On Saturday 30th of January our National Coach P.J. Nolan held his first of two planned training days to prepare our RIBSA players for the upcoming EBSA European Snooker Championships which are being held in Poland from the 7th to the 20th of February.
The players practiced in the Ivy Rooms Snooker Club in Carlow from 11 am to 4 pm. They practiced routines working on their break building, long potting and tactical game.
In attendance today were Ross Bulman, Noel Landers and Fergal Quinn who will represent Ireland in the U18 EBSA Championships. They were joined by Charlie Sweeney and Josh Boileau who will participate in the U 21 EBSA Championships. Josh will also compete in the Men’s event.
Ex Professional and Irish Champion Rodeny Goggins also attended to give his valuable experience to the players to help them in their preparation. The players played 6red frames against him working on the tactical shots.
Best breaks on the day were Josh Boileau who had two centuries with a 135 clearance (Max Break) and 117 (Shovel Break). Rodney Goggins had three centuries with 111 (X Break), 109 (Ronnie Break) and 110 (Day Break. Ross Bulman had a superb 127 clearance on the Max Break and Charlie Sweeney had a fantastic 135 clearance on the Shovel Break.
Overall Josh won the break building event with 527 points, Rodney in second place with 446 points and Charlie Sweeney in third place with 370 points.
10 year old Gavin O Donnell and Dylan Keightley from Carlow also practiced on the day. They watched and listened to all the advice and this goes well for their development.
P.J. recorded each player and they all received a dvd containing training routines, sports audio to help with their mind fitness along with video recordings of their cue action and technique. PJ wished all the players the best of luck in Poland and he will be in Poland to guide them.
All the players said they were all delighted with the training day and thanked RIBSA and the Ivy Rooms for hosting the day. Day two will be held tomorrow Sunday the 31st of January in the Ivy Rooms from 11am – 4pm with the other RIBSA players who will be playing in Poland.
