BILLIARDS and SNOOKER have been an integral part of the RIYC since the clubhouse was built. The billiards room itself is purpose built and has been in regular use ever since by members of all ages.
Snooker & Inclusion
A regular participant in snooker competitions recently noted that, yet again, there are no female participants in the competition.
Excellent point.
While obviously no rule precludes women from taking part in any snooker/billiards competitions, the ‘absence of a barrier’ does not absolve the snooker committee of responsibility for encouraging a wider, more varied - and representative - playing group. We recognize this.
Consequently, in January 2024, we will be hosting a new one-off (for the time being) Snooker Night for members new to the game, and/or for members who have not played in some time. We will be making a particular effort to reach out to members other than those who normally take part in the snooker competitions, and we will allow plenty of notice on the date.
Ahead of then, there are three ways we encourage you to engage with the snooker community:
1. Every Tuesday night a small group of players play from 1930-2200 approx. That session is open to everyone. (But be advised that this may soon be suspended to allow Snooker Handicap matches to be played, if there is a glut of unplayed games)
2. The Snooker Handicap Dinner, December 8th - a black tie dinner, followed by the Snooker Handicap Final
3. The Billiards final, December 1st
The formal event on December 8th is the best-known and best-supported event we have, and all members are welcome to join the dinner, and watch the match afterwards. The price is normally e65, however this includes competition entry, so if you were not a competitor, but would still like to attend the dinner we will arrange a lower fee. Watching the final itself doesn’t cost a penny, though be warned - it’s not like watching snooker on TV!
The upcoming Billiards Final on Dec 1st is a much more informal event. Previously this final was played on the same night as a different snooker competition, but by splitting these events we have succeeded (for this year anyway) in increasing the number of competitors, albeit still falling foul of the inclusivity issue.
For the Billiards Final, there is no dinner, or free drinks, but there may be some basic finger food, budget allowing. We will also be honoring a former member, and legendary virtuoso of the game on the night. Also, billiards is a game where, legitimately, a good 40% of the strategy is ‘hit-and-hope’, so it can throw up entertaining matches, and moments.
In closing, if you are interested in any aspect of the above, to any measure, please do email us at
snooker@riyc.ie.
In the meantime, the snooker committee will communicate more frequently about these, and other, upcoming events both in the weekly ENews, and through the Club’s other channels.
2023 Billiards and Snooker
9th December, 2022. Organisers Ken Rogan and Chris Johnston (Referee) with 2022 Snooker Handicap winner David Stewart and runner-up, Colin Byrne.
2023 SNOOKER & BILLIARDS NEWS
The preliminary round of the Billiards competition is getting underway at the moment, and there is still time to take part, if you wish to join the competition. The first series of matches are being played to assess the effectiveness of handicaps, as the Snooker & Billiards committee is very keen to create as level a playing field as possible. Now, therefore, is an excellent time to get involved. Following this round of games, a draw will be created for the competition proper. If you are interested in taking part, email snooker@riyc.ie.
Meanwhile, Members interested in a friendly game of snooker, or billiards, are welcome to come to the snooker room every Tuesday night, where a regular playing group has been established. Typically, the players play from around 1930-2230, with doubles / limited-time games / reduced-reds games being played to accommodate everyone who turns up.
2022 NEWS
Thankfully the Club snooker/billiards activities are now back to normal after the Covid hiatus.
The 2022 Snooker Handicap completion is well underway at the moment, with some 40 members playing. The final will be played on 9th December during the Black-Tie Dinner in the club when competitors and members are guaranteed a superb night of “entertainment” until the early hours. Competitors are automatically booked in, but members are most welcome to join us for the festivities and to experience at first-hand what billiards/snooker has to offer! Please advise Catering if you wish to join in.
The 2020 competitions did not take place but the interrupted 2021 handicap final involving John Coolican and Hugh Kelly eventually took place on 28th October last with Hugh Kelly emerging as winner – his name will be added for the second time to the illustrious Winners Board in the snooker room.
The Inter-Club competition has also resumed and after the first round of fixtures, the Royal St. George team lead. The National and Royal Irish teams are in hot pursuit. All to play for in 2023 but we are absolutely confident of finishing on the podium.
For 2023, we will have the Billiards Handicap and the Snooker Scratch competitions starting in January so keep in touch and get your entry in as soon as details are announced. Billiards is a very entertaining game, and we hope to run an introductory evening in January to explain the game, review the rules etc so as to entice members to join in. A single-entry fee covers both competitions and, of course, the championship Black-Tie dinner.
2022 SNOOKER HANDICAP
You are all welcome to participate in this year’s event. Unless we hear from you to the contrary by 15 September, we will assume you are participating. The draw will be made available shortly thereafter. The charge for entry, including dinner and wine on the night of the final, is €60. Please settle up promptly to avoid the need for follow-up calls. The final night will be the 9th December. Any responses, questions or correspondence on the competition or anything snooker related to be sent via email please to snooker@riyc.ie. Please encourage your friends, crew members, fellow socialites to join up also.
INTER CLUB
We expect the interclub matches to re-commence this year with the normal home and away fixtures against the National and George. Generally, there are two games before Christmas and 2 in January/February. Ken Rogan & Chris Johnston will be in touch about the Interclub, so contact them directly, or express your interest in playing via snooker@riyc.ie.
We look forward to seeing you in the snooker room regularly over the coming months.
Peter/Ken
BOOKING THE SNOOKER TABLE
Members can use the calendar in the Billiards Room to book the table.