UNFORTUNATELY THIS EVENT HAS HAD TO BE CANCELLED. FASA INFORMED US TODAY THAT DUE TO LEGALITIES WITH THE CASTLE COURT VENUE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO GO AHEAD WITH IT. THEY ARE HOPING TO STAGE IT LATER ON IN THE YEAR. ANY MORE NEWS WILL BE POSTED HERE AS WE GET IT
World record attempt
Pictured right is Larne cueist Stephen McWhirter who back in 1997 attempted the World Record for continuous potting over a 24 hour period. The event, which was run in conjunction with the NIPA, raised a considerable sum for Larne Lions Charity with sponsors including Guinness, P&O Ferries and the Highways Hotel where it took place. At the time the World Record was 16,497 balls. Stephen came up just short at 15,810 but claimed the Northern Ireland record which at the time stood at 14,030. The present World Record stands at 16,511 and is held by Paul Sullivan from Yorkshire.
And now 14 years later another Northern Ireland cueist is having a go at the record with all monies raised going to FASA, a local charity which is involved in "Suicide awareness, self harm and substance misuse"
26 year old potting machine Ady Toner from Portrush (pictured above left) who is a regular in the Northern Ireland team will attempt the task on the 26/27th February 2011 in the Castle Court Shopping Centre, Belfast. Ady will have his work cut out as to set a new record he will have to pot a ball every 5.23 seconds over the 24 hour period or 5.46 seconds for a new Northern Ireland record.
To support this campaign you can donate by texting FASA to 70003 – text costs £3 plus network charge. Should you wish to receive more information on FASA services please contact 02890803040 (Belfast) or 02891271322(North Down & Ards)
Alongside Ady, players from NIPA affiliated Leagues will take part in a 72 hour Poolathon, including the Northern Ireland Specials and Northern Ireland Ladies.
The League/Body that raises the most money will win the fantastic prize of an exhibition evening with newly crowned World Blackball Champion Jayson Shaw
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