Paddy Clarke became the 1st player in well over two decades to win back to back Singles titles after a mesmerising performance last Thursday. Clarke was simply sensational. From the semi-final onwards he was virtually untouchable. His final opponent Pat Brady cruised to the decider dropping only won frame and it meant the CWC A team mates would contest the individuals finale for the second year in a row.
Brady won 3-1 against Cathal Phelan, 3-0 against Seamus McVerry and 3-0 against Raymie McKenna in the semi.
Clarke stuffed Shane McAllister 3-0 then had a right royal battle in his last 8 match. He was on course for a routine win against Thomas McGuinness when he led 2-0 but the St. Monnina player fought like an injured lion to pull it back to 2-2. The real Paddy Clarke stood up in the decider and squeezed into the semi with a brilliant finish and beat Kieran McMahon 3-0 in the last 4.
The two played out a classic final last year when Paddy Clarke edged a thriller 4-3. This year Clarke was in devastating form and he never gave Pat Brady a sniff, racing into a commanding 3-0 lead. Brady needed to win all 4 of the remaining frames and although he pulled it back to 3-1 nobody in the Forester's club really believed a comeback was possible. Clarke made no mistake in wrapping up his second consecutive individuals title at 4-1.
Clarke was just on a different playing field. He whizzed around the table producing his magic every time his tip struck the white ball. In his semi-final match he blitzed Kieran McMahon 3-0. There's not many players can say they annihilated Pat Brady and Kieran McMahon with an accumulative score of 7-1. Two legends of Newry Pool just brushed aside with nonchalance.
Not only two legends but two team mates to add to the pressure.
Paddy Clarke had lots of praise for the Forester's club, Newry Pool league, the livestream and the fantastic crowd that attended the finals night.
For all those who enjoy reading the winners we tipped' you will be delight to hear we got one or two wrong.
Of the last 8 matches we got only one game wrong. Dee Kearney couldnt get over the line against Seamus McGeoghegan.
Of our 1/4 picks only Terry McNally didn't make it to the semi-final. Kieran McMahon was just too good and the 'Machine' McMahon booked his spot 2-1.
We did get the final pairing correct but we went for Pat Brady and the way he was playing in the build up our pick looked good. Paddy Clarke turned on the style to and he'll be a short price to retain his title next year again.
Well Done Paddy Clarke..
Terry McNally, Eddie McCaughey, Garry Powell, Kieran McMahon, Tom McGuinness, Jim McMahon, Shane McAllister, Paddy Clarke, Cathal Phelan, Pat Brady, Seamus McVerry, Gerard McGuigan, Raymond McKenna, Damien Kearney, Seamus McVerry and Mickey O'Hanlon or Martin Conroy will contest the last 16 of the Newry individuals.
Current holder of the title of Newry best pool player is held by Paddy Clarke and he along with last year's beaten finalist Pat Brady are in course for another final date as they are in opposite sides of the draw.
Terry McNally has been arguably the player of the tournament so far. He annihilated 2015 individual's winner James O'Hagan 3-0. We did say in our previous blog that O'Hagan would need to bring his 'A' game but it wouldn't have mattered as McNally arrived in 'Destroy mode' and he glided through the 3 frames hardly missing a ball.
Paddy Clarke breezed past the helpless Martin White 3-0. Clarke was just irresistible but White missed a few opportunities to put pressure on the current champion. Clarke is a joy to watch when in full flow and White never had the firepower to trouble the champion.
Last year's runner-up had no problems dispatching of Ralph Crummy. We did tip Crummy to take a frame but Brady was in typical unforgiving mood and the 'Bald eagle' Crummy was soon to be the prey of 'Big Pat'. 3-0 was the final score.
Kieran McMahon is in determined mood as he seeks a return to the final. It's as far back as 2017 since McMahon has graced the final so he is a man on a mission! Winning the quadruple and the Pairs in the meantime has surely eased the pain slightly. 'The Machine' McMahon steam rolled Michael Teggart 3-0 just as we said he would. You have to go back to 2013 for the last time Kieran McMahon won the Individuals outright but he remains one of the favourites for the title.
Seamus McVerry is still a decent price to win the Individuals but the 2016 champion didn't drop a frame as he crushed Kieran Cummins 3-0. McVerry upset all the odds to win the tournament back in '16' but he has far heavier artillery in his way this year. Not taking away from his achievement but the bottlers he faced in TJ's are no longer the opposition and he faces tough players this time around.
Cathal Phelan is always there or thereabouts when it comes to the Newry individuals. He had a proper good scrap with surprise package Colm Shields. Phelan was in devestating form racing into a 2-0 lead. Shields held his nerve to take it to a decider. In a close final frame Shields missed a tricky double and Phelan booked his last 16 spot. It's a decade since Phelan picked up the Individuals title. 2009 was the last time he won the most prestigious trophy in Newry pool which was his 2nd in 3 years. Can he roll back the years or has Mother time just caught up with 3 time overall winner?
It was heartbreak for Shane Phelan as he was cruising 2-0 just like his Bro. Seamus McGeoghegan used all his match play experience to claw it back to 2-2 and finally end the dreams of Phelan to scrape over the line 3-2. McGeoghegan dragged Phelan into the trenches with some soul destroying tactical play to claim a famous win against his former team mate. Phelan had chances to win it but couldn't take them. We knew this would be a close match but we tipped Phelan to edge this. It was one of only two matches we got wrong.
The other was Brian O'Neill who lost out in another classic encounter. Jim McMahon proved how tough a competitor he his by taking the to a decider. O'Neill had a bit of a chance to book his last 16 spot but McMahon pulled out a decent finish and takes his place amongst the best players in Newry Pool.
Eddie McCaughey won't be known by every Newry Pool fan but the Keady native is making a name for himself slowly but surely. His exciting attacking style was perfect against the very open Pat Byrne. McCaughey was in stunning form and he mopped up effortlessly as Byrne couldn't take his chances. We had tipped 3-1 to McCaughey but he wasn't hanging about and finished it 3-0.
Shane McAllister beat former team mate Cathal McCoy 3-1 in a tense match. The bad news is that McCoy will be delivering us uninterrupted commentary on the livestream for the finals night. McAllister had a great run last year and will be hoping he can go further this time around.
Damien Kearney is one of three Trainor's A players still in the 2019 Newry individuals. He was never in any real trouble against the ultra attacking Cailim McParland. McParland relies on his stunning potting instincts but over best of 5 against the top players you need more strings to your bow. Dee Kearney sailed through 3-1 and will be having a small grim aimed at Niall McVerry as the Trainor's captain used Kearney rather sparingly during the season.
Garry Powell was in devastating form as he destroyed Colm McCann. McCann prides himself with his attacking pool. He lives by the sword and dies by the sword. Powell cut him to shreds with good tactical play and terrific patient clearances. 3-0 was the final score and it was a stiff learning curve for McCann. Powell will be stepping up in class now and will need to keep his good form going.
PJ McDanials didn't show up and Tom McGuinness was only too happy to book his place in the last 16.
Last 16 Draw.
T McNally v E McCaughey
G Powell v K McMahon
T McGuinness v J McMahon
P Clarke v S McAllister
C Phelan v P Brady
S McVerry v G McGuigan
R McKenna v M O'Hanlon/M Conroy
D Kearney v S McGeoghegan
Some incredibly mouth watering ties in that draw plus a fantastic opportunity for some rank outsiders to get to the 1/4 finals.
If the favourites go through we could see McNally v McMahon playing off for a place in the semi-final. Those two only went and won the Pairs together just a matter of weeks ago.
We will give all these games a quick preview closer to Thursday and give you our tip to win it.
Individuals Blog last 32
Finals Night Being Played Thursday 30th May Down to a Winner.
32 of Newry's finest pool players take centre stage this Thursday night as we trim our contenders to 16.
Two players have already qualified. Raymond McKenna beat Liam Bradley 3-2 and Gerard McGuigan beat Seamus Keenan 3-1.
@Foresters Table 1
1.James O’Hagan (Trainors A) v Terry Mc Nally (CWC A)
James O'Hagan has improved his results just right at the tale end of the season after a disastrous run of form. He certainly has the talent. He is a recent winner of the competition after all but has this game come too soon?
Terry McNally is fresh from winning the Pairs and so he won't be short on confidence. McNally is a smart player and knows the correct shots to play.
Terry McNally could get a run for his money if O'Hagan hits form. The odds are against O'Hagan but a full distance 3-1 win for McNally is a good bet.
2.Eddie Mccaughey (Trainors A) v Pat Byrne (Mc Guigan)
Two cracking potter's on show here. Eddie McCaughey is new to the Newry Pool scene but all the top Premier plays know him well. The Keady man plays exciting attacking pool and knows the patterns to make the game look easy.
Pat Byrne is an outrageous single ball potter. Controlling the white ball and having little to know safety game has often been his achillies heel.
Eddie McCaughey will fancy his chances here and we tip 3-1 to the Keady native.
3.Gary Powell (Bears) v Colm Mc Cann (Millvale)
Garry Powell regularly gets a good run in the singles and it's no fluke. He has a good tight all round game but his potting and taking out clearances are his preferred method of play.
Colly McCann is another extremely attacking player. It serves him well in Division 2 and although his superb single ball potting makes him a dangerous opponent he is moving up two Divisions here.
Garry Powell will be in a 50/50 game here if he gets into a potting fest here. His superior tactical game should edge a tight match 3-1
4.Michael Teggart (St Monnina A) v Kieran McMahon (CWC A)
Michael Teggart will know only his A game will give him a chance here. Teggart is a decent player who likes to play attacking pool. He will need to be able to mix it up with snookers and safety to rattle Kieran McMahon.
Kieran McMahon will have taken winning the Pairs in his stride and won't dwell on his latest success too long. McMahon is a born winner and with his incredible appetite for trophies only backs up his fantastic ability.
Easy 3-0 win for McMahon.
@Foresters Table 2
5.PJ McDanials (Orchard v Thomas McGuinness (St Monnina A)
Our 1st tactical match to preview.
PJ McDanials hasn't played as much this year as previous seasons. His percentage win rate is down as well which would coincide with a lack of games. McDanial can certainly take out pressure finishes but he loves a good tactical battle.
Tom McGuinness is a former Premier Division player and he had a really good season in Division 1 this season. McGuinness grows into the game and will have no problem covering pockets and slugging it out.
This could be our 1st surprise winner of the night. McGuinness could nick this one 3-2.
6.Brian O’Neill (Whitecross) v Jim McMahon (Ballyholland)
Brian O'Neill is much improved for Whitecross and he has more than played his part in his teams relatively successful sesson. His potting is his strong point and he is much more patient during a tactical match.
Jim McMahon was a crucial ever present for Ballyholland in their Division 1 title winning side. McMahon is your typical grinder. He will cover pockets and make life proper uncomfortable for any opponent.
We could see a respot in this match but O'Neill should have the fire power to get the win 3-2.
7.Paddy Clarke (CWC A) v Martin White (John Murphys)
The current individual champion Paddy Clarke is the favourite to retain his title. He knows the patterns like no other and makes the game look ridiculously easy. His positional play has no equal in Newry pool. He won't hang about and will just go for the game at the earliest opportunity.
Martin White had a very good season for Murphy's in Division 1. White is a terrific potter and will be a dangerous opponent. He also is well fit to cover a pocket or lay a snooker.
Paddy Clarke could lose a frame here but a place in the last 16 should be secured with a bit to spare. 3-1.
8.Shane McAllister (Hustlers) v Cathal Mc Coy (McGuigans)
This battle of the former team mates should be a real cracker.
Shane McAllister is widely recognised as one of the toughest opponents in the Newry Pool league. He never knows he is beaten and can claw a frame back from the jaws of defeat like very few can. He has nerves of steel and to back up his superb potting ability has has a lock tight safety game.
Cathal McCoy will have to take a step away from behind the livestream and get in front of the camera. McCoy can be a bit hit and miss. If he brings his A game then this will be a wonderful spectacle.
We fancy this to go the distance but Shane McAllister has more strings to his bow and a 3-2 win for the Hustlers star man seems sensible.
@Foresters Table 3
9.Cathal Phelan (Whitecross) v Colm Shields (Ballyholland)
Cathal Phelan wears his "been there, done that" T-shirt with pride. He gets to the latter stages virtually every year. He has improved remarkably since the turn of the year and his all round game is as tight as Cathal McCoy's wallet. Excellent shot maker and always plays the right shot. Phelan will be hard to beat.
Colm Shields is having a dream season. Winning the league with Ballyholland was good. He beat the then Pairs holders Pat Brady and Harvey Lavelle on his way to the 1/4 final. Shields is an excellent finisher and will go toe to toe with Phelan in the tactical exchanges.
Phelan will not take his opponent lightly so a 3-1 win for Phelan looks plausible.
10.Pat Brady (CWC A) v Ralph Crummy (Bears)
Pat Brady has been in the last two individual's finals and who would bet against a 3rd? Brady has been a prolific winner his whole career. A treble last year. Winner of the Pairs two years running in 2016 and 17. Two times individuals finalist in a row. Incredible composure with stunning potting and a tactical game that simply has no equal in the local game.
Ralph Crummy has plenty of pool under his belt after his trip to Killarney for the All-Ireland pool championship. Crummy is a great potter and can take out crazy finishes. He needs to bring 100% consistency to rattle 'big Pat'.
Crummy is up against one of the all time greats. It's hard to make a real case for him and a 3-1 Brady win is the logical result.
11.Kieran Cummins (Bosco) v Seamus McVerry (Trainors
It's a bit harsh to say Kieran Cummins is slow but he is certainly the Terry Griffiths of Newry Pool. He won't get you on the edge of your seat but going by his decent record for Bosco this season it is clear he gets the job done. Cummins will cover pockets and keep it tight.
Seamus McVerry knows all about keeping it tight. He loves a good tactical exchange. McVerry can take out those tricky finishes that only the top plays do on a regular basis. McVerry is a recent overall individuals winner and knows what it takes to win it.
McVerry hot favourite here and should cruise through 3-0.
12.Seamus Keenan (Bears) v Gerard Mc Guigan (McGuigans) (1-3)
Seamus 'The Snail' Keenan bowed out to the attacking free flowing Gerard McGuigan who hit top form en-route to a 3-1 victory.
@ Foresters Table 4
13.Liam Bradley (Trainors A) v Raymond McKenna (2-3)
Liam Bradley held his own despite being up against red hot favourite and former finalist Raymie McKenna. Bradley took it to a decider but CWC cueiest ran out a single frame winner.
14.Michael O’Hanlon (Whitecross) v Martin Conroy (McGuigans)
Mickey O'Hanlon and Martin Conroy will be like Game of thrones where two worlds collide.
O'Hanlon is cagey and will cover pockets and try to drag his opponent into a dog fight.
Conroy will be going for his pots and trying to take out exquisite finishes.
Conroy should be too good and 3-1 would be a good result for O'Hanlon. That's if he gets 1. So 3-1 Conroy to be clear.
15.Damien Kearney (Trainors A) v Cailum Mc Parland (CWC A)
Dee Kearney is another talented all out attack player. He can play an element of safety but it's just not his game.
Cailum McParland simply doesn't do safety. He can blitz a table in the blink of and eye. But can he do it 3 times in one night?
Kearney should be able to slow McParland down for a 3-1 win.
16.Shane Phelan (Whitecross) v Seamus Mc Geoghegan (CWC A)
What a game to finish with. Former team mates will go head to head. Shane Phelan was our player of the year last season and he will probably need to win the Individuals to be in contention this season. Phelan won't take too many risks and his single ball potting is up there with the best.
Seamus McGeoghegan is another player that won't take many risks. I doubt very much if he ever leaves the house without an umbrella in the summer or his factor 50 in the winter - just in case! McGeoghegan always plays the right shot but maybe just not as accurately as he used to.
This is looking like a long match. Easily we could see a few re-spotted blacks but we tip Shane Phelan to edge a classic 3-2.
All Games Will Be Decided with the best of 5 frames from this round
and best of 7 in the Final
Thursday night saw Kieran McMahon and Terry McNally crowned 2019 Pairs winners after a fantastic night of stunning pool.
Beaten finalists Michael Feenan and Mickey O'Hanlon played their part in a thrilling high quality final.
The Foresters hosted the finals along with the Indo and it was clear everyone loved the intimate surroundings where seating and views of the table were 2nd to none. Cathal McCoy did commentary on his livestream and Harvey Lavelle did a great job refereeing. Most importantly as far as the players were concerned, the tables were perfect and the INF proved worthy of this huge finals night.
We got 6 of our 8 match predictions correct and one was Kieran McMahon and Terry McNally to see off Niall McVerry and James O'Hagan. We new the Trainor's lads would need to produce a master class but it didn't materialise and our 2-0 predicted scoreline came to fruition.
Michael Feenan and Mickey O'Hanlon and no problems in their 1st match either. Anthony O'Hanlon and Collie McCann found the 2 Division gap insurmountable and it was the Whitecross lads that progressed.
Colm Shields and Jim McMahon were on a great run. They beat Martin Bolton and Jeremy O'Brien and early in the Pairs beat favourites Pat Brady and Harvey Lavelle. They came up against an inspired Terry McNally and a ruthless Kieran McMahon and that was the CWC A lads in the semi-final.
Michael Feenan and Mickey O'Hanlon had to beat conquerer's of their team mates to reach the semi-final. Division 1 players Damon Murphy and Matthew Creggan dumped Premier Division Whitecross cueists Brian O'Neill and Gareth McCann. Feenan and O'Hanlon weren't brilliant but got their revenge to book their semi-final place.
SEMI-FINALS
The first semi-final saw brothers Liam and Noel Bradley who taking on Michael Feenan and Mickey O'Hanlon. The Whitecross Pair took the opener before the in form Bradley's levelled. The decider was on a knife edge and it looked like the Bradley's would go through when both Noel and Liam had shots on the black. Both missed and the two Mickey's held their nerve before Feenan sank a tricky black for 2-1 and a place in the final.
Father and Son Pairing Jimmy and Seamus McVerry booked their semi-final spot and now faced Kieran McMahon and Terry McNally.
The McVerry's were in fine form and typically mixed their game with good tactical play and quality potting. McMahon and McNally went 1 up before the McVerry's levelled. Trainor's Father and Son duo went game in the decider but Seamus fell millimetres short on his final ball with a black at their mercy. Jimmy fouled and that's all McMahon and McNally needed as they cleared up to book the final birth.
THE FINAL
Michael Feenan and Mickey O'Hanlon looked set for the opener in the final but despite some good play couldn't capitalize and Kieran McMahon and Terry McNally went 1-0 up in a race to 3 frames.
Michael Feenan moved up a level and at long last his nickname Tornado seemed a suitable title. He dragged Mickey O'Hanlon with him and levelled the match 1-1 with another tricky black.
In a close 3rd frame O'Hanlon fell short to leave Feenan a missable long black. Feenan was a long way off and it was a reverse 2-1 for McMahon and McNally.
Feenan looked to have a good blocker to thwart a finish but Terry McNally played a superb double to set up a fantastic finish and it was 3-1 to the CWC A Pair.
It was a really high quality night of pool. Terry McNally was arguably the player of the night. He was playing all the right shots and showing Kieran McMahon exactly where he wanted the white ball. Both McNally and McMahon are still in the individuals and are the only players on course to ever win the clean sweep of league, Divisional cup Vegas Cup Cunningham Cup and the Pairs and Individuals.
Thanks to the Foresters and Independent Club.
Newry Pool League Pairs Last 16
Being Played Thursday 9th May
All games Will Be Played on All Tables if Needed
Games Will start No later than 8.30pm Sharp
@TJ’s Table1
Sean Murray & Seamus Graham (Trainors A) v Paddy Clarke & Seamus McGeoghegan (CWC A)
It's always interesting when players from the top two teams clash. Murray and Graham are ultra attacking and while Clarke loves going straight for a finish his partner in crime McGeoghegan is a lot more tactical.
Clarke and McGeoghegan are probably 2nd favourites for the title now and they should edge this 2-1.
Gerard McEvoy & Kevin McGovern (B/holland) v Jimmy
McVerry & Seamus McVerry (Trainors A)
McEvoy will have the smart playing tactical McGovern by his side but have the got the ability to see off the safe thinking McVerry's?
The two McVerry's stunned current holders Shane and Cathal Phelan. Jim and Seamus will flourish on TJ's potting tables and have the tactics if needed so 2-0 win for them.
@Table 2
Martin Bolton & Jeremy O’Brien (No. 7) v Colm Sheilds & Jim McMahon (B/Holland)
Bolton and O'Brien will be delighted to get to the final night and will fancy their chances against the giant Killing Ballyholland pairing.
Shields and McMahon dumped previous two time holders Pat Brady and Harvey Lavelle so they should be unfazed at facing the Boyds lads.
A tough match is forecasted but 2-1 Shields and McMahon seems the sensible outcome.
Kieran McMaon & Terry McNally (CWC A) v Niall Mcverry & James O’Hagan (Trainors A)
This is probably the table the pool purists will have their eyes on. The skill level could hit maximum level here.
McMahon and McNally will be favourites to win the comp in many people's eyes. Both are fantastic potter's and they're not bad at the safety either.
McVerry and O'Hagan need to bring their A game. McVerry plays wild shots while O'Hagan needs to be right back to his very best or they will get a quick exit.
A great match to watch here especially if the Trainor's pair hit form. Still though 2-0 to the CWC duo is our tip.
@Table 3
Antony O’Hanlon & Collie McCann (Millvale) v Michael Feenan & Michael O’Hanlon (W/cross)
McCann will be the driving force for the Millvale pairing. O'Hanlon will just have to put the seat belt on and go for the ride.
Feenan will do a similar job for the Whitecross duo. O'Hanlon will be cringing at some of Feenan's attacking shot selections.
Feenan and O'Hanlon will get a tough game but should squeeze it 2-1.
Mathew Creggan & Damon Murphy (Cavern) v Gareth McCann & Brian O’Neill (W/Cross)
Creggan and Murphy came through a tough group last time out and will fancy a shock result here. Murphy is the one to watch here.
O'Neill has been a bit of a star for Whitecross this season and McCann has the talent to win this but it could well go the distance. 2-1 to the Whitecross pair.
@Table 4
Gerard McGuigan & Nicky Langton (McGuigans) v Niall McQuillan& Brendan keenan (B/Holland)
McGuigan enjoyed a superb season while Langton is a tricky, hard to beat player.
McQullian will pot from the lampshades and Keenan will keep him right in the safety play.
The premier pair should get through but the Ballyholland lads will keep it interesting. 2-1 McGuigan and Langton.
Liam Bradley & Noel Bradley (Trainors A) v Kevin Magee & Raymond Magee (Hustlers)
This could be a feisty game as all those involved are not to shy about potting balls and voicing their opinion.
Liam Bradley will try to guide younger bro Noel through the shots.
Kevin Magee will make the decisions for the Hustlers pair.
Kevin Magee and Liam Bradley are the main course so it's between Noel and Raymond to see who can serve up the best starter.
The two Bradley's will be favourites to enjoy their dessert and we tip them 2-1.
Time to get the boys on the baize! And Lets Remember It's Only A game Of Pool Good Luck To All Pairs .
Newry Pool League Pairs Last 16
Being Played Thursday 9th May
All games Will Be Played on All Tables if Needed
Games Will start No later than 8.30pm Sharp
@TJ’s Table 1
Sean Murray & Seamus Graham (Trainors A) v Paddy Clarke & Seamus McGeoghegan (CWC A)
Gerard McEvoy & Kevin McGovern (B/holland) v Jimmy McVerry & Seamus McVerry (Trainors A)
@Table 2
Martin Bolton & Jeremy O’Brien (No. 7) v Colm Sheilds & Jim McMahon (B/Holland)
Kieran McMaon & Terry McNally (CWC A) v Niall Mcverry & James O’Hagan (Trainors A)
@Table 3
Antony O’Hanlon & Collie McCann (Millvale) v Michael Feenan & Michael O’Hanlon (W/cross)
Mathew Creggan & Damon Murphy (Cavern) v Gareth McCann & Brian O’Neill (W/Cross)
@Table 4
Gerard McGuigan & Nicky Langton (McGuigans) v Niall McQuillan& Brendan keenan (B/Holland)
Liam Bradley & Noel Bradley (Trainors A) v Kevin Magee & Raymond Magee (Hustlers)
Newry Pool League Vegas Cup
Semi/Finals
Being Played Thursday 2nd May
1. Bears v Cwc A @Independent
2. Hustlers v Trainors A @Bellinis
All Roads Lead To The Indo & Foresters tomorrow night where the Cunningham Cup Semi/Finals are being played. In the Indo is the top of the league clash with CWC A v Trainors A in what should be classic and in the Foresters its McGuigans A v Hustlers which should be another classic Good Luck too all teams tomorrow night .
The Cunningham cup takes centre stage tomorrow night.
Its a great opportunity for two of the lesser lights in the Premier Division - Hustlers and McGuigan's to make the final and of course there's that mouth watering tie where league Champions CWC A will renew their rivalry with Trainor's A.
Most people outside Hustlers and McGuigan's will say that the winner of CWC A and Trainor's will lift the Cunningham Cup. The other semi finalists will still dream that given a bit of luck they could lift the Cup. There's also the added bonus of £150 just for reaching the final.
Hustlers are adjusting to the fact they will be playing Division 1 pool next season after their last gasp 5-3 defeat to Bears sent the crashing through the Premier Division trap door.
McGuigan's did well in their 1st season back in the top flight after their relegation the previous season.
Two of this season's league meetings ended in draws. The other was a comfortable win for McGuigan's mid-season.
McGuigan's finished the season only 2 points ahead of relegated Hustlers but strangely give up an 8 frame-difference.
Both teams have players that can win a match in one visit. Hustlers will rely heavily on Ciaran O'Neill and Shane McAllister.
Martin Conroy and Conor O'Hare catch the eye on the Hustlers side and Gerard McGuigan has had an outstanding season with his own pub.
In the other semi final CWC A will be aiming for back to back quadruple's. Trainor's A hit a bad run in February and early Match but they've recovered in time to possibly save their season. After leading for 3/4 of the league campaign it was defeat to CWC and a few draws that ended their title dream. Whitecross dumped Trainor's from the Divisional Cup so it's just the Cunningham or Vegas Cup left for them.
Trainor's will need to come out of the Pairs no worse off than 2-1 down to have any chance of shocking the champions. Without doubt Pat Brady, Paddy Clarke and Harvey Lavelle will all play singles games and stopping those 3 would be cataclysmic odds against.
Terry McNally and Raymie McKenna are relied on regularly.
Bernie Magee and Seamus McGeoghegan will be seen as the weak points.
James O'Hagan could be key for Trainor's. He needs to put his poor season behind him and play the fluent attacking pool we all know he can.
Seamus McVerry beat Harvey Lavelle last time they met and he will need more of the same. Eddie McCaughey is as good if not better than the majority of CWC A players.
Paddy Tavey is another player Trainor's will need to repeat his previous heroics if there is to be a shock result.
Captain Niall McVerry will need to match up the players to his advantage which is no easy task.
Sean Murray is quality and if Liam Bradley can get a decent chance we know he can hold his nerve. Dee Kearney has talent but can he hold it together when it really matters?
t of things to go well to make the final. McGuigan's have probably the better potter's. Kevin Magee must have his side ahead after the Pairs.
Hustlers' lesser players just aren't as strong as McGuigan's and it should be McGuigan's that edge through 6-3.
If Trainor's bring their A game then we could be in for a cracker. If Trainor's can bring this to a decider they could cause an upset but another 6-3 is more likely.
CWC A to reach yet another final.
Hustlers need a lot of things to go well to make the final. McGuigan's have probably the better potter's. Kevin Magee must have his side ahead after the Pairs.
Hustlers' lesser players just aren't as strong as McGuigan's and it should be McGuigan's that edge through 6-3.
If Trainor's bring their A game then we could be in for a cracker. If Trainor's can bring this to a decider they could cause an upset but another 6-3 is more likely.
CWC A to reach yet another final.
The Baby Faced Assassin was on last as his Bears side looked set to become almost certainly the first team in the history of the Newry pool league to get relegated from the top flight in two consecutive seasons. With the weight of Premier Division status on his shoulders, the Bears and all their cubs could do nothing as 'Assassin' Neil Heaney approached the table.
Bears travelled down the hill to Hustlers in the final league game of the Premier Division season. One of these two teams would join Nan's Rams in the relegation doghouse. Hustlers led Bears by a point going into this decider. A draw would be enough to secure Premier safety for Hustlers and having home advantage could be a huge boost for them.
Hustlers started brightly with Sheepbridge barman Gwyn Trainor taking the opener against a talented but slightly inconsistent Newly Wed Eddie Heaney.
It was a clash of the titans up next. Two monumental influences on their team. Kevin Magee is the Hustlers captain while Diarmuid Lonergan is tough as teak and a real leader that demands the best from his team mates. Lonergan edged out Magee in a tense match to tie the scores at 1-1.
Ciaran O'Neill was red hot favourite against Paddy Heaney. Heaney hasn't played a lot this season while O'Neill recovered from a poor start to the season to become one of Hustlers best players. It was no surprise young O'Neill took the win and it was 2-1 Hustlers. That massive win for O'Neill meant Bears had to win 4 of the next 5 frames or they would be playing Division 1 pool next season.
Seamus 'The Snail' Keenan has had a very good season for Bears and his pool knowledge was too much for Denvor Jenkins. 2-2.
Billy O'Neill v Garry Powell was a massive frame. Both very experienced players. Neither have been at their very best this season but both are tough opponents. Powell came out on top and for the first time Bears had the lead. 3-2.
Shane McAllister and Ralph Crummy were two of the more skilful exponents of the beautiful game Thursday night. Both tremendous potter's and superb in the safety department. McAllister is one of the best players in the league on his day and he put his Hustlers team within 1 frame of safety with a fine display. 3-3.
Now Bears needed the final 2 frames and Hustlers just the 1.
Ray Magee was 1st up for the home side. The pressure was really on both sides now. One more slip up would be devastating. Paul Murphy was tasked with giving Bears one last fight for survival. Murphy's class shone through and he took this classic relegation fight to the final frame. 4-3 Bears.
The whole league season for both these teams now came down to one single frame. Barry Murphy v Neil Heaney. The winner would send their team into wild celebrations while the loser would have to reflect on what might have been.
Barry Murphy has had a decent season. He's had mixed fortunes while playing 8th but he is no stranger to that position. Neil Heaney has played last before but arguably his free flowing pool is more suited to playing early.
Cometh the hour cometh the man. It was time for the Executioner, the sniper, the exterminator and dare we say - The Baby Faced Assassin to come to the party. His sniper accurate potting and ice cool nerves held firm as he slotted home the final black for mesmerizing win. Hustlers 3-5 Bears.
Bears were safe. Hustlers were relegated.
Bears celebrated enthusiastically after they produced one of the most enthralling final day relegation rescues you are ever likely to see, while the Hustlers had to get used to the reality they would play Division 1 pool next season.
Hustlers will rue the fact they turned up a few Thursday night's with only 7 players. Players like Shane McAllister and Ciaran O'Neill will certainly come onto the radar of some Premier Division teams in the summer.
Bears and Hustlers both have cup semi-finals to look forward to so their seasons are far from over.
One more point is all CWC A need to retain their Premier Division title. They will travel to McGuigan's on the back of a hard fought 5-3 victory over Bears and will know that their title winning champagne will taste all the sweeter after being given a decent run for their money from Trainor's.
Trainors demolished already relegated Nan Rice's 7-1. Sean Murray, Paddy Tavey, cptn Niall McVerry, Seamus Graham and Damien Kearney took the 1st 5 frames to blitz Nan's to the points without reply. James O'Hagan lost out to Leigh McAlinden for a consolation frame for the visiting Nan's.
Noel and Liam Bradley made sure it would be a miserable trip home from South Armagh for Nan's when they took the final two frames for 7-1.
CWC A aren't easing up but Bears gave them a good game Thursday night. This could turn into a memorable season for Bears as they are in the semi-final of two cups.
Paddy Clarke kicked off the night for CWC with win over Ralph Crummy. Kieran McMahon doubled the lead when he beat Cup hero Neil Heaney.
Bears are facing the relegation trap door for the 2nd season in a row but they showed great belief in coming back to take the next two frames to level.
Garry Powell and Diarmuid Lonergan showing their quality to beat Terry McNally and then Raymie McKenna.
Bernie Magee isn't having his best season ever but he does relish a good pressure game and it was the tactical legend that put CWC back on track. Pat Brady played a captains role to make it 4-2 as CWC looked to ease to the points. Seamus Keenan and Paul Murphy dumped to the CWC pair.
Adrian Holman caused a big shocked when he edged Harvey Lavelle with an array of superb pots to make it 4-3. Now Bears could dream of a point that would give them a 2 point cushion over fellow relegation struggles Hustlers.
Seamus McGeoghegan and Eugene McDermott have witnessed uncountable night where their teams have clashed for major trophies. Although this match didn't hold the same importance as some of their previous encounters it was still a very intriguing match-up. Both players have failed to recapture their glory days form of yesteryear but over the years McGeoghegan undoubtedly picked up the more silverware. No point changing the habit of a lifetime and it was the knowledgeable Seamus McGeoghegan that held his nerve to take both points home for CWC and they are now only 1 point from Premier Division glory.
Division 1 has long been one of the most fascinating Divisions for long many a year. Three teams - Ballyholland 24pts, St. Monnina A 23pts and Windmill 22pts are all fighting it out to be champions. No. 7 Duke Street 20pts and Johnny Murphy's 19pts are still in the promotion hunt with all teams having played 17 of their 20 games.
All eyes will be on St. Monnina A v Windmill which will be played this coming Thursday. 2nd v 3rd in this title race is a must not lose for both teams. Windmill are 2pts adrift of leaders Ballyholland and a defeat will surely end their dreams of taking the title. The Saints have home advantage and a win for them would almost guarantee a promotion and a straight fight between them and Ballyholland.
Ballyholland travel to Johnny Murphy's in another massive game. Murphy's need a lot of results to go their way but the mathematically they have an outside chance of promotion if they win their final 3 games. A win for Murphy's would also do neighbour's St. Monnina a massive favour. The Saints could leap frog Ballyholland into top spot if they win and Ballyholland lose.
No. 7 Duke Street have a chance to move up to 22pts if they can win against Forester's. Forester's have been a bit hit and miss all season but on their day can and have taken points from the top teams. No. 7 have home advantage so Forester's will be travelling to the coast in the search of 2 points. No. 7 will need to win their remaining 3 games to have any chance of bringing Premier Division pool to Warrenpoint.
Ballyholland trailed CWC B 3-2 but their unnerving ability to claw out results is one of the reasons their sitting top of the league. Amazingly they give away a 14 frame difference to 2nd placed St. Monnina. That is incredible but it shows they've been grinding out a lot of 5-3 wins.
Calium McParland beat Gerard McAvoy in his typical outrageous potting style for 1-0 CWC B.
Colm Sheepy Shields levelled before master tactician Kevin McGovern gave the Harps a 2-1 lead. Tommy Rooney and Brendan Healy beaten.
Emmet McParland levelled and former McGuigan's star Brian Campbell caused a stir when they gave the visitors a 3-2 lead and Ballyholland football club were looking a bit shell shocked. Jim McMahon and Manny Kelly the victims.
Giby Vettiankal is having another fantastic season and he levelled at 3-3 when he ousted Kieran Cunningham.
The brilliant Niall McQuillan beat Barry Kelland and the game swung back in Ballyhollands' favour at 4-3
The points were in the bag and top spot secured thanks to Brendan Keenan. He held his nerve against the talented but maybe over attacking Chris Cunningham