Keilum Reid Wins Maiden National Title at St. John’s Snooker Club
Keilum Reid from Waterford won his first national title by triumphing in the third Challenge event of the season, held at St. John’s Snooker Club in Limerick on November 16th and 17th. A competitive field of 29 players battled it out over the two-day event for the coveted title.
The highlight of the first round saw Adam Rowan make his national event debut against number 1 seed Richie Flynn from Waterford. After a titanic battle, Richie narrowly prevailed 3–2 on the final black. Another exciting match saw St. John’s James Quin, in his return to national competitive snooker, defeat Aaron Quinn 3–0.
The second round produced more thrilling encounters, with Kieran Walsh of St. John’s securing a solid 3–1 win over Fionn Nagel from Dungarvan. Number 3 seed Ken Byrne from Dundalk also won by the same scoreline, defeating Mike Howley from St. John’s. Another notable match saw Sean Fitzgerald from The Crucible in Cork beat Shane Sexton from St. John’s 3–1, while Mikey Burke triumphed over his uncle, Michael Burke, also 3–1.
The quarterfinals showcased top-tier talent. Richie Flynn defeated Pat Fitzgerald 3–2, on the final black, making a tournament-high break of 59 along the way. In another tight match, Keilum Reid defeated James Quin 3–2, also on the final black. Sean Fitzgerald dispatched clubmate Jamie McCarthy 3–0, while John Ahearne defeated Kieran Walsh by the same scoreline.
The two semifinal matchups were hotly contested. Number 4 seed John Ahearne defeated Richie Flynn 3–1, while Keilum Reid overcame Sean Fitzgerald by the same scoreline, with Keilum making a break of 55 to close out the match.
After two long days of highly competitive snooker, the finalists were set. Number 4 seed John Ahearne faced the young hotshot Keilum Reid. Keilum took the first frame on the pink, with John responding by taking the second, also on the pink. From there, Keilum displayed some devastating long potting to close out the match 3–1 and claim his first—and well-deserved—national title.
SBI would like to extend its gratitude to Tournament Director Anthony Cronin for running a fantastic event and to referee Pat Mooney for managing the tables. We also thank St. John’s Limerick for their hospitality, with players praising the excellent conditions.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Challenge event in the New Year.
