The Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association held their Annual General Meeting recently via Skype.

The RILSA Chairman Dan Carroll, gave a comprehensive report on the 2020/2021 season.  Dan said “that RILSA was moving in the right direction giving the situation with Covid-19. We managed to hold a number of events during the season when restrictions were eased, in particular our National Billiard events were fully completed while 4 National Ranking events along with the Primary School, Special Needs and U21’s had to be cancelled, however we hope to see a return to competition very soon”

Dave Earle gave a great report outlining the success of our association over the past season, much of which you will see from the following.

The following points show the growth and success of RILSA during the season.

  1. On Sunday 6th June, RILSA along with SB Ireland, signed into a Partnership Agreement paving the way for female cue sports to be totally Independent in fostering, developing and promoting female cue sports in Ireland.  SB Ireland are in a supporting role which is very much appreciated and recognise RILSA as the lead organisation also Sport Ireland joined in recognising RILSA, with a working group set up between both organisations to help see female cue sports gain momentum and flourish in the future. Certainly a fantastic occasion for all concerned in female sport.
  2. Maintained our membership of 600 members
  3. 373 Women & Girls participated in RILSA events since 2014
  4. 46 Women & Girls participated in RILSA events in the 2020/2021 season
  5. A number of new academies are on the cards for 2021
  6. RILSA Now have a full Calendar of Events that includes all promotional initiatives introduced over the past 8 years.
  7. RILSA is the busiest female cue sports organisation in the World, with events every week.
  8. Dan Carroll, Phillip Welham, Brittany Chambers and Chris Coumbe are in the process of arranging Women World Opens Billiards events in the UK and Ireland as we take a step closer to develop female billiards around the World.  The English Women’s Billiards Open is due to take place in the Maltings Club Kings Lynn on Sunday 11th July 2021 and the Irish Women’s Billiards Open is set for Saturday 28th August 2021 at the RILSA Academy Sharkx Newbridge details will follow soon.
  9. Ireland and RILSA will host the World Women’s Billiards Championship in 2022 for the very first time in the history of female billiards.  We are delighted to be given this opportunity by WBL.
  10. A National Women’s Billiard League will commence in September 2021 and its hoped that we can get a National Women’s Snooker League up and running starting January 2022.
  11.  Our second Horizon Snooker Scholarship was put in place to the value of €3,200 that will see 2 players who will have free snooker coaching and table time at Sharkx Newbridge for one year.  Out of 11 applications which we were delighted to receive, we eventually selected the following for the Scholarship,  Joanna Ward (Kildare) and Jennifer Earle (Dublin)  we wish both girls every good wishes and best of luck as they journey through this fantastic opportunity to advance their skills and enjoyment of cue sports.  A big thank you to Paul & Bernie of Sharkx for providing table time to these girls who will benefit greatly.
  12. The new RILSA Academy at Sharkx is now complete and looks fantastic, a huge thanks to Paul for all his hard work decorating and getting the academy up to a first class standard, thanks to Ger Dunphy on securing the tables and equipment along with installing the tables.

The RILSA Board Members worked hard all season and our success is all due to their input during the season and the Chairman thanked both the Board and Committee of RILSA for all their help and support.

The RILSA Referees Panel were represented at all events during the season and we thank them for all their help and support.

The Board of RILSA want to thank all of you our members and supporters along with all our Schools, Youth reach Centres and all of our other locations across Ireland, for your kind help and support and participation during the past season and we look forward to seeing you all in the 2021-2022 season ahead.  Thanks also to our clubs that have supported and welcomed our players to our many events during the past season, D’Arcy McGees Dublin, Sharkx Newbridge, CYMS Newbridge, Celbridge Snooker Club, and the Royal Navan.

The RILSA Website has been very successful with thousands of visits and we thank all of you our supporters and well wishers very much for your loyal commitment and support towards female cue sports.

Elections

There were no elections as the Board and committees have already been elected in 2020 for a three year period, the current Board and committees will continue their great work on behalf of female cue sports.

Please continue to visit our website for all the latest news and updates..

www.rilsa.ie