The Pat O’Sullivan Memorial handicap tournament was played at Celbridge Snooker Club on Sunday, 9th of February 2025. Although fewer in numbers than previous years, the event was non the less enjoyable, all games being well contested and additionally, the shorter day meant an earlier start home for those who had distances to travel.
Play got under way at 11.00am, the format for all rounds being 400 up, open draw, handicapped. Early round eliminations were Robert McCrum (Portmarnock), Aonghus McAnally (Portmarnock), veteran and long time practice partner of the late Pat O’Sullivan, Larry Drennan (Kilkenny), local player Darren Ryan (Celbridge) and welcome newcomer to the event, Richard Butler (Kilkenny).
The semi finalists in the top half of the draw were father and son Enniscorthy players Andy and John Kehoe. Andy, who was making a very welcome return to the game having put a prolonged period of medical care behind him, had a good win in his quarter final match taking the game by a mere 38 points against Larry Drennan. John’s quarter final was an even closer match, his free scoring open game enabling him to overcome the handicap deficit he was giving to Robert McCrum. In the semi final, both players played well, showing no sign of any father-son favouritism until, with less than five minutes remaining, John took the lead, which he was able to maintain to the end.
The semi finalists in the bottom half of the draw were eventual winner Joe Doheny (Borris-in-Ossory) and local player Brendan Devlin. Joe progressed to the semi finals having survived a tough quarter final match with Jason Dowling (Rathkeale), while Brendan, making good use of his handicap start, came through his quarter final relatively unchallenged by Aonghus McAnally. In the semi final, Joe was clearly the better player, reeling off consistent and well constructed useful breaks, overcoming at an early stage a substantial part of the handicap start he was giving Brendan. From the point where scores were approximately level, an intriguing aspect of the game unfolded where both matched each other score for score, until Joe gradually eased ahead to claim his place in the final.
The Final turned out to be an enthralling game, John opening his account with some useful scoring while Joe was much slower to get going, allowing John to make useful inroads into the handicap start he was giving Joe. Perhaps sensing the threat of being overtaken at an early stage of the game, Joe seemed to rally and settle into his natural consistent free flowing game. As if in response, John’s game faltered somewhat, unexpectedly missing the occasional shot, inspiring Joe to forge more than 100 points ahead in scores. As the game progressed to its final stages, John himself rallied but despite his efforts, he wasn’t quite able to catch up before the finish. Our congratulations go to Joe on a well deserved victory to claim the Pat O’Sullivan title for 2025 and commiserations to John whose efforts made for an absorbing and exciting Final.
As always, our thanks are due to Phil Martin for the excellent playing facilities and to the staff at Celbridge Snooker Club for their help on the day.
Results (all matches 400 up, handicapped, 90 minute time limit):
Pre-Quarters
Darren Ryan 334 – 400 Jason Dowling
Richard Butler 317 – 400 Joe Doheny (Brk: 55)
Quarters
Andy Kehoe 400 – 362 Larry Drennan (Brk: 52)
Robert McCrum 381 – 400 John Kehoe
Jason Dowling (Brk: 55) 357 – 400 Joe Doheny
Brendan Devlin 400 – 358 Aonghus McAnally
Semi-Finals
Andy Kehoe 352 – 400 John Kehoe
Joe Doheny 400 – 318 Brendan Devlin
Final
John Kehoe 364 – 400 Joe Doheny
