Stephen Merrigan, our National Champion, won the second Super Seniors over 55’s tournament of the season beating Ernie McMullen 3-2 in a closely fought final in a tournament that seen 15 entries & was played in the wonderful Roadstone Social Club.
In Stephen’s first match, he beat John McBride 3-1 & up next for Stephen was Patsy Farrell the number one seed. Stephen beat Patsy by the same score line, being 3-1
In the semi-final, Stephen played Oliver Martyn who got to the semi-final after beating Anthony Flanagan & Nicholas Ryan 3-2 & 3-1 respectively. Oliver played some really good Snooker along the way & only got beat 3-2 by Stephen in the semi-final.
In the other half of the draw, Jim Carrick beat Simon Scott 3-1, Tommy Murphy beat Greg Currid 3-1, Kevin McConville came through 3-2 against Brendan Thomas in what was a rematch from the first Super Seniors tournament which had the same score line. Kevin played some really good Snooker in beating Brendan.
In the last match in that quartet seen Ernie McMullen beat Tony Thorpe 3-0. Ernie really did have his potting boots on & the lampshades were getting well used as Ernie was potting them from everywhere!
Ernie seen off Jim Carrick 3-0 in the quarter final & Tommy Murphy in the semi-final 3-0 after Tommy has beaten Kevin McConville 3-0 in the last quarter final.
As mentioned, in what was a very closely fought final, Stephen came through 3-2 & had to clear up the colours to win. Congratulations Stephen & bad luck Ernie, you both played some great Snooker.
To cap this victory off, this was a ‘win double’ for Stephen as just the previous day, Stephen won the Dublin League handicap tournament. Congratulations to you once again Stephen.
As we all know by now, these tournaments cannot run smoothly without the professional organisation of the SBI & in particular for this particular tournament, Tony Thorpe, who organised everything & made sure everything ran smoothly throughout the day. Thanks Tony.
Last, but not least, a big thanks should be put Roadstones way for their kind hospitality in making sure everyone felt comfortable & with laying on beverages for everyone. Thank you. Please pass on our sincere thanks to them Stephen.
The next & third Super Seniors tournament takes place in the Newbridge CYMS club on Sunday the 19th of February 2023. I hope to see everyone there.
Up until then, I wish you all a very happy Christmas & a safe & healthy new year.
Always in Sport, John McBride
