The SBI 18’s Snooker National Championships was played on Saturday 18th of April in the Newbridge CYMS with all of the top players in action.
After a great days play, it will be No.1 seed Dermot Kelly from Mayo and No. 2 seed Joe Shannon from Longford who will contest the 2026 National final during SBI Finals weekend from the 5th – 7th of June.
The TD was PJ Nolan and the referee in action was Neil Shanahan. It has been a fantastic season with 2 different 18’s winners this season. Who will end up the New National Champion and follow Jack OBrien who won the title in 2025.
There were two fantastic semi-finals with Dermot Kelly from Mayo against Lorcain O`Curraoin from Galway and Joe Shannon from Longford against Max Kennedy from Galway. Both games were excellent matches and all four should be very proud.
- Dermot Kelly 0-3 Lorcain O`Curraoin
- Joe Shannon 3-0 Max Kennedy
The current high break stands at 63 with Dermot Kelly
Big thank you to Neil Shanahan and Ed Donnelly and Newbridge CYMS for hosting the event and help make it a great day for Junior Snooker.
The final promises to be a great challenge for both talented players.
Good Luck to both
This season SBI will be holding four 18’s ranking events and a National 18’s Championships. PJ Nolan’s 147academy are the title sponsors for all the SBI Junior Tours again this season. PJ said It promises to be another exciting year of junior snooker with so many young talented Junior players looking to qualify for the 2026 Home Internationals, World and European Snooker Championships. He wished everyone good luck this season.
Ranking Event Dates & Venues
- Event 1 18’s – October 26th – SBI HQ Carlow – WINNER JOE SHANNON
- Event 2 18’s – November 23rd – Newbridge CYMS – WINNER DERMOT KELLY
- Event 3 18’s – January 31st – SBI HQ Carlow – WINNER DERMOT KELLY
- Event 4 18’s – March 14th – SBI HQ Carlow – TBD FINAL Joe Shannon Vs Aaron Donnelly TBA
- 18’s National Championships – April 18th (to final) – Newbridge CYMS
- Final during SBI Finals weekend 5th -7th June FINAL – DERMOT KELLY V JOE SHANNON
Information on 18’s Snooker
This season will be holding four 18’s ranking events and a National Championships. We will be also four events and a National 12’s, 14’s, 16’s and 21’s plus a Junior Shoot Out.
Start time for all matches will 10.00am. The Entry Fees for all junior events is set at €10.00 each.
Closing Dates
The closing date for all SBI events will 1pm on the Thursday before the event. The Draw will be done automatically on the system with match times and displayed on the web site.
Age Limit
The SBI Age limit will be the 31st December 2025 for all SBI junior events. All members must remember International criteria may vary for events. SBI will go down rankings to qualify players who meet that particular age deadline.
Example: 18’s: a player who’s 18th birthday is on or before 31st December 2025 WILL NOT be able to enter the SBI 18’s events in the 2025 /26 season
SBI Yearly Registration fee
Junior Membership is for all Under 21’s – €25.00
Tournament Entry Fees
The cost of entry will be the following:
All Junior Events – €10.00
Format
Matches are played in a best of 5 frames knock out format in roll on and off basis in the venue. The Q-Final, Semi Final and Final are the best of 5 frames
Dress Code – National Championships
Failure to meet with the Dress Code Guidelines will result in being removed from the event.
- In the National Championships, one coloured shirt buttoned at the wrist and Waistcoats can only be worn
- Bowties are also required for all matches during Championship finals weekend.
- National Waistcoats are not permissible at any SBI National event.
