DONEGAL TOWN SNOOKER CLUB

Oliver Plunkett won the final snooker event of the century by defeating his brother Tom (for whom this was his third final in succession) in the Christmas Hamper. With sibling rivalry to the fore, it came as no surprise that the quality of the snooker was often mediocre; it took two hours to play the first four frames! But then Oliver showed just how good a competitor he is, winning the final frame easily thanks to a suffocating safety strategy which tied Tom up in knots. Oliver potted faultlessly to claim his second snooker title of the year following his success in the Canon McMullin, where he had also defeated his brother in the final. With two pool titles under his belt as well, Oliver was undoubtedly the player of the year. The beaten semi-finalists were Bertie Love and Terry Mullin.

Luke McGee won the Junior Hamper defeating Ernan Cassidy four two. Both players proved that junior talent is in abundance in the club and it is hoped that they will swell the senior ranks in the next century. The semi-finalists were Fergal Browne and Seamus Devanney.

Donegal won their final league game of 1999 by defeating Ramelton A in Ramelton. All five players won with Charlie, Paul and Mark McGroary winning two nil. Shane Faulkner fought back well to win two one, while Tom was lacklustre in scraping through on the same scoreline. This leaves the club second, three points behind Northwest A.

The following were the prize winners in the Christmas Draw held in the Snooker Club: 1^st Gillian Love, Barnesmore; 2^nd Stephanie Crawford, Leghowney; 3^rd Stephanie Crawford, Leghowney; 4^th Pete Brown, Drumrooske; 5^th Martin Coulter, O’Clery Ave.; 6^th Keith Anderson, Main St. Donegal; Members’ Draw: Gary Jordan, Ardeskin, Donegal.

The club extends sympathy to those who were bereaved during the past year and in particular we remember the Coulter family whose contribution to the club down the years has been immense.

The Snooker Club is once again hosting the Veteran Tournament for the over-fifties, which was won in fine style by Donal Monaghan a year ago. The winner receives the Harry Diver Cup as well as a cash prize. We had over fifty entrants last year so if you have reached a ‘mature’ age get the cue out of the attic and try your luck. Each player will be handicapped, with last year’s performances taken into account. Matches are decided over three frames and entries are being accepted by Kieran Temple, Martin Mulhern, John McGlanaghey, Jackie McMullin, Alan Ramsay or any other member of the club.