The top pool players in Ireland are in Leitrim for the national championships.
The game of pool has long been popular in pubs and clubs around the country. It has always been thought of as the poor relation to snooker. David O'Brien of the Leitrim Pool Association explains this is changing, and players now look to represent Ireland at an international level,
Professionalism in the game has increased dramatically.
Anthony McGreevy maintains that it is the accessibility of the game that gives pool such a widespread appeal,
Once you can hold a stick in your hand...you can play.
Over a weekend Drumshanbo will host the Irish Pool Association’s national championships. The event will bring five hundred people to the town. At a quiet time of the year is welcomed by local businesses.
Publican Brian Meehan says it is,
A great boost to the town.
The Mayflower Community Centre is the venue where junior and senior players battle it out under the eyes of referees. International standard rules now apply to the sport, which are similar to snooker in many ways,
Chairman of the Irish Pool Association Bernard Finnegan explains the role of the referee.
Watching for fouls...they’re also timing the players.
All eyes are on the senior final, where Con Faughnan from Roscommon faces former winner John McMahon from Cavan.
The Cavan man John McMahon takes the title of All Ireland Pool Champion,
This report for 'Nationwide’ was broadcast on 9 April 1999. The reporter is Stella Carroll.
