Wednesday, 28 February 2024 / Published in Challenge

Ken Wins Challenge Event 3

The first ever national ranking event to be held in St John’s Limerick got underway at 10am on Saturday the 3rd of February with the quarter finals onwards finished on the 25th of February.

An incredible atmosphere was created during the first days play with all players enjoying the hospitality and the snooker on show from the four Shender tables. It was a pleasure to see Limerick people come out and support the event also which added to the atmosphere.

The seeds were falling fast as the number 1, 8, 5 and 2 seeds all fell in the last 32. The most notable has to be Pat Fitzgerald who was beaten by the up and coming Aaron Quinn from Dungarvan. In the last 16 though there was more drama with young Aaron been beaten by limerick hopeful Jack O’Brien 3-1. Karl Brien continuing his good form with a massive win over Youghal’s Ryan Tobin.

Chris Dunleavy after beating the number 5 seed was beaten late at night by Ray Phelan 3-2. Young Dylan Troy another of the fine players coming out of Dungarvan left by Ken Byrne off the hook in a tight battle 3-2. Thomas Hickey another local favourite beat the number 6 seed and james Higgins who beat the number 2 seed got through a titanic battle against limerick man Mike Howley 3-2.

3 seeds remained for the second days play on the 25th of February, Jack O Brien and Ken Byrne got through to the semi final with James Higgins and Thomas Hickey also making up the semi final with some good performances. In the first semi final it was number 4 seed, Ken Byrne that fought hardest to beat Jack O’Brien 3-1 and in the other semi final, limerick last hope of a win was gone when James Higgins won 3-2 on the black in a game that saw multiple breaks over 40.

The final was another cracker that went all the way, after trailing 2-0, James Higgins yet again showed some great character to fight back and take the next two frames but in the decider it was the Dundalk man, Ken Byrne that got the early chance and took it, to win his first national ranking event and with that go to the top of the challenge rankings. Youghal’s Ryan Tobin won the high break with a 53.

This tournament shows the talent that is in Ireland at this level, another big entry and taking the tournament to a new venue was welcome by all participants. The challenge national championships are going to be hotly contested and I wouldn’t like to be picking a winner right now as any of 20 players are capable of walking away with a national title to their name !!

Semi finals;