The 2026 National Century Tour Championship got off to a great start in Nenagh with great performances in round one by Alan O’Connor, Matthew Bidwell and John O Sullivan not dropping a frame to win 3-0 respectively over their opponents. Also who got their championship off to a good start were Damien Shoer, Brendan Thomas, Paul Kellett and the ever entertaining Nenagh local man, Billy Kelly winning a tightly fought battle against Paddy Brady 3-2.
Round two began with John O’Sullivan storming to a 3-0 win which included a fabulous 86 break to close out the match. Alan O’Connor had to fight back from 2-1 down against Nicky Ryan of Waterford to win 3-2 in a seriously tightly fought match.
Brendan Thomas got his second round up and running against Paul Kellett of St. John’s Limerick but didn’t get it all his own way with Kellett playing some great tactical play to bring it to a decider. After a long battle on the colours in the final frame, Thomas held his nerve to win 3-2.
The final tie of the round was between local men and friends Damien Shoer and Billy Kelly. This game certainly did not disappoint but it was Damien Shoer who prevailed winning 3-2.
Both quarter finals were brilliantly contested and there was great tension in the room, as all four players knew a place in the Semi finals, which would be held on national finals weekend was at stake.
Local favourite Damien Shoer put in a valiant effort against the on form John O’Sullivan but it was O’Sullivan who showed his class and grit in winning on a scoreline of 3 frames to 1.
In the second quarter final, Alan O’Connor played extremely well with some great long potting and scoring to beat Brendan Thomas on the same scoreline as the opposite quarter final, 3 frames to 1.
Day 2 started with last years Champion aaron Goldrick getting the first result of the day over the line with a 3-0 win over basil Nally . That was soon followed by Dara Martin securing his spot in the last 16 taking out nenagh local Tyler Hogan . Jake Byrne also secured a 3-0 win over Victor Mccormack to move on . The last of the 10am matches finished 3-1 to Stephen o Reilly over Keilum Reid and Shane Keogh with a great fight back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 over Brandon Tracey . Clayton Creegan kicked off the next round od last 32 fixtures with a 3-0 win over local debut maker Patrick Conlan. Dane Daly Mulpeter had an impressive 3-1 win over Martin Kelly ,the last of the last 32 matches seen Oliver martyn take out Local youth Adam O’Brien 3-1 .
The last 16 got started and Aaron Goldrick was still in form getting a 3-0 win over Jake Byrne to reach the quarter-finals. Clayton Creegan was on fire and set the tone in the first frame with a 78 Break before beating Steven O’Reilly 3-0.
The other 2 last 16 matches would be Dane Daly Mulpeter v Oliver Martyn while Dara Martin took on Shane Keogh.
Dara came out a 3-1 winner while Dane Mulpeter found himself in a close nit battle against Tuams Oliver Martyn. Oliver took the lead before dane fired back going 2-1 ahead . It would go 2-2 with a missed pink from Oliver paying a visit to 4 cushions before returning to the original pocket it was intended for and dropping in . In the 5th and final frame Dane got in early and with reds left Oliver offerd his hand . The main battle of the day .
Aaron Goldrick won again as he was in full flow at this stage with another 3-0 win over Dara Martin to Book his place in the Semifinals and is on course to retain the title he won last year against Noel Gleeson in a great final . So the 2 men who travelled together would play it out for a spot at finals weekend in Clayton Creegan and Dane Daly Mulpeter. Dane would come out on top beating the recent u21 ranking event winner Cregan 3-0 to set up a Semifinal meeting with Aaron Goldrick. The other Semifinal will see Alan O’Connor play John O’Sullivan.
SBI would like to thank the new institute snooker club for the use of there facilities. Also to both Td’s , Mark Gleeson who took on Saturdays event and David Lynch who took over for Sunday . Big thanks also to Pat Mooney for Reffing both days .
High Breaks
- John O’Sullivan- 86
- Clayton Cregan- 78
- Aaron Goldrick- 55
