The Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association has had players represent Ireland since 1976 at World, European and International events.
As we gather data on our players participation in events, its clear that a great deal of information has been lost or discarded which is a great shame. Records are so very important in that it recognises those players who gave of their time and at great expense for many to represent their Country with pride.
I have been delving through various books, websites and library newspaper cuttings going back to the 1930’s to try and gather as much information as I can, so as to recognise those players who participated in World events and in doing so, give them the credit they so well deserve.
If anyone has information such as paper cuttings, or records that show Irish women snooker players having played in events in the past, please forward them to rilsasnooker@gmail.com.
To date we have 31 players who have 1 International Cap for Ireland and 10 who have 2 caps, I would like to thank them for their participation on behalf of our Association and should they forward information if they believe that they have represented Ireland on other occasions so as I can update our records
Gloria Ruane and Anne Jones are the first players to represent Ireland at the 1976 World Championships in Middlesbrough Uk where they both reached the last 16 of the event.
In 1978 we had a team made up of Maureen Butler, Mary Raymond, Margaret Browne, Bridget Brennan and Teresa Reddin represent Ireland against England in a home nations challenge that was a two leg event, one in Ireland and the other in the Uk.
Lorna Connolly would represent Ireland at the UK championship in 1983 followed by Bernie O’Sullivan who played in the 1984 World Championship. Celene Burke played in the 1985 World Championship with Martina Wendell played in the 1986 World Championship, all of which were in the UK.
As we entered the 1990’s and the 1993 World Championship in Woking UK which had a prize fund of £40,000, the largest ever prize money for a female cue sports event. We sent 16 players to this at the time, it was a great success indeed. Ann Moloney, Sheena McGrade, and Linda Brady would gain a cap for Ireland with the remaining players going on to gain more caps in the years that followed.
In 1999 Avril Murphy would receive a cap for Ireland at the World Championship in Sheffield UK. In 2001 Aisling Dowd Would play at the Home Internationals in Wales finishing in 3rd place with the team.
With the International Irish Open Championship in 2015, this event opened the door for many Irish players to represent their country.
2015 International Irish Open, Leona O’Connor, Grace Jordan, Rachel Doran, Amanda Walsh, Bernie Haughney, would all receive International Caps for Ireland.
2017 International Irish Open, Grace Byrne, Aine Brennan, Louise Maher, Joyce Ford, Rebecca Molloy, would gain International Caps for Ireland.
2019 International Irish Open, Rachael Bradley, Suzanne Randle, Megan Randle, Carrie Randle,
Those who have received 2 International Caps for Ireland are, Laura Ronan who played in the 1993 and 1994 World Championship in the UK. Georgina Forrestal who played in the 1984 and 1993 World Championships. Michelle Sherwin who played in the 1993 World Championship and the 2004 UK Women’s Championship. Edel Cosgrave who played in the Home Internationals in the Wales in 1998 and 2000 with a team finish in 3rd place.
Louise Jordan who played in the 1998 Home Internationals and the International Irish Open in 2019 reached the Quarters of the main event. Toni Mockler would play in the 2015 and 2016 International Irish Opens. Lauren Carley would play in the 2016 World Championships in Leeds and the 2017 International Irish Open. Susan Hanlon played in the 2017 and 2018 International Irish Opens reaching the Quarter Finals of the main event on both occasions. Katie French would do very well winning the 6 Red event on both occasions in the International Irish Open’s in 2017 & 2018. Rosie Young would play in the 2017 & 2018 International Irish Opens to gain her two caps for Ireland.
Congratulations to all of those listed on gaining International Caps for their Country over the years, your participation is very much appreciated by the Board and members of the Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association.
We will follow up soon with a list of players who represented Ireland and received International Caps from 3 to 8
