Last weekend I led the first Republic of Ireland Billiards & Snooker Association (RIBSA) junior snooker development day on the 5th of November in the Ivy Rooms Snooker Club in Carlow. All junior player from all around Ireland were invited to attend the day and receive guidance from myself and my team of RIBSA Coaches Eric Morley, Declan Quinn, James Bateman, Tony Thorpe and Ger Murray to learn some skills of the game. The players learnt about the Cue Action, Cue Ball Control and Potting Skills from 11am to 4pm.
Ireland’s youngest Professional 147academy player Josh Boileau and fellow 147players Rodney Goggins and Stephen Bateman were also in attendance to show their skills to all the players plus give advice to the juniors on the day.
RIBSA Chairman Jim Leacy gave a talk about the RIBSA Organisation, he was delighted to see over 30 players from all around Ireland aged from 5yrs to 20years old from Galway, Kerry, Navan, Tipperary, Cork, Mayo, Kildare, Offaly and Kilkenny attending which goes well for the future of our sport in Ireland.
RIBSA International Referee Ger Murray was also hand to answer any questions on the rules of the game. RIBSA also handed out free tickets to watch the Irish Snooker Open in Belfast later on the month to all the players. The day started off from 10.30am – 11am the players signed in.
The players were then shown how to approach the shot and they practiced some key practice routines. A re-spotted black tournament was held and this was won by John Landers from Youghal CYMS when he beat young Aaron Smith from Navan in final.
I would like thank the Ivy Rooms for hosting the event and to all the players and parents for attending. Details and venue of the second RIBSA development day will be announced very soon.
