Irish Snooker Hat-Trick for Dowling

Following a wait of 18 years, TJ Dowling completed a trio of Republic of Ireland National Snooker Championship titles last weekend after defeating Johnny Williams 7-3 in the 2016 final held at the Ivy Rooms in Carlow.

A total of 16 players had navigated the previous rounds earlier this season to take their places at the Republic of Ireland Billiards and Snooker Association’s (RIBSA) Finals Weekend.

Dowling advanced to the final with relative ease, eliminating Jason Devaney 4-0, former Crucible qualifier Joe Delaney 5-1 and David Hogan 6-3.

Williams reached the final for the first time after victories over John O’Sullivan 4-2, former professional Rodney Goggins 5-4 and recent European under-21 champion Josh Boileau 6-2.

A tight affair early on, Dowling broke free from three apiece by stringing together four successive frames to triumph. He previously lifted the trophy in 1997 and 1998 as a teenager on both occasions.

Written and published by Michael Day on the 10th May 2016.