Officers & Committees 2025
VBL administration is led by a Management Committee. There is also a 6-man Competitions Committee, all its members are on the Management Committee. All of the men you elect have many years of experience and are well known in Northern Ireland’s bowling circles. Some have already given in excess of 15 years of continuous service each on your behalf.
The administration is in a transition stage. This is due, in large measure, to the increasing scope of the programmes now available for the members. And although it is probably undeniable that in days gone by the pen was mightier than the sword, things have moved on. When presenting possible new candidates for the Executive, VBL tries to ensure they meet three main criteria. (1) They are at the lower end of the age group, (2) they have computer literacy, and (3) they love the game we all play, share in a vision of progressing VBL forward, and wish to contribute something.
VBL is fortunate that these men are prepared to give their time for the sport.
Maurice Cullen
Maurice, better known as Mansie, was invited to play short mat by the late John Irvine and later introduced to the outdoor code by his friend Michael McCashin.
A Member of Downpatrick Bowling Club for the past 15 years, Mansie gained IBA Cup winners honours in 2011 and runners up in 2023.
William McClean
William has been a member of Portadown Bowling Club for over 30 years, holding various positions within the administration of the Club. Once a keen golfer, he converted to lawn bowls after his retirement from the haulage industry.
Paul McIlreavy
Paul was brought onto the Management Committee at the 2018 AGM to explore opportunities to improve the current website. He has now undertaken the important role as Honorary Secretary. Paul hasn’t quite reached the age of 60 which would allow him to participate in the Veterans League, he continues to play his outdoor bowls at Londonderry Park, where he has been a member for 30+ years.
Robert McCullough
Robert is no stranger to Office in the world of Bowling! He came to the game in 1980 and, very quickly, became involved in both Playing and administration. He served as Secretary of his local Church League and the Six Mile Water League before being appointed Convenor for the all-conquering Mid Antrim Zone which won the Boomer Cup and the British Isles team championship during his time in office.
Robert began his “Outdoor” career with Langford, before moving to Antrim Lawn – his current “home”.
Once again he became involved in the management of his club and, of course, the Veterans’ section when he “became of age”. He is a Qualified Umpire for Short Mat, Indoor and Outdoor.
Michael Bunting
Michael started playing Bowls with Lurgan in 2002. He has been President of his club as well as Match Secretary and Selector. He plays Short Mat Bowls as well as playing in Leagues in the Baker Stadium and at Belfast Indoor Bowling Club.
Prior to that Michael was involved in Darts, running Leagues and competitions at County and National Level for over 30 Years. He is a former N.I.D.O Secretary and has refereed Darts at International level. Michael was employed as a Plumber and Works Officer at Craigavon Hospital for over 39 year until his retirement in December 2012.
Kenneth McCord
Ken worked in Turbine Engineering manufacture for many power stations around the world. A keen snooker player at a high level for many years who now plays bowls for Larne Bowling & Tennis Club.
Ken has been on the Committee a number of years and served as President in 2018.
Harold Gilmour
Harold Gilmour joined the VBL Executive Committee in 2004 and has served as President. He took major responsibility for the extensive restructuring of our leagues in recent years and currently undertakes the onerous task of producing and administering our League Fixtures.
In real life, Harold worked for a major airline for 35 years and only converted to bowling after his early retirement and enjoys his outdoor bowls at Shaftesbury BC.
Arvon Bickerstaff
An enthusiastic member of Balmoral Bowling Club, his name betrays his Welsh roots! Arvon plays for his club ‘B’ team as well as representing the Veterans. He is Balmoral’s Veterans’ Section Secretary and this year has again assumed the Office of Assistant Secretary of the Veterans’ Bowling League.
President in 2011, Arvon’s proudest moment came when he unfurled our new Flag at his home green – a truly historic moment! He doubles up as Section Secretary for Leagues B3 and B3A
Derek McCann
Derek made his name on the cricket pitch before converting to Bowls!! “Genius” has quickly established himself as a formidable foe, winning our Singles title as well as guiding Downpatrick to numerous honours. During the winter he is a Short Mat specialist winning the Champions of Champions Triples and representing Ireland at the World Short Mat Bowls in 2016.
Derek also played Senior Table Tennis for City YMCA, winning the Belfast & District Division 1. Derek has been an Executive Committee Member since 2014.