A massive well done to all the players who represented the Republic of Ireland Snooker Association in Serbia last week. Every player did their country proud in both Championships.The Masters A Team of Anthony Bonnar and Mark Tuite won the European Masters Title in style against Belguim with fantastic team snooker throughout the week.
Ireland B Team of Stephen Merrigan and George O Hara also played outstanding snooker only losing in a one frame shoot out in the semi finals to Belgium to deny an all Irish Masters European final. The Senior A Team of Brendan O Donoghue, Rodney Goggins and John Sutton played incredible snooker all week but were beaten by the eventual winners Wales in the Semi Final.
The Senior B Team of Jason Devaney, Ryan Cronin and Philip Browne showed the future of Irish snooker looks good with three young players playing fantastic in their first major team championship losing in the Q-Finals to Poland. Philip Browne made a stunning performance in his first ever International event with numerous wins and high breaks.
In the Under 21 Championship Ryan Cronin Ireland’s number 1 at present reached the Under 21’s Q-Final with unstoppable snooker winning his group to be seeded number two for the knock outs. He was very unlucky to lose 4 frames to 3 in the Q-Finals and also played incredible snooker in the team event. All five Irish players Qualified for the Knock Out rounds with Jason Devaney showing in both events that his form is back to his best with superb performances in all matches before losung in the last 32. Josh Boileau played good snooker all week but was beaten in the last 32. Andy McCloskey also played great in his first International before losing in thr Last 48 round. Andrew Doherty was the surprise of the event when the 16year old qualified number 2 in his group before losing to Ryan Cronin in the last 32.
As National Coach It was a great honour to coach all the players throughout the long two weeks in Serbia and with our fantastic Masters winning the title I hope it gives all the others the inspiration to train hard to win future events for Ireland. Every player wore his International waistcoat with pride and they were great ambassadors for Ireland.
Well done boys you all did Ireland Proud !!!!!!
