In a landmark moment for CAIBC and Irish bowls, our club will host two Professional Bowls Association (PBA) Qualifiers for the first time in November, marking a significant milestone in the club's proud history.
The weekend of November 15-16 will see top-level competitive bowls come to CAIBC as we welcome players from across Ireland and beyond for the Ladies World Matchplay Qualifier and Masters Qualifier.
Ladies World Matchplay Qualifier - Saturday 15th November
Saturday's Ladies World Matchplay Qualifier represents a historic first for Irish bowls, being the inaugural Ladies qualifier ever held in Ireland.
The qualifier is one of only three events nationwide, highlighting the exclusive nature of this opportunity. Successful competitors will earn their place in two prestigious competitions during the World Championships - the Ladies World Matchplay and the World Mixed Pairs events.
This is a tremendous opportunity for our local ladies bowlers to compete at the highest level without having to travel to Mainland UK. Having a qualifier on home soil removes barriers and gives Irish players a real chance to showcase their talents on the world stage.
Entry for the Ladies Matchplay Qualifier is £24.50, with entries open on Saturday 12th July at 9am via TicketSource (link below).
TicketSource - Ladies World Matchplay Qualifier (CAIBC)
Masters Qualifier - Sunday 16th November
Sunday brings the Masters Qualifier, which has undergone a significant format change this year. The World Bowls Tour (WBT) Board has made the Masters an "Open" competition for the first time, welcoming both male and female players who have reached their 55th birthday by 30th September 2025.
This progressive move reflects the sport's commitment to inclusivity and provides enhanced opportunities for veteran players regardless of gender. The qualifier is one of just four held across the country, with 32 qualifying spots available at each venue.
The format follows the established playdown structure of two sets of seven ends, with a tiebreak if required. Successful qualifiers will compete at the renowned Potters Resort on the weekend of Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January 2026.
Entry for the Masters Qualifier is £24.50, with entries opening on Saturday 16th August at 9am via TicketSource.
TicketSource - World Masters Qualifier (CAIBC)
Accommodation Support for Travelling Players
Recognising that these qualifiers will attract players from across the UK, CAIBC has partnered with local hotels to secure preferential rates for participants.
The 4* Dunadry Hotel and Gardens is offering special rates of £105 for single occupancy and £120 for double occupancy bed and breakfast, representing significant savings from their standard rate of £179 for double rooms.
Meanwhile, the Dunsilly Hotel provides even greater value with rates of £90 single and £105 double bed and breakfast, compared to their usual £145 double room rate. All rates are per room per night and include breakfast.
The decision to award these qualifying events to CAIBC reflects the club's growing reputation and excellent facilities. Hosting PBA Qualifiers represents a major step forward in the club's development and provides invaluable exposure for the sport in Ireland.
The qualifiers are expected to attract strong fields, with players viewing the opportunity to qualify on Irish soil as highly attractive. The combination of competitive entry fees, excellent local facilities, and the historic nature of the events should ensure memorable weekends of top-quality bowls.
For players considering entering, both events offer excellent value with the £24.50 entry fee providing access to world-class competition and the potential pathway to the World Championships. The relatively modest entry cost, combined with the local hotel partnerships, makes these qualifiers accessible to a broad range of competitors.
CAIBC looks forward to welcoming players from across Ireland and beyond for what promises to be a landmark weekend.
