage advice, while he always generously gave of his time. Our sincerest condolences go out to his wife Margaret, daughter Fiona, his five sons, James, Stephen, Edward, Michael and Paul and all his extended family.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Adult Triple Crown 2022 Officials Required

If any ITBA Members are interested in becoming a Team Manager, Assistant Team Manager or Coach for the upcoming Adult Triple Crown please check out the Executive bulletin on the executive Forms & Documents page or by clicking here.

ITBA 2022 Annual General Meeting

A virtual ITBA AGM 2022 will be held on Tuesday, 26th April 2022 at 7.30pm.

If you wish to take part in the virtual AGM 2022, you must email chairman.executive@tenpinbowling.ie by 22nd April 2022. We will then email you a ZOOM link together with details on how to join the AGM, the procedures for voting at the AGM and the procedure for attendees to communicate questions and comments during the AGM. All Reports will also be available, on request by email, before the AGM.

56th National Scratch Championships 2022

In final preparation for the 56th National Scratch Championships which commence next Thursday evening, 24/02/2022 @ 7pm, you can now find details of the Schedule and Lane draw as well as Pattern (Mercury) on the Team Ireland Forms & Documents page.

On behalf of the ITBA Executive we wish to all competitors the best of luck and an enjoyable weekends play. Check back to the Team Ireland Results page throughout the tournament for updated results as they become available.

Rocks Jewellers Singles End of Season Finals 2020 – Results

An early 8:00 am check-in for bowlers in the first round, ready for the “Double Elimination” finals format in both Scratch and Handicap sections. 8 hours later at around 4:00 pm, 48 head-to-head matches completed (each match decided on – 2 games total pinfall) we were down to the Scratch and Handicap finals.

Paolo DiTofano had lost to Brian in the Winners section 3rd round by 421 to 370 and had fought his way back through the Losers section for the rematch. Paolo started strongly and remained in front throughout to take a 19 pin lead (210 -191) into the final game. Unable to maintain his form Paolo opened 3 frames (2 splits and a 9 miss) to post a 183 to Brian’s 217 (1 split) giving Brian the match and Handicap title by 408 to 393.

Karl Dryer just couldn’t get anything to go his way in the first game of the Scratch section Final and found himself 44 pins down (159 – 203) to Gareth. Game 2 was a different story, Gareth started with 4 strikes followed by a 9 miss, Karl started with 3 strikes and a split and then closed out the game 8 strikes in a row to post a 264 game. This meant Gareth had to close the 10th frame to win, which he did to score 226 and in doing forced the double elimination decider with a 429 win to Karl’s 423.

Karl continued to exert the pressure in the opening game with a 245 to Gareth’s 231 to take a 14 pin lead into the deciding game. An opening split for Karl, another in the 5th frame gave Gareth a 54 pin lead at halfway which was enough to carry him through to take the match with a 209 to Karl’s 169 and the Scratch title by 440 to Karl’s 414.

You can see how all the finalists fared throughout the day as all the results (Scratch & Handicap – Winners & Losers sections) and Prize-winners details by going to the http://www.bowlingforall.ie web Rocks results .

Our thanks go to Lorraine, Sarah, Sean and all the staff in Leisureplex Tallaght (& Stillorgan) for their support during the season and throughout the long Finals day, to John Dunne and Tim Dawson for the web support, posting our results and updates, to Emer, Jason for their continued support and involvement  throughout the extra-long season.

Thanks to Paddy Gibbons for the photo’s from the Finals day and also for putting together a memorable video from the day which can be played/downloaded from his link in the section below for a limited period.

The Last Rocks Jewellers Singles Grand Prix 19:12:2021

Thanks to the bowlers who have participated and supported the Rocks Jewellers Singles over the past 10 seasons, thank you for your kind words when we’ve talked at the last  2 qualifying events and again at the Finals on Sunday and your WhatsApp posts, they are very much appreciated. 

It’s been great to be involved from the start, to run an event that spans all age groups, genders and abilities and see so many bowlers at different levels improve and advance to higher levels in that time.

None of this would have been possible without the continued support of Victor Rock & all at Rocks Jewellers for their sponsorship of the Rocks Jewellers Singles event over the last 10 years.

Many of you have asked …… whats next ?

Our view  …… maintain the above coverage whatever the format is – its good for bowler development, social interaction and competitiveness.

Whether individually or combined it is down to You, the bowlers to get involved, put ideas foward you think will work, talk to Centres, Pro Shops, ITBA committees and potential sponsors to move those ideas forward.  

Signing out for the last time and wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Covid free New Year.



Tom & Barry