Gerard McCarthy profile

​PLAYER PROFILE
Gerard McCarthy, our Men’s Secretary, has kindly agreed to be our first victim for this new feature providing an insight into connection with the great game of Bowls. We will add profiles to the library each month.
 
Thanks for agreeing to be the first player at the club to share your bowling experiences with us Gerard. How long have you been playing bowls? Since 2015 when by chance I spotted an ‘Open Day’ sign at Budleigh Salterton Bowls Club which led me to sign up for their indoor season.
 
What do you find special about the game? It’s a competitive sport but at it’s core there’s a strong emphasis placed on sportsmanship and respect.
 
What’s your favourite format? Triples is my preferred game. The third wood makes such a difference and whatever position (1,2 or skip) you have the opportunity to put your mark on the game.
 
How is this season going? Early days, I’m getting better but I need to be more consistent.
 
What has been your highest achievement to date? Winning the Otter Trophy Singles last summer. I beat four good bowlers to get there. Yes, luck did give me a helping hand, but it was a good indicator that I am going in the right direction.
 
Does a particular game stand out in your memory? I will go for two very contrasting locations. Firstly, playing at the Falls Road Bowling Club in Belfast and later at the Jersey Bowling Club against a President’s selected team drawn from four clubs across the island including international players. Modesty prevents me from going into too much detail but we won 23-15 on our rink!
 
Away from bowls what do you get up to? Family and friends. I recently retired so I’m enjoying the art of ‘pottering around’.
 
Is there anything you don’t like about bowls? In two words, heavy greens!
 
Are you involved in other activities at the club? I am currently the Men’s Secretary so I sit on the Management Committee. I am also the club’s representative at the Section 3 meetings of Bowls Devon.

​Finally, can you sum up the attractions of Bowls in three words?  COMPETITION, COMMUNITY , FRIENDSHIP!