Natalia Trochonowicz from Kildare and representing the Curragh Community College won the Inaugural National U21 Billiards Championship at the RILSA Academy Sharkx Newbridge recently.  Sadie Daly from Kildare and representing the Holy Family School Newbridge was the runner up in the event

The event was hailed a fantastic success for Female Billiards here in Ireland as the work done within our member schools over the past three years is beginning to show growing interest in billiards among the girls.

Our Teacher Coaches are doing great work.  We will be growing our Female Coaches at School level in 2026 with a number of courses planned

At the last 16 stage of the event Anna Mulpeter took the win in this timed event on the alarm against Mya Moran in their match. Aoife Martin saw off a challenge from Kira O’Callaghan in their match to go through to the Quarters. Roisin Douglas took the win against Aoife Murphy to advance and Sadie Daly had a good win against Lily O’Connor to complete the Quarter Final line up

Natalia Trochonowicz was in fine form against Anna Mulpeter in their match scoring well in this 30 minute match to finish on the alarm 74-21 for a place in the semis. Holly Smith took the win against Aoife Martin to go through to meet Natalia in the semis

At the other end of the draw our Kildare Junior Champion in 2024 Elsie Whelan had a close encounter against Roisin Douglas but it would be Roisin who would take the win on the alarm.  The match between Sadie Daly and Jess Curran our current Kildare Champion in Billiards went to the wire and Sadie took it by 1 point on the alarm to complete the semi final line up

Natalia had to dig deep against Holly to eventually get over the line on the alarm in a low  scoring match 56-36 and Sadie would see off Roisin on the alarm by 10 points in another low scoring match for a place in the final against Natalia

The final was tense for a while with both players keeping in touch on scores as the minutes ticked away, however Natalia finished strong in the final 10 minutes to get over the line 79-46 in a good match where both players were in fine form

Congratulations to Natalia on her win and well done to Sadie for a fine performance.  Well done to all the girls for their participation.  They really enjoyed the day at Sharkx playing in Competition at National level.  It is very encouraging to see these young girls take up English Billiards many for the first time and most importantly they enjoyed the event and met new friends in the process

Thanks to Dave Earle and Aidan Murray for their help in officiating throughout the day and thanks to all our Teachers, parents and coaches for all their support.  Thanks to Bernie, Paul and staff of Sharkx for all their support