FERGAL O BRIEN WINS 2010 LUCAN RACING IRISH SNOOKER CLASSIC
Date 24th / 25th July
Venue : CELBRIDGE SNOOKER CLUB
FULL RESULTS
Final
Fergal O'Brien 5-1 Michael Judge
Semi Finals
Fergal O'Brien 5-3 Joe Delaney
Michael Judge 5-3 Colm Gilcreest
Quarter Finals
Fergal O'Brien 5-3 Rodney Goggins
Joe Delaney 5-1 Robert Murphy
Michael Judge 5-4 Martin McCrudden
Colm Gilcreest 5-4 David Morris
All Matches Best Of 9 Frames
Referees : Shane Corr & Neil Shanahan
Tournament Sponsors : Lucan Racing, Spa Hotel Lucan, Mucky Duck Pub Celbridge, Brenfer Trophies, EJ Riley
Fergal O'Brien won this years Lucan Racing Classic, held in Celbridge Snooker Club for the third consecutive year. O'Brien, host and organiser of the tournament, was the beaten finalist for the last three years and eventually took the step forward to win, beating fellow Dubliner, Michael Judge, 5-1 in the final.
O'Brien also took the high break prize, sponsored by EJ Riley's with a 128 break in the first frame of the final, overtaking the target set by Joe Delaney the previous day, of 126.
O'Brien came away with the trophy and a piece of Waterford crystal supplied by Brenfer Trophies of Capel Street in Dublin. It was O'Brien who beat Delaney in a hard fought encounter in the semi-finals, by a score of 5-3.
Michael Judge overcame Colm Gilcreest by the same scoreline in the other semi-final.Gilcreest had staged the upset of the tournament,by beating David Morris, by coming back from 4-2 down and being 26 points behind with just the colours left on the table in the 7th frame.
The traditional Saturday night meal with the players was a sombre affair with the news of the sad passing of snooker legend Alex "Hurricane" Higgins, an inspirational and gifted player and a true idol to many amateurs and professionals alike.
A minutes silence was observed before each session on the Sunday as a mark of respect for this iconic player.
Terry Cassidy of Lucan Racing was present at the final to present the prizes and said he was glad "Fergal finally won the tournament after all the work put into organising this great event for the 4th year in a row".
Tournament History
2007 David Morris beat Fergal O Brien 5 - 3
2008 Ken Doherty beat Fergal O Brien 5 - 2
2009 Joe Swail beat Fergal O Brien 5 - 0
2010 Fergal O Brien beat Michael Judge 5 - 1
Joe Swail will be defending his title with a tough opening match against the 2007 winner Davy Morris. Fergal O'Brien, tournament host and organiser, starts his bid against the Irish number 1 amateur, and former professional, Rodney Goggins from Wexford. O'Brien will be hoping to make it 4th time lucky, as he has been in the last three finals and has yet to take home the winners trophy.
The 2008 winner, Ken Doherty, is unable to play as he will be in the far east and will not make it back to Dublin on time.
Terry Cassidy of Lucan Racing, the title sponsors, "is delighted once again, to sponsor this popular tournament, that gives the Irish players valuable pre season match practice" which sharpens the players up before the main tour begins in August. With Mark Allen and Patrick Wallace unavailable, it gives a great opportunity to potential future professionals, Martin McCrudden and Robert Murphy. Making up the draw are Dubliners Michael Judge and Celbridge resident professional Joe Delaney.
Once again the Spa Hotel in Lucan are accomodating the players and hosting the traditional Saturday night dinner for all the players and their guests. Fergal O'Brien is thankful for the sponsorship from Brenfer Trophies in Capel Street, Dublin 1 and EJ Riley Martlborough Street, Dublin 1, and for their continued support of this toiurnament. O'Brien playing in his home club is the favourite and you can check with Lucan Racing for odds on the matches. Phil Martin, from Celbridge Snooker Club, is delighted to host this prestigous event yet again.
Over €10,000 in prizes will be paid out through the season.
The reigning Champion is Stevie Cullen.
The Cue-0ff is 8.30pm and the entry Fee is €12.00 each night.
The event will use a Handicap system to level out all standard of players.
If anyone would like to play in this years event please contact
Celbridge Snooker Club on 01 6272224