The Pat O’Sullivan Memorial handicap tournament was played at Carlow on Sunday, 6th of May 2018. After a day’s play, which saw many games decided on close margins, reigning short format champion Aidan Murray emerged the well deserved winner on the day, winning all his matches despite the significant handicap start he had to give his opponents.
The semi finalists in the top half of the draw were Aonghus McAnally (Portmarnock) and Aidan Murray (Ivy Rooms), Aonghus having a good win in his quarter final match against ex-professional player Eugene Hughes (Baltinglass) while Aidan had an equally good quarter final win against Robert McCrum (Portmarnock). In the semi final, thanks to a series of well constructed half century breaks, including the day’s high break of 85, Aidan quickly overcame the handicap start he was giving Aonghus to claim his place in the final.
The semi finalists in the bottom half of the draw were current Long-up Billiards Champion Wayne Doyle (Dun Laoghaire) and John Kehoe (Enniscorthy). John progressed to the semi finals having survived a tough quarter final match with Joe Doheny (Borris-in-Ossory) while Wayne came through his quarter final relatively unchallenged by Brendan Devlin (Celbridge). In the semi final, John made good use of the handicap start he was getting from Wayne, playing solid billiards, preventing Wayne from making up the deficit.
The Final turned out to be an enthralling and free flowing game, Aidan opening his account with an early scoring visit of 58, effectively halving the handicap start he was giving John. In response, John played solidly, keeping Aidan at bay until Aidan eventually drew level at 344 points each. In the run in to the finish, points were shared, including an exchange of double baulks from which neither player seemed to gain any significant advantage. As the game was coming to its conclusion, John, needing just 3 points, tried to seal the game with a very wide forcer off red. Unfortunately for him, it didn’t come off and when they eventually came to rest, the balls presented Aidan with the opportunity to score the nine points he needed to take the Pat O’Sullivan title for the second year in succession.
As always, our thanks are due to Marian Leacy for the excellent playing facilities and to the staff at The Ivy Rooms for their help on the day.
report by Brendan Devlin
Results (all matches 400 up, handicapped):
Quarters
Aonghus McAnally 400 – 344 Eugene Hughes (Brk: 53)
Robert McCrum 331 – 400 Aidan Murray (Brk: 57, 53)
Wayne Doyle (Brk: 73) 400 – 301 Brendan Devlin
John Kehoe 400 – 377 Joe Doheny
Semi-Finals
Aonghus McAnally 359 – 400 Aidan Murray (Brk: 50, 59, 85)
Wayne Doyle 320 – 400 John Kehoe
Final
Aidan Murray (Brk: 58) 400 – 397 John Kehoe
