Congratulations to Drew on winning the first competition he has entered. 7 games and 7 wins. Form an orderly queue for autographs.

In beautiful weather, on 10 September 2022, our Club hosted Stage 1 of a qualifier to determine which teams would represent the IPA in the annual CC against Scotland and Wales at North Down PC next May. A great advert for our Club and we received some favourable comments about the presentation of our premises ( rightly so ). Our Club was well represented. Members Sylver and Gilles formed a team with Benji and Franck (Breteche) and other teams were (i) Freda, Gerry Thompson and Humberto (ii) Kevin, Pat, John Hennessy (Snr) and George (iii) Ciaran, Des and Linda Montgomery (iv) Gil, Helen, John Hennessy (Jnr) and Gerry Hennity. Against some very skilful opposition, all our teams won some games, however, only Sylver’s team and Kevin’s team progressed to Stage 2 of the qualifier ( date/venue to be decided ).

On the evening of 8 September 2023, most members of the Committee participated in an official event in Blackstaff Sq, Belfast, where a Petanque piste forms part of recent developments.

Congratulations to Kevin and John Hennessy (Jnr) on winning the Bass Shield Doubles competition on 20 August 2022.

Congratulations to George and John Hennessy (Jnr) on winning the Millisle Shield Doubles competition on 23 July 2022.

On the evening of 19 July 2022, we had a visit from the members of the local U3A Petanque Club. Our visitors joined the usual ‘melee’ format, creating a great atmosphere and a thoroughly enjoyable time. Our own Club membership were out in force, and we had 36 in total on the piste, by far the highest number since the Celtic Challenge was held here over a decade ago.

Once again, Sylver organised a very enjoyable Doubles competition in sunny, if blustery, conditions. There were 12 teams competing, in 2 groups of 6, with semi-finals and a final. In keeping with other years, Sylver’s North Down friends supported the competition well, with 12 members taking part. The relatively flat piste was made a little more challenging with the addition of a few scattered stones. Sometimes they were a ‘help’ but, more often, a ‘pain in the ****’. Nevertheless, an enjoyable day, as always. North Down fared well. In a tight final, Pat and George were defeated 13-12, by Des Spratt and Davy Beck of Ormeau PC and Franck and Benji took third place.

In fine weather, a very sociable time was had by all at a get-together, the first for a long time, suggested and organised by Bob Knox. Wives and friends attended and, after the nosebags came off, we had a gentle game of petanque, which some were trying for the first time, while others looked like they were playing for the first time ( joking ). Let’s hope it becomes an annual event. Well done, Bob. A few photos below, where some actually look like they’re enjoying themselves.

Congratulations to Gerry H and Humberto on winning the Bill Miller Mem. Doubles competition on 11 June 2022

North Down PC had the pleasure of including a triple from Cavan PC to take part in the first competition of our 2022 ‘season’. A most enjoyable day in the sun with 6 triples competing and George, Pat and Dawn emerging as winners. President Kevin McBrien presented mementos to the Cavan players, who stayed for a while after the event for a bit of ‘craic’ in Pickie BC premises. It is hoped that an on-going relationship will be developed between our 2 clubs.

with mementos.