The Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association’s National 6 Red Snooker Championship was held recently at their Academy Sharkx Newbridge.  Michelle French took the title in a very closely contested event, this is Michelle’s second 6 Red Championship title, she won it for the first time back in 2018.

With a good entry of 17 players covering 11 counties, the event was played in a safe manner with only those playing allowed in the playing area with one roving referee at all times, players who finished their matches left the area immediately to allow for other matches to be played which made for a very successful event. The usual guidelines were adhered to, face coverings, washing hands regularly, no shaking of hands all equipment fully cleaned prior to play etc, players got into groups for momentary photos.

We are delighted to welcome Louise Maher from Kilkenny and Michelle (Mini) Morris to the RILSA tour and we wish them a most enjoyable and successful season ahead.

In the prelim round Megan Randle from Wicklow played very well against newcomer Louise Maher from Kilkenny to take the win 2-0 and complete the round of 16.

The last 16 would see some great snooker played with many frames and matches been resolved on a black ball.  Louise Jordan from Meath, our current Irish number 1 along with holding the National 6 Red title won her match 2-0 against newcomer Michelle Morris from Donegal to get into the quarters, Megan Randle from Wicklow continued her good form against Stephanie Foley from Carlow to take the win 2-0 with a break of 23 in the last frame for a quarter final meeting with Louise Jordan.

Cathy Dunne from Dublin had to dig deep to level her match against Suzanne Randle from Limerick with the match levelled at 1-1 Cathy had to play on experience to get her over the line and into the quarters taking frame 3 against Suzanne.  Sandra Bryan from Wexford and current Irish National Amateur Champion played solid snooker against Valerie Maloney from Laois to take the match 2-0 to meet Cathy in the quarters.

Michelle French from Kildare had a good win over Christine Carr also from Kildare to win the match 2-0 while Claire Mill from Dublin had a good result over Carrie Randle from Wicklow to meet Michelle in the last 8.  Joanna Ward from Kildare was in good form against Jennifer Earle from Dublin to take the win 2-0 to go through to the last 8.  Annette Newman from Carlow had to draw on experience against Tina Keogh from Offaly to close out the match, winning it 2-1 with good small breaks of 20, 27 to complete the quarter final line up.

Megan continued her great form on the day and ousted Louise Jordan 2-0 in a close encounter, Sandra also took charge of her match against Cathy to win 2-0 and meet Megan in the semis, at the bottom half of the draw Michelle and Clair were drawn 1-1 with the 3rd frame going down to the blue, pink and black which Michelle took after a bout of play to see her through to the semis.  Annette kept up her good form and won her match 2-0 against Joanna to meet Michelle in the semis.

Megan was in great form against Sandra and saw off a good challenge from Sandra to take the match 2-0 to get into the final while on the other table  Annette and Michelle were tied at 1-1 with the final frame going all the way to a black ball in which Michelle took to meet Megan in the final.

The final itself was slow to start but soon both players got into their stride and with the match level at 1-1 it certainly was going to the wire as they pushed another black ball finish with Michelle taking on a difficult pot on the black from distance to pot and take the title of National 6 Red Snooker Champion for the second time in 4 years.

Congratulations to Michelle on her win and to Megan on a fine performance, well done and a big thank you to all our players who made the event such a success and we thank you all for making such great efforts, especially travelling long distances to participate.  Thanks to Dave Earle who spent the whole day as the roving referee along with refereeing the final.  Thanks to Annette who also spent time helping out as a roving referee while waiting on her matches.

Thanks to Bernie, Paul and staff of Sharkx for everything they do for female cue sports and we look forward to a full season ahead.