Annette Newman from Carlow is crowned the RILSA National Snooker League Champion 2026 and for a record 4th time in 5 seasons taking the title back from Joanna Ward from Kildare this time in the closest contest yet, only 1 point separating them in the end

The league was run over a number of months with all matches played in good spirit

Week 1 saw Annette Newman from Carlow get off to a good start with a 3 nil win over Brigid Mulvany from Dublin,  Veronica Hallahan from Dublin had a good 3 nil win over Colette Cribben from Kildare,  The youngster Natalia Trochonowicz from Kildare caused a upset with a good 3 nil win over the experienced player in Christine Carr from Kildare,  Joanna Ward from Kildare and the current holder of the title saw off Jackie Trulock from Dublin in a close encounter 2-1 win

Week 2 saw Christine make up for her upset match against Natalia from week 1 with a 2-1 win over Veronica in their match,  Natalia kept up her good form against Annette in a close game going on to win 2-1 showing her much improved overall game,  Jackie had to call on all her experience against Colette to get over the line with a 2-1 win,  Joanna kept up her winning streak with a 3 nil win over Brigid

Week 3 would see Jackie take a 3 nil win over Brigid and Natalia was in good form against Colette to keep her in good contention with a 3 nil win,  Annette saw off a challenge from Christine with a 3 nil win to keep within touching distance with Joanna and Natalia at this stage, however Joanna would lose out to Veronica on a 2-1 scoreline in their match

Week 4 Natalia had her first loss with Joanna taking the win in a close match 2-1,  Christine was back in the mix with a 3 nil win over Colette,  Veronica made up some points against Brigid with a 3 nil win and Annette held off a challenge from Jackie taking the win 2-1

Week 5 saw Annette keep up her good form with a 3 nil win over Veronica,  Christine had a good 3 nil win over Brigid,  Joanna took a 3 nil win over Colette in their match and Jackie had to dig deep against Natalia for a 2-1 win

Week 6 would see Christine take a good 2-1 win over Joanna throwing the cat among the pigeons and Annette looking for a 3 nil win over Colette for the title with a match in hand and this she did, Natalia took a 3 nil win over Brigid and Jackie would go on to win her match 2-1 against Veronica

Week 7 saw Annette only having to turn up for the point needed against Joanna and Joanna would see a good but close match against Annette with a 3 nil win but just to lose out by 1 point, Christine finished strong with a 3 nil win over Jackie,  Veronica had a great result against Natalia winning the match 3 frames to nil and Colette had her first win in the league against Brigid in a close contest finishing 2-1

Congratulations to Annette on regaining her National Snooker League Title and her name back on the Larry O’Dea Cup for a record 4th time in 5 years.  Well done to Joanna on a fine performance throughout.  Christine would finish strong and take 3rd spot with Veronica in a close 4th place.

In 5th spot was Natalia, 6th Jackie, 7th Colette and 8th place Brigid

Thanks to all the ladies for their support and participation.  Thanks to Bernie, Paul and staff of Sharkx for all their support