Gary Kelly

GARY KELLY

Full Name: Gary Anthony Kelly

Nickname on bowling green: Gazza just because of my first name really

DOB/Age:
10th May 1989; 20 years old

Occupation:Classroom Assistant

What format did you start playing: Outdoor

Which was your first club: Ballymoney Bowling Club

Which formats have you played and which do you still play:
I play all formats but play shortmat the least

Which format do you prefer to play: Stadium

Reason: I prefer indoor because I feel it the most skilful and true game out of the 3

Make, model, size, colour and weight of bowls:
stadium - henselite tiger 2, size 4 heavy, green speckled yellow, formerly henselite classic 2 size 4 heavy green
outdoor - henselite tiger size 4 heavy red
shortmat - almark sterling size 3 medium black

Person who introduced you to bowls: Conor Gilmore

Who has been the biggest influence on your bowling career: My parents

Who would you most like to meet: Lee Evans

Interests outside bowls: watching any kind of sports especially football

Childhood Sporting hero: Roy Keane

Most memorable moment [in bowls or in life]:
Winning U25 British Isles singles at the age of 14

If you could change one policy/rule what would it be:
I think it would be better if giving away jack rule was changed back. I dont mind the rule but think the orginal rule of having to keep the jack was better.

What do you regard as your best or most satisfying achievement in bowls: Winning irish singles outdoor 2007

What goal[s] do you have in bowls:
To get on world bowls and comonwealth games squad

At what year/age did you make your international debut in each format:
indoor - 2005: 16 years old
outdoor - 2008: 19 years old

How many major and national titles have you won, which format and discipline:
British Isles Pairs - outdoor 2010
British Isles u25 singles - indoor 2004
British Isles Pairs - shortmat 2008

I have won 10 national titles
outdoor - 1 irish singles, 1 Irish Pairs (2009), 3 u18 singles
stadium - 1 Irish singles (2008) 2 u25 singles, 1 triples
shortmat - 1 pairs

What is the best greens you have played on:
In UK: Llandridodwells
In NI: Ballymena

Most difficult opponent: Jeremy Henry

Which opponent [if any] do you regularly play that usually beats you: Jeremy Henry

What frustrates you most when playing:
People showing bad sportsmanship calling wicks

Would you be in favour of players forming their own think-tank and having a place on the management committee of each outdoor association including the IBA:
Yes

Do you think respected past and current internationals should be invited to have an input with the u25s:
Yes 100% because they have been there and done it know what is all about

Association Titles:

8 nipba titles:

nipba singles 2007

nipba pairs 2008, 09

u18 nipba singles 2004, 05, 06, 07

u25 nipba singles 2009

Other titles and near misses:

Bronze medal Hong Kong classic 2009

runner up in u25 british isles singles indoor 2009

runner-up in Irish 2 bowl pairs stadium 2008

runner up world indoor bowls council singles 2008

runner-up British Isles singles outdoor 2008