Kelly reaches Snooker Shootout final
The National Snooker Shootout took place at the home of Irish Snooker, Snooker & Billiards Ireland HQ in Carlow.
This event offers a very different experience on the Irish snooker calendar and, as many may have seen recently on television in the professional game, the Shootout brings a unique atmosphere and exciting style of play.
Snooker Shootout is a fast-paced format where each match lasts just ten minutes with no frames, and the player with the highest score at the end wins. A shot clock is in operation, allowing fifteen seconds per shot for the first five minutes and ten seconds per shot for the final five. On every shot, a ball must be potted or a cushion hit, otherwise it is a foul. All fouls are worth four points, there is no “foul and a miss” rule, and deliberate slowing down is not allowed.
If scores are tied after ten minutes, the match is decided by a blue-ball shootout, all played in a loud, crowd-friendly atmosphere that encourages attacking snooker.
New Institute was represented by four long-term members: Martin Kelly, Liam ‘Billy’ Kelly, David Lynch (club PRO), and Gary Power (newly appointed committee member). The tournament consists of several mini-tournaments throughout the day, with players needing to reach the last four of a round to qualify for the final 16.
Martin Kelly was the first of our players to qualify, defeating clubmate Liam Kelly in the last eight of round 1. Liam responded strongly and secured his place in the last 16 in round 2. With a round to spare, both Gary Power and David Lynch qualified in round 3, with David producing a standout performance by defeating last year’s champion, Frank Sarsfield.
All four Nenagh men advanced to the last 16. Martin and Gary exited at that stage, each taking home €50 for their efforts. David Lynch and Liam Kelly then met in an all–New Institute quarter-final clash, where Liam proved too strong, earning David €100 for his run.
Liam Kelly was undoubtedly the man of the day, quickly becoming the crowd favourite, with the entire venue getting behind the Nenagh man. He faced last year’s champion Frank Sarsfield in the semi-final, a tough test by any measure, but Liam rose to the occasion and booked his place in the final.
In the final, Liam faced local Carlow player and world number two in the disability game, Colvin O’Brien. Despite being away from home, Liam again enjoyed tremendous crowd support. Unfortunately, Colvin struck early with an impressive break of 53, which proved decisive in the Shootout format with limited time remaining.
Liam finished as runner-up, earning a well-deserved €400 prize, along with widespread support and admiration for his strong performance.
Congratulations to all four players on representing the New Institute with distinction. We hope to see even greater representation at the event next year.
Merry Christmas from everyone at the New Institute Snooker Club.