Disappointment for McCloy at IBA Championships

The Ireland international, looking to regain the trophy he won back in 1994, was beaten 21-18 by Richard Leonard, from St James’s Gate.

It completed a miserable two days for McCloy, who will represent Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Games in India later next month.

Late on Thursday night McCloy, partnered by Ian McClure, were pipped by Bangor’s Graham McKee and Robert Hastings, who won a tie end in the semi final of the pairs.

Leonard completed a remarkable tournament by winning the Singles and successfully defending the Triples.

Irish international Leonard defeated Bangor’s Graham McKee in a memorable singles final decider.

But the 27 year old already had the triples trophy in his locker before that. Joined by John Leonard (Richard’s uncle) and Stephen Millane, the Bowling League of Ireland boys defeated Ballymoney’s Martin McAleese, Davy Walker and Ken Shirley 20-16.

“I’m thrilled. This is undoubtedly the pinnacle – winning the Irish singles and retaining the triples,” said Leonard.

"I think John Murphy was the last BLI player to win the singles title, back in 1999. So it’s a big feather in the cap of the association.

“It’s a great achievement for our club – and association – to win back-to-back triples titles.”In fact, it’s the third time we have lifted the trophy . . . we did it for the first time back in 2006. I’ve won the Under-25 singles on three occasions. So my CV at national level is improving.”