Club and County Players throughout the Farney region have agreed to swap the leather football for the weight of a bowling ball as they prepare to take part in the Farney Bowling Classic which gets under way on the 4^th February.

The event is being run over the weekend 4^th to 6^th February in competition form with four members comprising a team who will have their combined scores recorded to covet the over all prize.  The GR8 Entertainment Centre in Castleblayney has been chosen to host the event and with the bowling ally comprising of 8 lanes there is sure to be plenty of atmosphere and banter throughout the course of the competition.

The novel event which is attracting huge interest is being organised to give a timely boost to the Players Fund ahead of the commencement of the National League.  However organisers are stressing the importance of the event as a highly entertaining and fun competition which has as its first prize 4 All Ireland Football Final Tickets and accommodation in Dublin on the night prior to the game.  The event will also be complimented by a number of other side events and activities including Casino Tables which have been added to enhance the fun and entertainment for those teams participating. The entry fee also includes some tasty food which players will be served.

The competition is being sponsored by Top Oil and company representative Stephen McGinnity who is also County Team Selector is urging people from all parts of the County to form a team and get involved.  He also added that the Final of the event which is taking place on Sunday evening the 6^th February is coinciding with the Monaghan v Galway National Football League and all of the County panel will be descending upon the GR8 venue in Castleblayney to add their support to those competing in the final play offs.  The former County star also stated “it will be a challenge for players who will have to come to terms with the use of a bowling ball which can weight up to 16 pounds as opposed to their customary leather football which only weighs 13-15 ounces”.

While the event is generating interest among players it is an open competition and anyone interested in bowling, in winning the prize or just having a bit of fun can participate.

Those wishing to participate can do so by contacting the following County players Dick Clerkin, Paul Finlay, Benny McKenna, Dermot McArdle or contact GR8 Entertainment Centre directly at 042 9749955