The RIBSA Senior Ranking Event 3 was held on Saturday 6th December in the Ivy Rooms Snooker Club, Carlow.
A total of 43 entries provided a fantastic weekend of snooker. Some thrilling encounters were on display from high breaks to black ball wins. Carlow man Karl Fitzpatrick snatched a win from John O Sullivan by sinking the black in the final frame to earn his place in the quarter finals. The New Institute champion and winner of RPT 2, Brendan O’ Donoghue, astounded the club by providing breaks of 124, 125 and a superb 142. The Nenagh man showed what he was made of throughout the tournament despite being hampered with the after effects of a hernia operation he had the day before. Josh Boileau from Newbridge CYMS had a tremendous 128 followed by stalwart Rodney Goggins with a 110.
The quarter finals provided good match snooker with Rodney Goggins beating Karl Fitzpatrick and Mick Judge beating Daniel O’ Regan who played well throughout the day. Josh Boileau toppled one of the top seeds Robbie Murphy and Brendan O’ Donoghue sealed a win over Mark Owens.
The two semi finals were tense affairs with the audience being treated to some wonderful snooker. Brendan O’ Donoghue overcame Josh Boileau to win 3-2 and Mick Judge displayed his class to edge a 3-2 win over Rodney Goggins.
The final was played on Sunday 7th December with both players being welcomed by RIBSA Chairman John Doherty. Brendan O’ Donoghue secured the first frame with a break of 104. The second frame was secured by Mick Judge. The third frame was a battle of wits. The safety play and tactical manoeuvres by both players impressed the viewers. Mick Judge went on to win the frame and followed suit with the next two to cement his 4-1 win over the Nenagh man.
RIBSA would like to thank Marian and Yvonne at the Ivy Rooms for providing the wonderful facilities. Thanks to first session referee Tony Thorpe and Brendan Devlin for refereeing the semi finals and Breda Doherty for refereeing the final. Tournament Director was Breda Doherty.
Thanks to all the players who entered and hope to see you all at the RPT in January.
