The Inaugural Noel Dempsey Memorial Snooker Tournament 2010 took place at the Youghal Catholic Young Men’s Society, St. Mary’s Branch premises at Market Sq. Youghal last Friday night 23^th April. The snooker tournament was to honour one of the society’s most respected members, Noel Dempsey.
Report: Kieran McCarthy | Photo: Christopher Hennessy Jnr.  www.youghalonline.com/Sports

The large number of players for this tournament reflected the high esteem that the members of the society still have for the late Noel Dempsey. The tournament itself was run as smooth as the tables were ironed and great credit must go to the President of the society, Mr. Brendan Cooney, in organising the event, as well as the caretakers for preparing the tables which were spotless. The scorekeeper, Hon. Vice President, Mr. Frank Irwin, who was also a personal friend of Noel’s, made sure everything was kept to order and did a fine job.

The beautiful prize was a bronze cast of a fishing boat, a currach with three fisherman, which was presented to the society by Noel’s sister Maura as a perpetual trophy to honour Noel as she knew the society was a major part of his life.

The winner of the tournament, Michael Hussey, said he was “Delighted and proud to win the inaugural tournament and felt like the great Steve Davis on his recent comeback at the World Snooker Championships!” His opponents to reach the final were Martin Hennessy, followed by Tommy Smith and Paul Hennessy with all frames going to a black ball finish. This led to an exciting final with fellow Sars man John Flaherty which also led to an exciting black ball finish in favour of the worthy winner.

Speaking at the presentation of prizes, the President of the society, Mr. Brendan Cooney, thanked all who took part and spoke at length of the legacy that Noel had on the society and to himself personally and to his friends here tonight, especially Frank Irwin who was a close friend of Noel.

Mr. Cooney said that “Noel Dempsey was a member of The Youghal Catholic Young Men’s Society, St. Mary’s Branch for over 50 years. He served as an officer and committee member and at the time of his passing he was Honorary Vice President of the society. He represented the Youghal CYMS in the snooker and billiards arenas of Munster and was one of the finest exponents of these games the society has had over the years and he was proud and privileged to have know him.”

He then congratulated and presented the trophy to the winner, Michael Hussey and runner-up John Flaherty and thanked all who took part in the inaugural tournament.