Q Club are relentless 28 frames without reply

In week 2 of the Carrick and District Pool league sponsored by SKC Gaming NI Ltd Greenisland Galacticos started their campaign with a home match against Times Tigers.

Roger Smyth got the home team off to a fine start before Gary Wallace, Paul Harris and Jack and Chris Carson edged out some rusty frames to give the Greenisland men a 5-0 lead. Smyth completed his double with a break and dish before Jack Carson took the last frame of the session with a nice finish giving the hosts a flattering 7-0 lead.

The second half continued in the same vein with Wallace taking out a pinpoint clearance to guarantee the three points for his team. Chris Carson and Harris took the next two with a couple of tactical frames before John Fulton finally got the visitors on the board with a great clearance culminating with a tricky doubled black. Wallace, Chris Carson and Harris took the next three to give the home team a victory in paper which didn't reflect the run of the game.

Times Bars Scorpions’ first game at home saw a talented Alpha Breakers visiting from Rathcoole.

Dee Flanagan put the visitors 1 up before Darren Whiteside levelled. Scorpions took the lead through Paul Kerr. Darren Haddock, Aaron Leslie, Steven Johnston and Michael Wilson all chipped in and the half time score was 6-1. Many of the frames could have went either way but the experience of the Scorpions saw them get over the line at 8-1.

Knowing how capable the Alpha Breakers are the Scorpions kept their foot on the gas and soon it was 12-1. With the black over the pocket and seven yellows sitting awkwardly, up stepped Dee Flanagan to secure a consolation frame via possibly the best finish of the night. Final score Scorpions 12 Alpha Breakers 2. Man of the match was Paul Kerr with 3-3. Fish, Steak and Aaron had 2/2.

Bowlers home against the Whiteabbey Legion
The match started with David Craig (Bowlers) against Andrew Buff (Whiteabbey Legion). Andrew played a fantastic double to free up his problem ball, forcing David to attempt a combination to clear the pocket which resulted in a foul, allowing Andrew to clear the table.

Whiteabbey Legion continued their lead to take the next 5 frames, taking it to 6-0, with the Bowlers having opportunities but failing to close out frames until the final frame, where Ryan Ward was able to get a frame on the board, finishing the first set 6-1 to Whiteabbey Legion.
The eighth frame started with Rab Butler (Whiteabbey Legion) and Philip Millar (Bowlers). Rab took a commanding start clearing 6 yellows but fell out of position on his last yellow, allowing Philip an opportunity with a foul. Philip was unable to push ahead, allowing Rab back to the table to take the win, adding to Whiteabbey Legion's commanding lead.
Bowlers showed some glimpses of standard at the start of the second set, but ultimately Whiteabbey Legion played the better game, finishing 11-3 to Whiteabbey Legion.

The Cue Queens played their first home match against the Titans.  Rachel Irvine was unlucky not to snatch the opening frame from Riley Patterson and the Titans showed their class on winning the next 2 frames thanks to Dean Mcdonagh and Joel Quinn.  Kathy Wilson showed great form and pulled off the shot of the night when she doubled her last ball which left her very little work to do to sink the black, sitting over the pocket.  After that it was all one way traffic for the Titans until Joaney Kernohan got the final frame of the night to leave the ladies with 2 frames against a very impressive Titans. 

A very bemused Karen McCormick, making  her Carrick league debut, was only allowed 1 break off shot in her two frames against a very impressive and Player of the Match Barry Quinn. 

Cue Queens 2 (Kathy Wilson, Joaney Kernohan) Titans 12 (Riley Patterson 3, Dean McDonagh 3, Barry Quinn 3, Alan Corrigan 2, Joel Quinn)

Pink Ladies Pool Team from Greenisland WMC travelled down to Whitehead Glasgow Rangers Club to take on last seasons 3rd placed League team The Spartans. The hosts won Frame 1 but a good finish from Marion King soon levelled things up at 1-1. Unfortunately for the Ladies that was to be the only frame they were to win on the night though on a positive note they did create their chances and Spartans were definitely flattered by the score-line. Winners for Spartans were Billy Pawson (3), Trevor Whiteside (3), Kenny English (3), Paddy Graham (2) and Robert Hawkins (2). 

Railway Blues welcomed the Sharpshooters for their first home match of the season. Sharpshooters started the first session strong with Lewis Neill winning a cagey first frame and Bryan Elwood taking out a good clearance to put them 2-0 ahead. Rab Brown took the 3rd frame for the blues before Ryan Stewart played a nice double on the black to level the score at 2-2 

Sharpshooters then won 3 on the bounce with wins from James Robertson, Ayoub Kharmouch and another good clearance from Gordon Owen’s to end the first session 5-2 in their favour.

The second session started with a win for the Blues' Andrew Carmichael before Ayoub Kharmouch and Craig Laughlin spilt the next two frames taking the score to 6-4 in the Sharpshooters favour. Then came two fantastic clearances in a row from Jordan Smyth then Gordon Owens firstly to seal a minimum of a draw then the win. Rab Brown won his second of the night to give the blues a chance of a bonus point but Chris McCurry decided against that by winning the last frame and sealing a 9-5 victory.

Although it was disappointing night for Blues and a few frames could have went the opposite way the match was played in good spirits and hard to deny that the sharpshooters deserved the victory.

A fantastic team performance from Q Club, recording a 14–0 win against Kilroot True Blues.

From the opening frame, the Q Club lads played some excellent pool and managed to carry that form right through both sets. Ben McMoran, Kyzler Todd, Keston Withers, Ian McCalmont, Jay Young, Mark Abram, Rorie McCalister and Ciaran O’Toole all contributed to what was a very strong performance across the whole team.

Mark, Keston, Jay, Ciaran and Ian each picked up two wins on the night, but this was very much a team result, with everyone playing their part. 👏🎱

The scoreline, however, doesn’t reflect the spirit in which the match was played. Kilroot True Blues competed throughout and were excellent sports from the first frame to the last. There were plenty of closer frames along the way, and on another night some of those could easily have gone the other direction.

Huge respect to the Kilroot lads for the way they conducted themselves throughout. That’s what local pool should be about — competitive at the table, but respect between the teams regardless of the result. 🤝

Thanks to Kilroot True Blues for the game and a very sporting evening, and we wish them all the very best for the rest of their season.

Below are the league's other results: 

New season kicks off

The Trojans welcomed Railway Blues to Whitehead Rangers Supporters Club for their first league match of the new season in the CDPL sponsored by SKC GAMING NI.

The Trojans welcomed Railway Blues to Whitehead Rangers Supporters Club for their first league match of the new season in the CDPL sponsored by SKC GAMING NI.

Trojans’ Stephen Hamilton took the opening frame. Railway Blues hit back with Nathan Gray and Gareth Curlett. Christopher Hobson stepped up to make it 2–2. Railway Blues’ Nathan Gray, Wes Smith and Robert Craig romped to a 5–2 lead at the halfway stage. Blues continued their strong run, as Gareth Curlett won his second frame of the night before Nathan Gray claimed his third frame, making him the Railway Blues Man of the Match. The Trojans fought back, with Gary Fitzsimmons winning the next frame before new league player Lawrence Armour was able to pick up a debut win. Robert Craig eventually came out on top with a great trick shot to seal the frame. The final two frames were shared between the teams, with Wes Smith winning his second frame of the night for Railway Blues before Trojans captain Girvan Fleming won the final frame. FINAL SCORE: TROJANS 5–9 _________________________________________________________________________________The Glen Inn’s Enthusiastic Amateurs travelled to Larne's Q Club, The home of the Titans. The reigning champions got off to a flyer with the first 11 frames going their way but in frame 12 the Enthusiastic Amateurs dug deep to take out a good finish and put their first frame on the board which was thoroughly well deserved for Jamie. The last two frames of the night went the way of the Titans with the match finishing up 13-1.

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The Times Bar Tigers welcomed another one of the league newcomers the Cue Queens to The Times Bar and were soon 5-0 up before Wendy Long stopped the rot. More of the same followed the next game as Rachel Irvine made it 5-2. Tom McGurk and Kathy Wilson shared the next two. Scott Pettigrew put The Tigers to the hill. Jean McIlroy kept the visitor’s hopes alive, however with some very good shots Johnny Eccles guaranteed the 3 points for his team. Final score 10-4.

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The Grange welcomed The Spartans to The Break and Bull Lounge Ballyclare. Johnny Mackay got the hosts on the board. Marty Goudie had a reverse dish in the second to extend the lead to 2-0. Spartans rallied to the next 3 frames. Gareth fears levelled things up, before a reverse dish from James Gourley of The Spartans put them 4-3 up. The first five frames of the second half were shared, now 5-7. The Grange had one last fight in them digging deep to take the last 2 frames through Thomas Fleming and another reverse dish from Johnny Mackay to seal the draw.

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Whiteabbey Legion welcomed Top Guns. The Top guns went 2-1 up but The experience Legion side went on to win 10 out of the next 11 frames. The match was played in great spirits and in a great atmosphere, unfortunately for The Top Guns it was a bit of a baptism of fire in their debut match un the Carrick Pool League. Final Score Legion 11 Top Guns 3.

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The Pink Ladies kicked off the new pool season by welcoming The Q Club. Ian and Mark too the first two frames. The Q club then dispatched of 5 further frames making sure they were guaranteed at least the draw at 7-0. Q Club romped to 10-0.

In the 11th frame it was heartbreak for the Newbie Emma Louise, she played brilliantly and looked to be seconds away from her first win league. However, she hung the black ball. Ian stepped up and cleared the table to add to his tally. The final 3 games were ticked off by The Q club to finish out a flawless evening for them with a rare 14-0 win. Sending them to the top of the table.

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Alpha Breakers hosted Colts. The Colts couldn't have asked for a better start, with Dee Harris clearing straight from the break in the opening frame. Don McAteer hit back immediately for the Breakers, grinding out a tactical second frame. David Flanagan and Michael Atcheson were particularly impressive, dominating their fixtures. Atchy was in serious form and could easily have walked away with three break clearances on the night. From looking like they could be in for a tough time early on, the Breakers grew into the match and took control, eventually running out 8–6 winners — a well-deserved victory!

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Kilroot True Blues warmly welcomed the Times Bar Scorpions to Kilroot Orange hall for their first competitive match.

Scorpions’ Steven Johnston took the first frame. True Blue’s Tony Rainey levelled things up with a great escape to pot the black from a snooker. Ivan Reid put Kilroot in front with a masterful display of potting. Sensing danger Scorpions’ Paul Kerr stepped up and ripped out a smooth break and dish to begin the Scorpions come back.

Michael Wilson nearly had a break and dish of his own but muffed it, however he did go on to put Scorpions in front. Times Bar Scorpions never looked back, winning ten frames in a row. Hat tricks for Paul Kerr, Michael Wilson and Stephen Johnston, who were the players of the night. Final Score Kilroot True Blues 2 – Times Bar Scorpions 12

Other scores are in the image above. Q Club reach the summit early closely followed by their stablemates, Titans. Will they be there after Tuesday night?

£1000 raised for Alzheimer's Society Northern Ireland. Well done and thankyou to all who donated

The Carrick and District Pool League, sponsored by SKC Gaming NI have successfully fundraised, through the 2025/2026 season, £1,000 for their chosen charity of the year, Alzheimer's Society Northern Ireland.

This campaign underscores the league's ongoing commitment to supporting vital regional charities and community healthcare initiatives. The funds raised will directly benefit individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease across Northern Ireland, aiding in the provision of support services, research, and advocacy.

The official cheque presentation was held outside Carrickfergus Castle, capturing the collective efforts of the local council, the league executive committee, and the Charity.

From Left to right: Girvin Fleming, who served as the lead fundraiser, spearheading the coordination of various events and donation drives across the league's network.

Rebecca representing Alzheimers NI who participated in accepting the contribution.

Councillor Bobby Hadden, representing the local council, who acknowledged the civic importance of the league’s charitable contributions.

Harry Warwick, the League Treasurer, who managed the financial oversight and collection of the campaign funds.

This season we put the same efforts into fundraising for Impact Network NI, another valuable charity supporting our catchment area.

September Live Streaming Schedule

 

Live Stream Schedule for September

Date	Time	Home Team	Away Team	Venue
01-09-2026	20:00	Alpha Breakers	Colts	Eastway Social Club
08-09-2026	20:00	Bowlers	Whiteabbey Legion	Carrickfergus Bowling Club
15-09-2026	20:00	Kilroot True Blues	Spartans	Kilroot Orange Hall
21-09-06	20:00	Pink Ladies	Enthusiastic Amateurs	Greenisland Working Men's Social Club 2
22-09-2026	20:00	Galacticos	Whitehead Trojans	Greenisland Working Men's Social Club 1
28-09-2026	20:00	Sharp Shooters	Q Club Queens	Rack n Reload

Titans Emphatically Lift The Charity Shield

The Carrick & District Pool League, sponsored by SKC Gaming NI began their 2026/27 season last night. The league opener was the Charity Shield contested by The league Runners up Times Bar Scorpions and The reigning League Champions, Titans.

The Titans got out of the blocks quickly with rapid wins for Riley Patterson, Dean McDonagh and Darren Morgan. Scorpions' Aaron Leslie got one on the board but Titans were relentless and were soon 6-1 up at the half time interlude. 

Whiteabbey Legion was the venue and they generously donated a litre of Smirnoff to help raise funds for the charity night. The players got their pound coins out and played pitch and toss. 

The winner of the vodka was Scorpions Colin Rafferty. 

There was also a football card sold and the winner of the prize was Andy Quinn, who generously returned his winnings to the charity fund on the night.

The charity this season is Impact Network NI. All in on the night there was £53 pounds raised. We expect to raise much more throughout the season for this invaluable local charity.

After the interval, Darren Morgan put Titans on the hill at 7-1. Paul Kerr added a consolation frame for Scorpions but Brian Crilly sealed the deal and laid down a marker for all teams this season. Titans will be hard to stop.

Acorn Blinds NI Knockout Cup Draw

 

Ultimate Showdown: Acorn Blinds NI Knockout Cup Live Draw Announced!

The anticipation is building for one of our most prestigious competitions on the local green baize.

A total of 19 teams from the Carrick and District Pool League are ready to clash in the highly anticipated Acorn Blinds NI Knockout Cup. Every single frame will count, and the entire league will be chasing the reigning champions, Q Club Titans from Larne, who return to defend their crown.

It all begins with the official live draw on a massive night of local pool action.

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📅 The Live Draw: Time & Place

Mark your calendars to see how the brackets fall. Two of our dedicated league committee members will facilitate the selection process in the presence of the two participating teams and fans.

• Date: Tuesday, 25th August
• Time: 7:30 PM
• Venue: Whiteabbey Legion
• Virtual Viewing: Broadcast live on the official Carrick Pool League Facebook page

🏆 Double Header: Charity Shield for Impact Network NI

The drama does not stop with the draw. Immediately following the bracket selection, stick around for a thrilling curtain-raiser as the Scorpions take on the reigning champions, the Titans, in the highly anticipated Charity Shield match.

This year, the league is incredibly proud to raise vital funds for Impact Network NI, supporting mental health and emotional well-being across our local communities.

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📅 Tournament Schedule & Road to the Final

Following the draw, the knockout tournament structure ensures high-stakes drama from the very first break:

• 21st September: The action fires up with the first 3 preliminary matches.
• 28th September: The remaining contenders collide in the last 16 showdowns.

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🤝 A Special Thank You to Our Sponsor

This incredible tournament would not be possible without local support. We extend our massive thanks to Acorn Blinds NI for their valued sponsorship of this most prestigious competition. Their continued commitment keeps the competitive spirit of the Carrick and District Pool League thriving.

Will the Q Club Titans kickstart their season with a Shield win and a favourable cup draw, or will the Scorpions strike first? Head down to Whiteabbey Legion or tune into Facebook at 7:30 PM to support a fantastic cause and find out!

Charity Shield is a clash of the Titans and Times Bar Scorpions

Clash of Titans: Charity Shield to Kick Off New Season at Whiteabbey Legion

The wait is finally over for local sports fans as the official curtain-raiser for the highly anticipated new season has been locked in. In what promises to be an explosive opening fixture, league champions Titans will go head-to-head with the formidable Times Bar Scorpions in the traditional Charity Shield match.

The blockbuster clash is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 25th August, at the iconic Whiteabbey Royal British Legion club on Shore Road. As the very first match of the new campaign, the fixture carries immense weight, offering both teams a golden opportunity to secure the first piece of silverware of the season and lay down a definitive marker for the months ahead.

A Battle of Giants

The Titans enter the match riding a wave of momentum following their spectacular league-winning campaign last season. Known for their tactical discipline and clinical execution, the reigning champions will be eager to prove that their hunger hasn't diminished over the summer break. Winning the Charity Shield would provide the perfect launchpad for their title defence.

However, the Times Bar Scorpions are not to be underestimated. Having pushed the

champions to their absolute limits in their previous encounters, the Scorpions are hungry for redemption and silverware. Sporting a focused line up and a fierce determination to disrupt the champions' dominance, the Scorpions will view the 25th August showdown as the ideal stage to make a statement.

Playing for a Vital Cause

Following a democratic league-wide vote involving all participating teams, Impact Network NI has been officially named the Charity of the Year. The proceeds raised throughout the evening and throughout the season will go directly toward supporting this vital regional organisation.

Originally established to drive community development, Impact Network NI works tirelessly to tackle the severe impacts of poverty and economic hardship across Northern Ireland. The charity provides crucial hands-on services focusing on:

• Mental health and emotional wellbeing initiatives
• Suicide prevention programs and community training
• Health inequalities and community transformation support
• Structured volunteering and local development planning

The Perfect Venue

Hosting this prestigious curtain-raiser is the Whiteabbey Legion, a venue renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and fantastic community spirit. Local supporters are expected to turn out in large numbers to pack the club room and witness this fierce rivalry ignite once again. We also hope to have a live stream for anyone who cannot make it to the impartial venue.

With tribal pride, early-season bragging rights, and a prestigious trophy all up for grabs, the Charity Shield clash between the Titans and the Times Bar Scorpions is set to be an unmissable start to the sporting calendar. Mark your calendars for 25th August—the new season officially starts here.

CDPL History Made: Record-Breaking 19 Teams Enter the Field

CDPL sponsored by SKC Gaming NI History Made: Record-Breaking 19 Teams Enter the Field


Welcome to the most monumental season in our pool league’s history! This year, we are officially shattering all previous records by welcoming an incredible 19 teams to the green baize.

We are thrilled to welcome a massive field of contenders this year, featuring Alpha, Bay City Bowlers, Enthusiastic Amateurs, Grange Ballyclare, Greenisland Colts, Greenisland Galacticos, Kilroot True Blues, Pink Ladies, Q Club Larne, Q Club Queens, Q Club Titans, Railway Blues, Sharpshooters, Spartans, Times Bar Scorpions, Times Tigers, Top Guns, Whiteabbey Legion, and Whitehead Trojans.

The Ultimate Test: Everyone Plays Everyone

With a single, massive grid of 19 teams under the Premier Division banner, the initial phase of the season will be a true test of skill and consistency. Every single team will face off against one another. There are no easy draws and no hiding places. To climb the leader board from these zeroed-out stats, you will need to bring your absolute best game every single week. Alpha Breakers sit pretty at the top. Where will the be at the mid season split?

The Mid-Season Split: Two New Divisions

To keep the competition fierce and fair for everyone, we are introducing an exciting format twist at the halfway mark. Once every team has played each other once, the league will officially split into two distinct divisions based on the standings:
The Premiership: The highest-ranking 9 teams will battle it out for the ultimate championship title.
The Championship: The remaining 10 teams will compete for a dedicated divisional trophy and crucial bragging rights.

This split guarantees that the second half of the season remains highly competitive for every player. Every team will have a meaningful trophy to fight for, right down to the final frame of the season.

Get your cues ready, practice your breaks, and let’s make this record-breaking season our best one yet. Good luck to all 19 teams!

Our League Opener is the the Charity Shield which will be contested between the Titans and the Scorpions on 25th August.

 

A mindful Celebration Event Pool Together

On Friday 26^th June The Carrick & District Pool League, sponsored by SKC Gaming NI Ltd, held their much anticipated ‘Pool Together’ event. This was the last night of the 2025/26 season.

Over 100 registered players and their families came to Greenisland Working Men’s Club to a celebration and mindfulness themed entertainment. A massive thanks to Councillor Bobby Hadden for presenting the trophies.

Impact Network NI supported the men’s mental health theme and there were several products at each table promoting Lifeline. They will also be supporting mental health training this year for players.

The accolades were spread across the teams and players.

Where the trophies went:

Wooden spoon - Pink Ladies.

Ladies singles - Jean McIlroy.

Mixed doubles - Richard Kitson and Saralou Graham

Under 23s - Riley Patterson

Bottom Half singles - Aaron Watters

Grand Masters - Stephen Johnston

Masters –  Steven Mclaughlin

Seniors – Chris Carson

Open Championship – Paul Kerr

Player of the year – Paul Kerr

Doubles - Chris and Jack Carson

Three a sides – Steven Herron, Johnny Mackay & Wayne Lewis

Amber Castle Harbour Cup – Bowlers

Knockagh Cup – Q Club

Castle Cup - Grange

Mulholland Funeral Services Players Memorial Shield - Spartans

Acorn Blinds Knockout Cup – Titans

Charity Shield – Galacticos

League Champions - Titans

A massive thank you to all players, proprietors, venues, sponsors and fans for making this a special season.

Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 1^st August in Greenisland Workingmen’s Club at 8pm. At this meeting you can register your team for the new season. Have a lovely Summer.

The first fixture of the new season will be the charity shield between The league champions, Titans and the runners up, Time Scorpions. Tuesday 25^th August and the first league match will be Tuesday 1^st September.