Corkill optimistic as bowlers begin Games countdown

The Irish have a proud record, having enjoyed success in every Commonwealth event since Brisbane 1982.

Northern Ireland selectors have stuck with players who have brought home medals in previous years in the men’s disciplines – Marty McHugh, Ian McClure, Neil Booth and Gary McCloy are afforded the opportunity of enhancing their reputations in the tournament.

The talented Gary Kelly, who will operate in the singles, and Paul Daly, complete the line-up.

Although the women have performed with distinction in the World Championships and the Atlantic Rim Series, they have failed to impress when it comes to Commonwealth combat.

Margaret Johnston’s impeccable performances in the event are but a distant memory.

The Bellaghy women pulled the plug on a long and distinguished career in February 2008 with a cupboard filled with medals from World, Commonwealth and Atlantic championships.

Alarmingly, Northern Ireland will have no representative in the women’s singles in New Delhi – the five-player team focusing on the pairs and triples.

The responsibility falls on Donna McCloy – wife of Gary – and Jennifer Dowds in the former with Sandra Bailie, Mandy Cunningham and Barbara Logue operating in the triples.

“Having no singles player is just not acceptable,” said Corkill, who will be the BBCs anchor man for the showpiece event in India.

“I don’t know why it’s a matter of finance or not having a player capable of competing at Games level, but the issue should have been addressed long before the event.”

Corkill, however, is optimistic that the Ulster posse can make an impression on the competition.

“The quality is there,” adds Corkill.

“Ian McClure, Gary McClure, Paul Daly, Marty McHugh and Neil Booth are seasoned in terms of winning at national and British level. They have also experienced Commonwealth success.

“And, if Gary (Kelly) gets off to a good start, he could well come home with a medal.

“He finished fourth in the Eight Nations tournament at the same venue a few months back – after going through his group games undefeated. That experience will certainly do him no harm.

“We’ve got a very strong pair in McClure and McCloy . . . and a fantastic triple in Daly, McHugh and Booth.

“The heat shouldn’t be that big a problem, probably similar to the conditions in Kuala Lumpur back in 1998. Neill, Gary, Marty and Gary were all on show on that occasion and brought back a gold medal from the fours.

“They are a bit older, of course, but the class is there.

“The women have held their own in the World Championships at Atlantic Rim in recent years, with Jennifer, Donna, Mandy and Sandra among the medals. Hopefully, they can step up to the plate on this occasion.”