Meet the players
Back by popular demand is our Player Profile section where NIPA players past and present can tell us a little about themselves. This week we get up close and personal with Darren Whiteside who has been representing the NIPA now for 11 years at various levels. Darren is part of the B1 team that is travelling to the European Championships in Carlow in September.
Name - Darren Whiteside
Year of birth - 1973
Nickname - Penfold
Any kids - Yes, one and one on the way, due in February
Any pets - None at present, but had a Doberman for many years
Where do you live - Shankill Road, Belfast
Job - Senior Youth Engagement Officer at FASA & Detached Youth Work Team Leader at Carrick YMCA
Pool Team - The Rockers for the past 3 years, and previously The Rockets, both in the Carrick League
Home venue - Jacqs Bar, North Street, Carrickfergus
Favourite away venue - Harbour Point, Carrickfergus, home of the Pirates Pool Team
Favourite Pool memory - Winning every trophy on offer twice with The Rockets in the Carrick League
International debut - Year 2000 in Bridlington under Team Manager Walter Montgomery
Toughest opponent to beat - Kenny English
Favourite TV Show - CSI and Family Guy
Favourite footy team - Liverpool FC
Favourite food - Chinese
Favourite tipple - Bud
Favourite music - Irish traditional
Favourite holiday spot - Magaluf
Favourite car - My first sky blue Fiat Punto
Hobbies apart from Pool - Always completing some further education
Favourite snooker player - Mark Allen
Highest snooker break - 79
A celebrity you would like to have a date with - I'm in a relationship but thanks for the offer Kylie !!