The final day of the Junior Home Internationals Snooker Championships was held today in the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds and it ended with sorrow for the Republic Of Ireland U-21 Snooker Team when they were beaten by England 9 frames to 3.
Our U-21 boys played superb all week to go into the big final match decider against a star studded English team. I was very proud of all the players Stephen Bateman, Aaron Holland, Darragh Cusack and Andrei Deaconescu who represented our country with pride to finish in 2nd place.
The Republic Of Ireland U-16 Snooker Team played Northern Ireland this morning and the boys played great to win the match 10 frames to 2. Aaron Goldrick, Sean Devenney, Ronan Whyte and Mark Gleeson then played England but the English were very strong on the day and ran out 9 frames to 3 win for the English.
The players gained a lot of experience and the team were excellent throughout the event. England won the Under 21 Event and Wales won the Under 16 event.
Under 21 Player Stats
Irishman Stephen Bateman ended joint No.2 in the overall player stats when he won 12 out of 15 frames in the event.
Under 16 Player Stats
Irish Junior Aaron Goldrick ended No.5 in the overall player stats when he won 11 out of 15 frames in the event.
As National Coach I was very proud and happy with all the Irish players performances and finishing second and fourth was a good result but we need to have our players playing and practicing at the highest level to reach the next level.
Well done Team Ireland!!!!
