CHAMPIONEES


It's a big congratulations to the Northern Ireland Mens 'A' and Seniors Pool Teams who have just returned from the European Championships in the Isle of Man. Our 'A' Team, of Darren Sterrett (Manager), Jason Heffron, Neil McKelvey, Willie Eakin and Lee Hull, surpassed all expectations by reaching the Final, where they were 13-7 RUNNERS UP to a World Class Scotland team which included the current World Masters title holder Scott Ross and the Legend and many times World Champion Ross McInnes. On route to the Final they played some fantastic pool, winning 6 and losing 3. They had some very noteable victories against Southern Ireland, England by a huge 19-6 margin, Scotland in the Group stages and current World Champions Wales in the Semis.

But our Seniors Team (Over 40s), pictured right, went one step further. The 5 Man Team of (left to right) Darren McColgan, Kenny English, Eric Sterrett (Captain), Robert Hawkins and John McIlreavey, stormed to the title of EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS 2009. They topped the group and went on to beat current World Champions Southern Ireland 13-7 in the Semi Finals. In a nail biting last frame decider against Scotland in the Final, it was Coleraine man McIlreavey who held his nerve with a long pressure black down the rail to give Northern Ireland a 13-12 victory and spark off scenes of wild celebrations in the magnificent Villa Marina venue. Hawkins also reached the Semi Finals of the Individuals.

Also well done to the 2 Mens 'B' Teams. Both Teams had hopes of qualification into the Semi Finals right up to and including the last group fixture. Derek Whiteside managed the B2 Team to 6th spot in the Group of 11, just behind the B1 Team managed by Willie Lucas, on frame difference. A special mention goes to Darren Whiteside. Darren who was sponsored by Newtownabbey Borough Council won an incredible 17 out of his last 18 frames with the B1s.


Whilst our Ladies finished well down their groups there are signs that the future may be a bit brighter with some new young players coming through to compliment the established experienced ones. Hopefully in Bridlington 2010 the Ladies can put on a good showing.

Our Special Needs Teams once again bore the fruits of the dedication of all the people involved in running the Teams. Our Mens Team hammered Scotland 13-2 in the Final, and our Ladies
beat England 8-3 in their Final. Alan Bell (bottom) beat Paddy Reid 5-3 in the Individuals Final and Briege McFall (bottom right) beat Valerie Taggart in the Ladies.

It was an action packed week with an electric atmosphere, especially for Semi Finals and Finals day when our adopted anthem of "We're not Brazil, we're Northern Ire
land" could be heard the length of the Douglas Promenade. Even the French and Spanish were singing it !!!!

A one hours highlights will be broadcast by Sky Sports in November.

Top scorers were as follows -
Mens A - D.Sterrett 71% L.Hull 60%
Mens B1 - D.Whiteside 77% S.McWhirter 63% W.Tedford 63%
Mens B2 - S.Hay 55% A.Toner & K.Hunter 52%
Seniors - D.McColgan 65% R.Hawkins 60%
Ladies A - E.Richardson 38% J.McIlroy 33% S.Graham 32%