Amy (22), an early childhood teacher, is one of the most talented young female bowlers in the country.
She entered the national selectors' radar when she won back-to-back New Zealand secondary schools pairs titles, with Misty Arnold, for Nayland College in 2005 and 2006.
Amy McIlroy (nee Brenton) married Black Jack Shannon McIlroy this year and a bowls partnership was formed.
She admits learning a lot about bowls from her husband, who is also in command of their kitchen back in Nelson.
''I cook occasionally but Shannon does most of it. He is very good at it,'' she said.
The biggest influence on her game was her late uncle, Wayne Hodgson, who introduced her to bowls at the age of 12.
''I always played against the males and learnt their shot play,'' Amy said.
''They helped me with my drive.''
Her uncle died this year and Amy keeps in touch with him and her late grandfather, ''Pop'' Ray Hodgson.
''I talk to them all the time during a game,'' Amy said.
''I have Pop's photo at one end in my bag and talk to Uncle Wayne at the other end.
''I always talk to them if I need a bit of help.
''If I need a bit more consistency, I say `please help me'.''
Amy does not see visions of her two mentors but always feels their presence with her.
This was the case when she represented New Zealand in Wales and Scotland this year.
''They were such a big part of my life and my bowls. I knew that both of them were there watching me,'' Amy said.
They also gave Amy practical advice when she was playing in the national championship singles at the weekend.
''They told me to forget about being in the final at Dunedin three years ago, because that is all in the past,'' Amy said.
''They told me to concentrate on each bowl and each day. I know that they would be so proud of me. Uncle Wayne always told me to be confident.''
Amy was young and inexperienced when she was beaten by world champion Jo Edwards in the singles final in Dunedin three years ago.
''I'd love to get there again,'' she said.
''I'm aiming to do well at these nationals.''
Amy always has a debrief with Shannon after a day of bowls.
''But we don't talk about bowls all the time,'' she said.
''We have other things in our lives, as well.''
