The Paddy Murray Memorial handicap billiards tournament took place at Edenderry Snooker Club on Sunday, 3rd of November 2024. After a day’s play, which saw many interesting games, the trophy went to Joe Doheny (Borris-in-Ossory), a fitting reward for the consistently high standard of play he showed throughout the day.
Play started at 11.00am, all rounds being 1 hour, handicapped. Eliminations in the opening preliminary round were last year’s winner Annette Newman (Carlow), Jason Dowling who had travelled from Rathkeale and local player Sean Dunne.
The semi finalists in the top half of the draw were local player Willy Murrin and Brendan Devlin (Celbridge), Willy having taken a good quarter final win over fellow clubman Paul McLoughlin, while Brendan took a closely contested win in his quarter final against Kilkenny veteran Larry Drennan. The semi final was a closely contested game between reasonably well matched players, both scoring steadily when at the table, but Willy took command in the closing minutes to claim his place in the final.
The semi finalists in the bottom half of the draw were local player Michael Tyrrell and eventual winner Joe Doheny (Borris-in-Ossory). Michael took his place in the semi final with a solid win in his quarter final match against Aonghus McAnally (Portmarnock), while Joe progressed to the semi final winning a tightly contested quarter final against local player Stephen Dunne.
The Final was an enthralling game. Joe, playing in the final for the third time in succession and having to give a handicap start of just over 100 points to Willy, would have to be on his best game to make up the deficit. As the game progressed, Joe was scoring steadily when at the table, reeling in Willy’s lead impressively until, at about the half way stage he had Willy clearly in his sights. This half way point turned out to be a significant moment in the progress of the game, it seemed as though Willy, sensing his advantage in scores dwindling, upped his game to the extent that as the closing minutes of the game approached, he still held a slender lead. The game then became a gripping nip and tuck affair, the lead changing almost with each visit, leaving a relieved Joe the winner of the Paddy Murray Memorial Title when time was called. Commiserations must go to Willy who gave a great performance not only to get to the final but in the final itself.
With fewer entries this year there was the opportunity to run a plate competition in parallel with the main event. The winner was Aonghus and runner up was Annette.
Our congratulations must also go to the Edenderry Club for the excellent playing conditions and to the tournament sponsors Croi Laighean Credit Union for their support and for the beautifully crafted event trophy. It stands as testament to the high regard they held for Paddy Murray and we look forward to continue contesting it on an annual basis.
The committee of Edenderry snooker club would like to thank Brendan Devlin for his help in performing the draw, sorting handicaps, which is always a difficult job and taking on the job of TD for the day.
It was a great pleasure to have Paddy’s brother Hugh and niece Claire at the event to present the trophy on behalf of the Murray family in memory of the late Paddy.
Results:
Preliminary and Pre-Quarters (one hour)
Annette Newman 304 – 351 Willy Murrin
Brendan Devlin 287 – 267 Jason Dowling
Larry Drennan (Brk: 63) 308 – 284 Sean Dunne
Quarters (one hour)
Paul McLoughlin 263 – 362 Willy Murrin
Brendan Devlin (Brk: 51) 287 – 236 Larry Drennan
Michael Tyrrell 317 – 259 Aonghus McAnally
Joe Doheny 242 – 226 Stephen Dunne
Semi-Finals (one hour)
Willy Murrin 355 – 296 Brendan Devlin
Michael Tyrrell 251 – 368 Joe Doheny
Final (one hour)
Joe Doheny 305 – 298 Willy Murrin
