Tuesday, 06 October 2026 / Published in Billiards

Darren wins Pat O’Sullivan Memorial Title

The Pat O’Sullivan Memorial handicap tournament was played at Celbridge Snooker Club on Sunday, 4th of October 2026. Although fewer in numbers than previous years, the event was none the less very enjoyable, all games being well contested and additionally, the shorter day meant an earlier start home for those who had distances to travel.

Play got under way at 11.00am, the format for all rounds being 400 up, open draw, handicapped, 90 minute time limit. Preliminary round eliminations were Eugene Hughes (Baltinglass), Robert McCrum (Portmarnock), Kilkenny veteran Larry Drennan, Joe Doheny (Borris-in-Ossory) and Edenderry duo Willie Murrin and Liam Byrne.

The semi finalists in the top half of the draw were Gavin Farrell (Dun Laoghaire) and local player Darren Ryan. Gavin had a surprise win in his quarterfinal against ex professional Eugene Hughes while Darren got through to the semi final with a good quarterfinal win against local player Brendan Devlin. The semi final was nip and tuck all the way, Darren gradually closing the handicap deficit to take the match by 37 points.

The semi finalists in the bottom half of the draw were Keith Savage, travelling from Northern Ireland to compete in the event and last year’s winner Ciaran Doyle (Dun Laoghaire). As though determined to retain his title, Ciaran played steadily to take a good quarterfinal win against Joe Doheny while Keith had an equally impressive win in his quarterfinal against Aonghus McAnally (Portmarnock). In the semi final, Ciaran made good use of his handicap start, quickly getting to the required score of 400, leaving little opportunity for Keith to respond.

The Final turned out to be an enthralling game, Ciaran, perhaps feeling an element of pressure to retain his title, struggled to play to the standard he had shown so far on the day. Darren, on the other hand seemed to have no such difficulty, scoring freely when at the table and steadily overcoming the handicap deficit he was giving to Ciaran. A succession of useful breaks saw him take control of the game, eventually claiming the 2026 Pat O”Sullivan Memorial title with a margin of 50 points at the finish.

Our congratulations must go to Phil Martin and his colleagues for the excellent playing conditions we enjoyed at Celbridge Snooker Club and we would also like to express our thanks for their help on the day.

Results (all matches 400 up, handicapped, 90 minute time limit):

Pre-Quarters