Monday, 7 August 2023

In the papers this week



The Carrickfergus & District Pool league, sponsored by SKC Gaming, is shaping up nicely for another fabulous season. The AGM was on Tuesday 1st August. 
The first match of the season will see the reigning league Champions, ‘The Scorpions’ from Times Bar face off against the runners up of the Knock out Cup, ‘The Galacticos’ from Greenisland WWMC for the coveted Charity Shield on 22nd August in Whiteabbey Legion.
£2000 was raised last season for the league’s charity of the year last year, ‘The Respiratory Fund’ in Antrim Area Hospital. A big push was made by Harry Warwick and his team the Colts in raising this total. The league hope to support Macmillan Cancer Services this season.
Twelve teams registered for the 2023/24 season: two from Times Bar York Road Belfast, two from Whiteabbey Royal British Legion, two from Greenisland Working Mens Club, a team from Railway Bar, another from Carrickfergus Bowling Club, two teams from Whitehead Glasgow Rangers Supporters Club and one from Q Club in Larne.
For the first time in the League’s 28-year history we have also included a team of under 18 year old pool players, named ‘The Cubs’, who will be playing from QE2 snooker club.


All of these juniors currently represent Northern Ireland on the international pool stage. These young stars will play all of their matches in the league at their home venue and will not be attending bars. This youth academy will be great for the future of pool in Carrickfergus and District pool league. The experience of playing ‘single frame’ pool with veterans of the game will also be invaluable learning for the Cubs’ personal development in the tactical side of our sport.
The Northern Ireland Juniors manager, Andy Quinn said, “Make no bones about it, no one will find it easy playing any of these Cubs. They are not just here for the experience. They are in it to win it.”

Along with youth we have enough pensioners to hold a ‘grandmasters’ competition this year too. The Carrick & District Pool league sponsored by SKC Gaming has players from different religious backgrounds, abilities, gender and ages. It is open to all.
You can follow the progress this season on League app live. Site name is 'carrick'.