The John Griffin Cup final was played last Friday (3-11-2000) 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 Town won their second Donegal League match four nil against a plucky Ramelton B side. Winners on the night were Oliver Plunkett, Charlie Murphy, Michael Neary and Paul Thomas. Paul had yet to drop a frame while Charlie also maintained his 100% win record. Donegal Town then drew their third Donegal League match away to Killea. Winners on the night were Oliver Plunkett who compiled an excellent break of 43 and last season's Player of the Year Tom Plunkett who was playing his first Donegal League match of the season.
Donegal lost their third consecutive Derry League match at home to Maxibreak. Charlie Murphy grabbed the town's only point against Nigel Feeney and could have had both, with the two frames ending on the black. Paul Thomas was out of sorts against Pascal McKenna, while Tom Plunkett lost his third match in a row against Richard Wylie. They then lost the return match in Derry. 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 student fee is £5, the junior fee is £2, and the family fee is £22. All juniors and students 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.
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!
Donegal Town drew their sixth Derry League match away to CYMS. Chris Gibbons must be sick of the sight of the Plunkett brothers because, having lost to Oliver last week, this time Tom defeated him two nil. Oliver came from behind to draw with Aidan Devanney while Michael Neary played well but ultimately lost to Phelim McClafferty.
Donegal won their fourth Donegal League match in five games against Twin Towns A. Tom, Oliver and Terry Mullin provided the fireworks on the night. The club lies third in the table.
The club's commitment to improving the facilities was exemplified last week. The four large snooker tables were completely refurbished. The cloth was stretched which has speeded them up considerably. The woodwork was also restored and the beauty of the three "elderly" tables is evident for all to see.
The Inter-Firms pool competition is in full swing with an entry of ninety-two. The reigning champions are Jimmy's Tavern who will again be hard to beat. It is being played on superb surfaces, which has made for exciting matches. The two pool tables were also re-clothed and the pockets improved.
The new 8 by 4 table has proved very popular with all the members. It recently had new pocket rails attached. The balls are the same as on the full-size table so it's an excellent way to practise and gain control of the cue ball.
The Danny Martin Memorial Shield is taking shape nicely and recent winners include Conal Haughey, Michael Hunt, Luke McGee, Gary Spencer, Michael Neary, Bertie Love, Sean Boyle and Alan Ramsay.
The Junior Hamper is also bubbling along nicely. Players who have won their matches include John O'Shea, Mark B Gallagher, Keith Mulhern, Anthony Gallagher, Ciaran O'Reilly and Kevin Cassidy.