Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland return with the second part of their festive special, concluding their compelling interview with Gary Kelly and looking ahead to an exciting year in Irish bowls.

The hosts open by previewing the year ahead, with the major event being the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. They discuss team selection processes and address the disappointing news that Irish para athletes will not be competing at the event. On a positive note, they celebrate the confirmation that bowls will be included in the 2030 Commonwealth Games, securing the sport's future on the international stage.

Team selection continues to feature as the hosts examine the newly announced men's U25 squad and discuss the senior men's international trial process that will determine Ireland's elite team.

The episode introduces an exciting new segment - "Legend's Corner" - where Ian and Chris look back at the greats of Irish bowls history. In this inaugural edition, Chris reveals his selections for the first rink of an all-time legends team, sparking what promises to be an entertaining ongoing series.

The spotlight returns to Gary Kelly for the conclusion of his remarkable story. Kelly shares the fascinating details of his move to Australia, explaining how the opportunity arose and the impact it had on his career development. He discusses the Australian bowls scene and how competing at that level elevated his game.

The conversation turns to his Commonwealth Games selection and Kelly candidly reflects on whether his move to Australia influenced the selectors' decision. He opens up about the immense pressure he felt to win a medal and the overwhelming relief of securing silver. Kelly's honesty about the mental challenges of elite competition provides valuable insights into the psychological demands faced by top athletes.

Following his Commonwealth success, Kelly recounts his achievements at the subsequent World Bowls Championships, where he captured both gold and silver medals - career-defining moments that cemented his status among Ireland's bowling elite.

Looking to the future, Kelly reveals his burning ambition to achieve the one medal that has eluded him - Commonwealth Games gold. The conversation explores his aspirations and dedication to reaching this goal. The discussion also touches on the intriguing possibility of bowls being included in the Olympic Games and what that could mean for the sport and for Kelly's career.

The episode concludes with Gary taking on the "#Jack in the Box Perfect Irish Bowler" challenge, using his wealth of international experience to construct his ideal player.

From looking ahead to Glasgow 2026, celebrating legends of the past, and completing Gary Kelly's inspirational journey, this New Year's Day special provides the perfect blend of nostalgia, achievement, and anticipation for the exciting year ahead in Irish bowls.

Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland kick off a festive two-part Christmas and New Year special, featuring one of Ireland’s most accomplished international bowlers, Gary Kelly.

The hosts begin with celebratory coverage of the World Bowls Junior International Series held at CAIBC, where Ireland crowned another world champion as Lara Reaney captured the women’s singles title. The triumphant theme continues with coverage of the Atlantic Senior Fours event in Cyprus, where the Irish ladies returned home with gold medals. The hosts also discuss the inaugural Mixed Pairs competition before turning their attention to Gary Kelly’s recent success on the World Bowls Series.

Gary Kelly joins the podcast to discuss his remarkable recent achievements, including the outstanding performance of Warilla at the UBC. The conversation then rewinds to explore Kelly’s extraordinary early career, revealing how he first discovered bowls and achieved success at an incredibly young age - winning the British Isles U25 Singles at just 14 years old and making his international debut at 16.

The interview traces Kelly’s impressive journey through the ranks, from his roots at Ballymoney through Provincial Towns representation and onto the Ireland senior team, culminating in Commonwealth Games bronze in Delhi. His progression to elite level showcases the dedication and talent that has defined his career.

In a candid and emotional segment, Kelly opens up about the challenging lows of his career - the disappointment of not being selected for the 2012 World Championships and missing out on the 2014 Commonwealth Games. These setbacks tested his resolve and passion for the sport.

The conversation then celebrates Kelly’s inspiring comeback to the international scene in 2015, highlighted by success at the Atlantic Rim competition. This resurgence led to selection for the 2016 World Championships in New Zealand and the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Throughout the interview, Gary and Ian share entertaining stories and memorable moments from these international trips, with Kelly emphasizing his immense pride in representing Ireland on the world stage. His passion for wearing the green shirt comes through as he reflects on the honour and responsibility of international competition.

This Boxing Day special offers listeners an intimate look at the highs, lows, and triumphs of one of Ireland’s finest bowlers before his journey to live in Australia – which follows in Part 2 on New Years Day.

Ian McClure and Chris Mulholland deliver a jam-packed episode celebrating Irish success on the world stage and introducing a new era in Irish indoor bowls management.

The hosts open with comprehensive coverage of recent Irish triumphs, leading with David Copeland's spectacular Champion of Champions victory, crowning him as Ireland's newest world champion. They analyze Irish performances at the World Cup in Malaysia before turning their attention to the results from the Hong Kong Classic and reflecting on the memorable multi-nations trip to Canada.

On the domestic front, the episode covers the recent Inter-Stadium Series and Potters qualifiers, with exciting news of local players securing their spots for Potters in January. Team selection announcements feature prominently as the hosts discuss the newly selected Under 18 squad, alongside the ladies U25 and senior teams who will be representing Ireland in upcoming competitions.

The short mat internationals receive detailed coverage before the hosts look ahead to two major events on the horizon: the World Bowls Junior Indoor Championship at the Jim Baker Stadium and the Atlantic Senior Fours in Cyprus. These competitions promise to showcase Irish talent across multiple age groups and disciplines.

The conversation then addresses recent managerial changes within Irish bowls, providing the perfect segue to this week's featured guest - Colin Hogg, the newly appointed men's Irish Indoor team manager.

In this insightful interview, Hogg takes listeners through his early playing career, candidly discussing both the highs and lows he experienced as a competitor. This personal journey provides valuable context for his transition into management and shapes his unique perspective on the role.

Hogg opens up about his vision for the men's indoor team, discussing his philosophy, what he brings to the position based on his playing experience, and his aspirations for Irish bowls at the international level. His passion for developing players and building team culture comes through as he outlines his approach to the demanding role of team manager.

The episode concludes with Hogg taking on the challenge of naming his perfect Irish bowler, drawing on his extensive experience both as a player and now as a manager to construct his ideal combination of skills and attributes.

From world championship glory to new leadership, and from domestic success to international ambition, this episode marks an exciting new chapter in Irish indoor bowls.