The John Griffin Cup final was played last Friday and Martin Mulhern and Conal Haughey were certainly giving their all. This was Martin's fourth final and he had yet to win one. For Conal this was his first time in a final, having only been a member for the past two seasons. Martin, being the more experienced of the two was the favourite and he started in impressive fashion, winning the first frame without being unduly pressurised. The second frame was a similar affair with Conal finding it hard to get a rhythm going and Martin knocking in pots like they were going out of fashion. He duly completed an emphatic three nil victory by stretching away in the third and Conal had to admit the better player won on the night. Conal's day will surely come. It's not the first time Chelsea have been turned over by the Reds! The beaten semi-finalists were Seamus Faulkner and Harold Kirkpatrick. Martin was suitably elated at breaking his duck and was effusive in his gratitude to all and sundry. Despite a slight confusion over which trophy to present to our Secretary, the presentations were duly completed and the patrons retired to Jimmy's for a post-match analysis given by the new champion.
Paddy Kelly was also on hand to present his cup to our new Junior Snooker Champion Nicholas Culloo who won in such style two weeks ago. Rarely has such a fine speech been made in the club. Nicholas thanked everyone of significance and spoke confidently and with great deliberation. The round of applause that followed was well deserved. Presentations were also made to the runner-up Mark Mulhern and semi-finalists Conor and Fergal Culloo.
Donegal lost their fourth consecutive Derry League match away to last year's runners-up Maxibreak. Tom and the boys fought hard but for some reason can't reach the heights of last season when they were a match for anybody. The six nil scoreline was harsh but at this level every point is hard won.
Membership fees are now due for the new season. The adult fee is £20, the junior fee is £2, and the family fee is £22. All juniors must be members in order to play in the club. The draws for the Senior and Junior Christmas Hamper competitions have been made. The junior hamper is a pool competition. To win either of these Hampers or any other prize, you must be a fully paid-up member. Members are requested to play their matches as soon as possible as the entry is large and time is short.
Entry forms for the Inter-Firms Pool competition can be obtained from John McGlanaghey or from any of the local pubs. The entry fee is £10 per team of four. The draw will be made this weekend. The format is four singles and two doubles. The reigning champions are Jimmy's Tavern who defeated Manchester United in a thrilling final last winter.
The club has purchased a new 8 by 4 snooker table for the junior members to help them in the transition from pool to snooker. A game on this table will cost 30p. The juniors now have two snooker tables and two pool tables, while they are welcome to play on the three senior snooker tables if the club is quiet. A new PVC front door has also been purchased which should help in making the club a little cosier on the cold nights ahead. John McGlanaghey hasn't stopped smiling since it was fitted!