The fourth event in the 147 Academy 21’s tour was held on Saturday April 4th 2026 in the SBI headquarters in Carlow. A strong field comprising 16 of the country’s finest young players assembled for this competition. All matches were best of 5 frames.
Play began at 10am and saw victories for James Stewart O’Reilly over Jack Beecher 3-1, Dermot Kelly edging out Jamie O’Connor 3-2, Adam Shipp against Ella O’Connor 3-1, Clayton Cregan 3-0 over Callum Wheatley, Aaron Donnolly 3-0 against Scott Cooke, Lorcan O’Curraoin 3-0 over Will Shannon, Josh O’Connor beat Dave Hickey 3-1, and Jamie McCarthy victorious over Max Kennedy 3-0 which included a 68 break along the way.
In the quarter finals, Dermot Kelly beat James Stewart O’Reilly 3-0, Clayton Cregan compiled a 54 break on the way to a 3-0 victory over Adam Shipp, Lorcan O’Curraoin edged out Aaron Donnolly 3-2, and Jamie McCarthy had his second 3-0 of the competition beating Josh O’Connor.
In the first semi-final, Dermot Kelly and Clayton Cregan fought a great battle. In frame 4, just when it looked like Kelly would level the match at 2-2, Clayton cleared the colours to force a re-spotted black which he duly dispatched to win by 3-1.
In the other match, it was Lorcan O’Curraoin who beat the in form Jamie McCarthy by 3-1 to advance to the final.
And so to the final with referee John Tobin at the helm, it was Cregan who established an early 2-0 lead but found himself trailing O’Curraoin by 18 points in the third with just 3 colours on the table. He kept his composure and cleared them to level the frame, forcing his second re-spot of the day. After a number of safety shots from both players, Clayton Cregan took an opportunity to double the black and was delighted to see it disappear into the centre pocket for victory by 3-0.
Thanks to referee John Tobin and TD on the day Aonghus McAnally.
Information on 21’s Snooker
This season will be holding four 21’s ranking events and a National Championships. We will be also four events and a National 12’s, 14’s, 16’s and 18’s plus a Junior Shoot Out.
Dates & Venues
- Event 1 21’s – October 4th – SBI HQ – WINNER JAMIE McCARTHY
- Event 2 21’s – December 6th – SBI HQ – WINNER JACK O BRIEN
- Event 3 21’s – January 4th – – SBI HQ – TBA semi Aaron Donnelly v Joe Shannon winner player Jack Becher in FINAL
- Event 4 21’s – April 4th – SBI HQ – WINNER CLAYTON CREGAN
- 21’s National Championships – May 24th – SBI HQ TD PJ Nolan
Start time for all matches will 10.00am. The Entry Fees for all junior events is set at €10.00 each.
Closing Dates
The closing date for all SBI events will 1pm on the Thursday before the event. The Draw will be done automatically on the system with match times and displayed on the web site.
Age Limit
The SBI Age limit will be the 31st December 2025 for all SBI junior events. All members must remember International criteria may vary for events. SBI will go down rankings to qualify players who meet that particular age deadline.
Example: 21’s: a player who’s 21st birthday is on or before 31st December 2025 WILL NOT be able to enter the SBI 21’s events in the 2025 /26 season
Draws & Match Times
Following the closing date all draws will be displayed on the web site
It promises to be another exciting year of junior snooker with so many young talented Junior players looking to qualify for the Celtic Challenge, Home Internationals, World and European Snooker Championships in 2025.
Closing Dates
Players should be aware that all entries are through the on line system and you have to enter before the closing date of Thursday at 1pm prior to each event.
How to Enter
All players will need to register for the new season by paying their SBI registration / membership or Renew their membership for the 2025-2026 season.
SBI Registration runs from 1st August to the 31st of August each season
SBI Yearly Registration fee
Junior Membership is for all Under 21’s – €25.00
Dress Code – National Championships
Failure to meet with the Dress Code Guidelines will result in being removed from the event.
- In the National Championships, one coloured shirt buttoned at the wrist and Waistcoats can only be worn
- Bowties are also required for all matches during Championship finals weekend.
- National Waistcoats are not permissible at any SBI National event.
