Alan is top of the 'Glass!

Johnston, from St Michael's Dundrum, ensured his long trip back to County Down was a happy one as he defeated Stephen McMahon (Carrickmacross) 14-6 in the final.

It brought the curtain down on a hugely successful week - the best attended in the competition's history.

"We were delighted with the turnout each night - we even had to unfortunately turn people away," said tournament organiser Henry Marron, who is considering adding an extra evening's qualifying for next year's competition.

"As well as that, the standard of bowling was exceptional with matches on each night being decided by tied ends."

With many of the fancied bowlers exiting in the early stages - including title holder Alan Paul - the stage was set for a new name to emerge victorious in Friday's finals night.

Local hopes were carried by Andrew Morrison (First Ahoghill) and Alan McCombe (Grange Presbyterian) but they both bowed out at the quarter-final stage.

Results from the qualifying nights were:

Monday: Andrew Morrison (First Ahoghill) 13, Galvin Clingham (First Dromara) 2; Paul Hagan (Donaghmore) 10, Billy Clingham (First Dromara) 9.

Tuesday: Alan Johnston (St Michael's Dundrum) 11, Thomas Paul (Dunloy Presbyterian) 7; Alan McCombe (Grange Presbyterian) 8, Jim Gaul (Portglenone CC) 4.

Wednesday: Kevin Conroy (Redeemer Dundalk) 9, PJ Gallagher (Burtonport) 4; Billy Taff (Redeemer Dundalk) 7, Aidan Corrigan (Drumgore) 6.

Thursday: Stephen McMahon (Carrickmacross) 12, David Morrison (First Ahoghill) 2; P O'Hanlon (Carrickmacross) 6, Tommy Quinn (Moortown) 5 (after tied end).

FINALS NIGHT

Quarter-finals: Johnston 9, O'Hanlon 3; Hagan 9, McCombe 4; Conroy 12, Taff 3; McMahon 12, Morrison 6.

Semi-finals: Johnston 10, Hagan 0; McMahon 10, Conroy 6.

Final: Johnston 14, McMahon 6.

Moneyglass Bowling Club has thanked all the competitors who entered the competition, some of whom travelled long distances to participate.