'We have the same dream to come home with a gold' - Adam McKeown's Team NI goal to turn call-up ‘pinnacle’ into Glasgow medal glory
Adam McKeown wants to create more happy memories at the Commonwealth Games when he heads to Glasgow this summer.
The Team NI bowler struck gold in the fours across the previous tournament hosted by Birmingham thanks to glory alongside Ian McClure, Martin McHugh and Sam Barclay.
Unfortunately, due to the condensed nature of the Games when Glasgow had to step after the state of Victoria in Australia pulled out of hosting, Team NI won’t get the opportunity to defend their gold medal as there is no fours included in the programme.
McKeown, however, has been picked to play in the men’s pairs along with Gary Kelly and the duo have previously won a World Championship together.
“To be selected for a second Commonwealth Games is an honour, to represent your country at the Commonwealth Games...it is probably the pinnacle event of our sport,” said McKeown. “For Glasgow to be my second Games I’m delighted.
“Birmingham provided great memories, it is crazy that it was four years ago.
"To come home with a gold medal was just a dream come true...this time around it is slightly different but same aspirations.
“When we knew we had won the final in Birmingham it was such a relief, the way the game went we had a few ends just to soak it all in and celebrate early.
"And there is probably no better feeling than to know you are going to win a medal for Northern Ireland.”
McKeown is the only one of the gold medallists from four years ago going to Glasgow this time around.
“It is totally different and I get why it is different,” he said. “But we just have to adapt and I was lucky enough to be selected for the pairs.
"It is disappointing that we are unable to try and retain our fours but it is good to say that we are still the holders.”
McKeown is optimistic that his experience with Kelly will pay dividends in Glasgow.
“I think you need to have a similar game, you need to know what the other person is thinking and feeling,” he said. “With this format and the 30-second shot clock, you need to be pretty decisive on what shot to play.
"Me and Gary have good experience now...we have played a lot of games together so, hopefully, we can use that to our benefit.
“We won the gold medal at the 2023 World Championships out in Australia...we beat the Australians in the final.
"We have a great record together.
“The format is different this time around.
"But we have the same dream to come home with a gold from the Commonwealth Games.”
Kelly, speaking at the recent squad announcement for Team NI, highlighted his belief in McKeown.
“There's a lot of respect there as a friend and obviously as a colleague,” said Kelly. “On the ground you know he's got fantastic ability.
"I really enjoy playing with Adam, there's a lot of mutual respect there, so looking forward to that.
"I mean, we've been fortunate enough to win the biggest prize..to win a gold medal in the world pairs is an amazing thing for both of us.
"So we'll use that and we'll take belief and trust in each other's ability and confidence going into this event.”
As well as no triples or fours in the Commonwealth Games the bowls will be indoors.
“Back home we play a lot indoors during the winter, obviously this is slightly different because it is in the summer months where we play outdoor," said McKeown. “We have made the decision not to play any outdoor to try and help us in our preparations.
“Gary and I are accustomed to indoor as much as outdoor...so it should really not have any negative effect on us.”
It was McKeown’s grandfather who introduced him to bowls.
“He got me into the short mat and from there I joined Mossley outdoor team and then the Co Antrim indoor team around 10 years ago,” he said. “Bowls is a great sport for any age group, anyone...there is a very good social side to it.
“I think the first time I was on the mat I used two hands to throw my first bowl because I was so young.
"I always had the dream to represent Northern Ireland on the big stage and I am so glad it has come true.
"I just have to keep going and keep trying to strive for medals.”
The Northern Ireland bowls squad selected for Glasgow is as follows:
TEAM NI: Gary Kelly (singles & pairs); Shauna O’Neill (singles & pairs); Adam McKeown (pairs); Chloe Wilson (pairs)