The final of the Lyric Knockout Cup took place in Donegal Town on Tuesday May 15 between North West A and CYMS B. Both teams had won tough battles en route to the final and this match was to be no different. Johnny Whyte got North West off to a good start by taking both frames off Don Ponsonby, compiling a 40 break in the process. New County Champion Aidan Devanney overcame Joe Devine for the second time in a week, this time by a 2-0 scoreline and so levelled the match. Gerry McKeever won both frames against Danny Gibbons to put the North West 4-2 up and needing one more frame for victory. Michael Duffy of CYMS did his best to scupper North West's hopes, taking the first frame off Anthony Bonnar. But the seven-times County Champion hit back in the second and despite some heroic resistance by Michael, Anthony secured the frame and with it the Cup for North West A. Congratulations to them on winning the final trophy of the season and they will receive the cup at a function to be held in Sister Sara's on May 31 at 8p.m. All other senior and junior prize-winners will be honoured on the same night.
A very successful presentation night was hosted by Sister Sara's recently with 14-year-old Johnny Connors the star of the show. He collected the Junior Player of the Year award, the Under-17 County Title, highest break award (66) as well as being part of the winning North West sides who won the Junior League and the Junior Knockout Cup. CYMS received the League Trophy, their first title in several years. North West received the Knockout Cup and the Top Four Shield. Johnny Whyte received the senior high break prize for his magnificent 110, the first century in the 14-year history of the league. Chris Gibbons was the Senior Player of the Year.
Our thanks to Sister Sara's for their hospitality and refreshments. Without support the league would not survive and we thank Lyric for their generosity in sponsoring this year's enjoyable campaign. Finally we thank Darren Ponsonby and John Doherty for acquiring the trophies and Bernard McGuinness for securing the venue on the night.