Irish stalwart Ian McClure has announced his retirement from the Irish Elite International Squad. Last week, he represented Ireland with customary pride and passion at the Atlantic International Challenge in Belfast, where Ireland faced Scotland, the USA and Canada and won silver with his team. The event marked the end of one of the most distinguished elite careers in NIPBA, Irish, British and World Bowls.
McClure quietly informed the Irish management team before play on the second day, saying it simply felt like the right time. He said the idea of stepping away from elite competition had been on his mind since the end of the 2023 World Championships.
“I play with great intensity, and I feel I have given as much time and energy as I can to something I truly love. It is time to step away at this level, but pulling on the green shirt has been the sporting highlight of my life and I will always cherish the memories” he said.
Ian began playing bowls when he joined Portrush BC in 1988, where he remains a member. Introduced to the sport at age 14 by his father, James McClure, and indirectly by former Irish international Willie Murray, Ian later encouraged his best friends, Barry Moffatt and Jeremy Henry, to try the game – and, as they say, the rest is history.
For more than three decades, Ian represented Ireland at elite level with determination and dedication. McClure, 53, earned his first outdoor cap as an 18-year-old in Larne in 1992. His first elite event came at the 1993 Jersey International Classic, where he won the triples title with Victor Dallas and Charlie Davies. He has since earned 111 outdoor caps and established himself as a key player for Ireland on the international stage.
His remarkable career included six Commonwealth Games appearances, highlighted by two fours’ gold medals in 1998 and 2022, 24 years apart, as well as bronze in 1994. That achievement reflects not only Ian’s ability, but also his longevity and professionalism. In 2004, he became World Indoor Pairs champion with his great friend Jeremy Henry and also won six World Outdoor Championship medals across five World Championships between 1996 and 2023.
McClure remains the most decorated Irish male bowler at Commonwealth Games and World Bowls events with 9 medals.
Further international honours included Atlantic Rim gold in the pairs in 2015 partnered with Gary Kelly, alongside multiple silver and bronze medals, as well as victory at the 2018 Hong Kong International Classic Pairs partnered with Aaron Tennant.
Even in the closing chapter of his elite career, Ian continued to perform at the highest level. At the 2024 Atlantic International Challenge, he helped secure gold in both the overall and men’s team competitions and was named Male Most Valuable Player – a fitting reflection of the standards he maintained throughout his career.
His domestic and British Isles record is equally impressive. Ian won British Isles outdoor singles in 2013 and indoor singles in 2022, while his triples titles in 1994 and 2023 again highlighted his enduring quality at the top level.
At home, Ian accumulated 21 Irish senior championship titles across the indoor and outdoor disciplines, together with 18 Northern Ireland Provincial Bowling Association championships.
Gary McElroy, Irish International team manager, commented on behalf of the Irish Bowls Association
“Ian McClure’s contribution to Irish bowls is immeasurable. His record places him among the finest players our sport has produced, but medals and titles tell only part of his story”.
“Ian represented his country with distinction for more than three decades. His competitive nature, energy and composure under pressure made him an outstanding elite player, while his professionalism and commitment set a standard for every teammate who shared the green with him and he captained Ireland many times”.
“To win Commonwealth Games gold medals 24 years apart is a truly extraordinary achievement. To remain a major force on the world stage into the closing years of his career speaks volumes about his talent, discipline and character”.
Reflecting on his elite career, Ian commented, “First, I thank God for blessing me with these opportunities and for helping me through the good and the difficult times”.
“Competing at elite level depends on the love and support of family, and none of this would have been possible without my late dad, my mum, wife Lyn, son Ethan, my brother Robbie and the close friends who always stood by me”.
“I have been very fortunate to play alongside so many exceptional teammates over 34 years, share in their success and compete against the best in the world – an honour and privilege I never took for granted. I must also single out Jim Baker, who brought me back into the elite fold in 2009 after a spell out of the side. From then on, I was determined to keep my place, but for me it was always about the team before self”.
“To every manager, coach, administrator, volunteer and selector who placed their trust in me over the years: thank you!”
“Working with Chris Mulholland in recent years to help develop our Irish PARA set-up has reminded me what a great sport I have been privileged to be part of”.
Ian McClure leaves the elite arena as a Commonwealth, World, Atlantic, British Isles and Irish champion. With a career spanning 38 years, his appetite for the game and competitive spirit never dwindled during this time. His successes are thoroughly deserved for a player who is respected by all and is a role model for many in the sport.
The Irish Bowls Association extends its warmest congratulations to Ian and his family and wishes him every happiness in the future.
Career Highlights:
6 Commonwealth Games Appearances
5 World Bowls Championship Appearances
2 Atlantic Rim Championship Appearances
World Team Cup
Atlantic International Challenge (3 events)
Hong Kong International Classic
Jersey International Classic
British Isles Championships
Irish Championships
Northern Ireland Provincial Bowling Association (NIPBA)
