PARK NATIONAL SCHOOL, Park, Youghal, Co. Cork

Tel: 02497282

Email: parkschool.ias@eircom.net

OPEN EVENING – Thursday 7th April At 7p.m.

Park is a 2-teacher school with low pupil teacher ratio, in Killeagh parish, just 4 miles from Youghal.

Now enrolling new pupils for September 2011, you are invited to attend an Open Evening to view the schools’ facilities, meet with pupils, teachers and parents.

THE YOUGHAL TAEKWON DO CLUB under the instruction of Michael Roche held a successful charity ‘Kickathon’ fundraiser on Wednesday (30th March 2011). This unusual event took place at the GAA centre. The aim was to support Youghal volunteers Bobby Lee and John Riordan on their mission to help the victims of the Haiti Earthquake disaster. The volunteers will be travelling this Saturday 2nd April to work for one week with the charity Haven.

Mr. Roche said the club members both senior and junior were more than happy to help the volunteers for this great cause and wished them and his fellow volunteers a safe journey to Haiti. Bobby Lee who is a talented musician and charity fundraiser, thanked all those involved in the ‘Kickathon’ and was appreciative of the input from the members of the club towards the building of new homes for the people of Haiti. This is Bobby’s second trip to the diaster zone.
The Youghal Taekwon Do club meet Wednesday and Friday between 4 -6 pm at the GAA centre and may be contacted at this number: 085 7603687
INFO: IUTF
The Irish United Taekwon Do Federation is one of Ireland’s largest martial arts associations with clubs spread right across the country. In less than ten years the IUTF has grown from six to 42 clubs. This is due to strong leadership, hard work, and team effort.

Youghal Volunteers To Help Build Houses In Haiti

In light of the Haitian earthquake Youghal volunteers are jetting off to Haiti to build houses with Cork born charity Haven on April 2nd 2011.

Info on the charity Haven
Leslie & Carmel Buckley founded Haven in late 2008. Leslie is a successful businessman and co-founder of the Digicel mobile phone company. His business interests brought him to Haiti for the first time in 2004 and he was really horrified by the level of poverty on this island in the Caribbean. He decided to do something to help and set up Haven with an initial donation of one million euros to cover adminiteration costs.

Haven is building homes and communities in Haiti in two ways. Firstly, it is training, up-skilling and employing local Haitian people to build the homes all year round.
In this way, Haven is creating jobs in a country where unemployment stands at more than 50% and opportunities are few. Secondly, Haven is bringing large groups of volunteers to Haiti for an intensive Build it Week.

Haven’s first project is in Ouanaminthe (pron. wan-a-menth), in the northeast department of Haiti. It is a border town close to the Dominican Republic. There are approximately 50,000 people living in the town and another 50,000 on the outskirts. It is mainly rural and under-developed. The UN estimate that 94% of people are living below the official poverty line and unemployment is rife. Haven is building homes in the rural areas. We will build 200 new homes and upgrade 250 more in our first year of operations. Most of our beneficiaries live in makeshift mud huts, often with thatched roofs. They have no running water and most have no toilet facilities. The average income of our beneficiaries in Ouanaminthe is 523 gourdes – which is just over € 9. Those who are working are mainly involved in agriculture or informal trading.

In 2009, 260 volunteers from every county in Ireland took part in Haven’s first ever Build it Week. These pioneering volunteers built 41 houses, a new playground, an extra classroom for the local school and a basketball court. And all of this during the hottest week Haiti has seen for more than 37 years.

Conditions were tough – but that made it all the more rewarding for all of us involved. 41 Haitian families now have a proper roof over their heads for the first time because of all your hard work.

Each volunteer is required to raise a minimum of €4,000. Approximately €2,000 of this covers flights, accommodation, food and water for the duration of Build it Week. The remainder of the funds raised will go towards building materials for the houses that you will build during Build it Week.

Volunteers will live on site in basic accom- modation, and will take part in all activities that go into the running of the camp as well as the construction of the new homes: roofing, plumbing, painting, medical, catering, water distribution, etc. With your help, Haven will build 300 houses across Haiti this year.

Volunteers will live on site in basic accom- modation, and will take part in all activities that go into the running of the camp as well as the construction of the new homes: roofing, plumbing, painting, medical, catering, water distribution, etc. With your help, Haven will build 300 houses across Haiti this year.

In 2009, 260 volunteers from every county in Ireland took part in Haven’s first ever Build it Week. These pioneering volunteers built 41 houses, a new playground, an extra classroom for the local school and a basketball court. And all of this during the hottest week Haiti has seen for more than 37 years.

Conditions were tough – but that made it all the more rewarding for all of us involved. 41 Haitian families now have a proper roof over their heads for the first time because of all the hard work.

The Youghal documentary, Town Out Of Time is to be featured in The Irish Times newspaper this Saturday 2nd April 2011. The feature is a first in a series that examines towns that have suffered economically over the last number of years. Chief reporter and award-winning journalist, Carl O’ Brien discovered the documentary about Youghal during online research about the town. Having contacted, Co-Producer Michael Twomey, he found both the film and his planned series were focused on similar topics. The Irish Times article will look at how Youghal has been hit by unemployment, the demise of the town centre and examines the growth of small enterprise.

Having the documentary featured in The Irish Times is a real boost for the local, amateur filmmakers, Kieran McCarthy and the aforementioned Michael Twomey. “It’s kind of bizarre really to make a documentary film for the first time and have the reaction we’ve had and now to see it featured in a series in The Irish Times is a huge surprise and very fortunate. I suppose we shared an instinct with Carl O’ Brien that what has happened to Youghal and to other towns needs to be recorded. The article gives the film the kind of exposure you dream about but it also shows how important local media can be such as YoughalOnline.com and CRY Radio, ”  Michael said. The documentary was screened last December at the Walter Raleigh Hotel, receiving a very positive reaction. “When we made it we thought people might not take kindly to the content because it’s pretty stark. Since we screened it, unfortunately, things have become even starker with the closure of Merricks as well as a number of other businesses. We were pleasantly surprised by the response,” he added.

The producers are currently working on a trailer for Town Out Of Time that the Irish Times has requested to put on their website to use in conjunction with the series. The article is bound to draw more attention to the film. However, the producers said there are no plans at present to re-screen the film but don’t rule out such an exercise in the future.

 

 

Comments on Town Out Of Time:

“I was very impressed. It’s an excellent documentary and deserves a wider audience.”
Dr. Gwenda Young. Senior Film Lecturer, UCC

“A searingly honest, well-crafted, well-researched documentary portraying a town struggling to re-establish its identity.
Colm Keane. RTE Broadcaster.

“…it is taut and focused, sharp and powerful… visually, the film is stunning. The overall effect is of a tragic beauty. This is the kind of filmmaking that we need.”
Dr. Kieran Keohane. Sociologist and author, UCC

“…it’s excellent: raw, powerful…The montage of the closed shop-fronts, in particular, was stunning… a superb piece of work.
Carl O’ Brien. Chief Reporter, The Irish Times.

FAITH HEALER EDDIE STONES will visit Youghal on Saturday next (April 2nd). The Galway-based minister will lead “an afternoon of Prayer and Service of Healing” at the Holy Family Church, Magner’s Hill. The afternoon will include Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, talk by Eddie Stones, confessions and opportunity for individual prayer with Eddie. Mass will also be celebrated.  Youghal priest Fr. Michael Murphy, has helped extend the invitation to Mr Stones and believes the visit “will prove beneficial to the parish.”

Eddie Stones

The story of former butcher and father of three Eddie Stone and his ministerial work is portrayed on a website is dedicated to Emmanuel House of Providence, the Clonfert evangelisation centre of his ministry. It also contains a few testimonies from people claiming their lives were evangelically altered, physically or emotionally, through prayer and Eddie Stone. (One assumes the ministry does not seek to offer divine intervention or to raise ‘false hope’  amongst people who may be undergoing trauma of any kind, no more than one would apportion such expectation from visits to, say, Lourdes.)

Eddie’s ministry derives from a sudden and silent appearance by Our Lady to him and his wife Lucy one night. Lucy never saw Our Lady again but Eddie experienced many “interior visions and locutions from Our Lord, Our Lady and the Holy Family.” During an unspecified “time of terrible trial” in his parish, he launched prayer sessions, comprising “a few hymns, intercession and a bit of scripture,” to popular response. He also discovered he had “a charism of healing.”

Through “inner revelations and visions” the Lord urged Eddie to dismiss his possessions and business and follow Him. Uncertain and with a family to support, he spent five years undecided. Gradually, says the biography, he discerned that God wanted the Stones family to join American evangelical couple, Michael and Annette Cullen at Emmanuel House, which the Cullens had established in the late 1980’s. They moved into two rooms there in July 1990. With neither work nor income and, “apart from the annual summer Jesus Camp and Mass,” not much to do,” Eddie grew disillusioned.

Building a ministry

Everything changed when Eddie felt Lord advising him to build a family house across the yard, for which He would send £25,000. He also “heard Him say that Michael (Cullen) was to vacate his house” and “saw the keys left on the table.” Soon afterwards the money arrived, (though it is not explained how), the Stones’ house was built and, furthermore, the Cullens returned to America, before Bishop John Kirby bestowed guardianship of Emmanuel House on the Stones.

Eddie organised Sunday Masses, confessions and prayer for healing sessions. As “news of the (unspecified) healings spread” over 300 people would squeeze into an oratory designed to hold 40. Eddie “began to get interior pictures of the Lord renovating an old hall in the yard.”

Miracles and money

The said hall was a shell, deprived of insulation or heating. Praying for direction, Eddie “received a picture of four red buckets and pound coins pouring in,” which he interpreted this as “organising a raffle.” The subsequent competition for a first prize trip to Medjugorgie raised £1,100 to pay for insulation. Local volunteers not just conducted the work but by the end of the week, “everything needed had been provided or donated” in some way, including “the sound system, the cement floor, 200 chairs and 10 gallons of magnolia paint.” Eddie reflects that “the Lord was providing in a truly miraculous way.”

After three years so many people were attending the hall that Eddie felt the Lord telling him to double its size. Again, “the Lord blessed the venture” and shortly after its completion Eddie received “£10,000 cheque (again from an unidentified source) enabling him “to pay off all debts.” We learn that “from having no money at all, Eddie was finding that more and more people wanted to give him money.” He “felt embarrassed by this” and he and the bishop decided he would get a fixed salary and thereafter all donations would go to the Clonfert ministry.” Eddie’s salary is not stated.

Reconciliation

It is said that nowadays up to 1000 people regularly attend monthly ceremonies Clonfert, while Eddie himself carries his work across Ireland, England and Scotland. He focuses strongly on “the Sacrament of Reconciliation” (formerly Confession).He considers Clonfert “part of the renewal of the Church in Ireland, with lay people and priests working together.”

While acknowledging that people are attracted by reports of healing, Eddie argues that “God uses that to bring them back to him, whether they get physically healed or not. After all,” he reasons, “what is the point of being healed of cancer if you end up dying in your sins?” He wants “to encourage people who have fallen away from their faith to come back to the Lord and to once again live godly lives.”

The Holy Family Church will provided designated areas for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. Volunteers will assist with all requirements and late or partial attendance is welcome. The event runs from 2 to 5 pm, with Mass at 4 pm. There is no admission fee but voluntary donations are welcome.  Inquiries: Fr. Michael Murphy on 024-92336. See http://www.emmanuelhouse.ie

Photos courtesy of www.emmanuelhouse.ie

Photo: Church of the Holy Family: www.youghalonline.com

 

A YOUGHAL MECHANIC sustained extensive back injuries after being dragged 120 metres behind the cab of a truck that careered backwards down a steep hill. James Keniry, 26, was helping to restart the vehicle on Windmill Hill at approximately 10.15 pm on Monday night (28th March 2011). The vehicle had broken down close to his home while ascending the hill earlier in the evening.

The five-ton Mercedes truck slid backwards and rapidly gathered speed. It demolished a hand railing dividing the road from an adjacent footpath before crashing into a house at the junction with Ashe Street and South Cross Lane. Neighbours reported hearing a “terrifying bang” as the truck hit the building. The sole occupant of the house, an elderly woman, was away.

Mr Keniry, who is single, remained conscious as he was tended at the scene by Youghal ambulance paramedics before being taken to Cork University Hospital. His injuries are understood to be serious but not life-threatening.

The hill provides a busy access to the upper reaches of the town from South Main Street. Locals say the accident could have been far worse. “There are often children gathered by the railing there but and it doesn’t bear thinking what the consequences might have been at another time,” said nearby resident John Barry.

Garda forensic personnel attended the scene and the area remained closed to traffic until Tuesday afternoon.

THE CRUCIBLE SNOOKER CLUB wiped away the disappointment of losing the Cork Snooker League final by winning the prestigious Orme Shield last weekend ( March 26th/27th 2011) in their first outright team victory which was well overdue.

The last major Cork snooker event of the year was played at Youghal CYMS last weekend where the famous Orme Shield was played out for the first time in over a decade.

Youghal CYMS the holders of the Orme Shield which they won in the 147 Club in Blackpool have held the famous trophy on their wall ever since, due to the fact that it hadn’t been played for since.

The re-introduction of the tournament coincides with the new found appetite for the game in Cork City and County on the year the Cork Snooker League resumed, so the standard was high, the facilities and the atmosphere superb it was a feast of great snooker in this three person team event.

The action started last Saturday morning where Douglas 1 beat Youghal 4, the AOH 1 side beat their club mates the AOH 2, Youghal 1 beat Douglas 3, Shooters 1 beat Crucible 3, Youghal 3 beat Youghal 5 and Crucible 1 beat Youghal 2, Shooters 2 and Douglas 2 got walkovers from Crucible 2 and Fermoy into the quarter finals.

The quarter finals were played Saturday morning and victories for AOH 1, Youghal 1, Shooters 1 and the Crucible 1, meant that the top four sides in Cork would meet in the semi finals.

Youghal CYMS played the AOH at 1pm last Sunday and it was a game that went on for quite a bit, eventually the home side came out on top, with wins for Adrian Landers and Derek Aherne over Timmy Murphy and Llyod Myers respectively, with Brendan Cooney of Youghal and Shane O’Mahony locked at one frame each.

The Crucible saw off Shooters in the other semi final extracting some revenge for the league defeat to the Blackpool based club in the Cork Snooker League final a few weeks ago, setting up a mouth watering final.

The final was to prove to be a classic as the Crucibles David Cassidy sunk the black ball to defeat Adrian Landers 3-2, Ryan Cronin won his match 3-1 against Youghal’s Derek Aherne and Greg Casey was 2- 1 up against Brendan Cooney.

Greg Casey told Evening Echo Sport “This is a huge win for us and it’s the first team event we have won and believe you me not many sides could come to Youghal CYMS and beat them in their own club, because they are a very good and experienced team and we are thrilled to win the Orme Shield. The facilities here in Youghal are first class, the tables were excellent and it’s not even like leaving home, because you are treated so well and looked after brilliantly. It’s great to see snooker back in Cork and the re-introduction of the Cork Snooker League, because it has everyone playing competitive snooker all the time which is great for the game and when you add in Killarney along with the Cork Close, snooker is buzzing in Cork and it will only get better”

Casey along with David Cassidy will be travelling to Malta this coming Friday to compete in the first ever ‘European under 21 Snooker Championships’ and with players like Vincent Muldoon from Galway and Jason Devaney from Ballina in Co. Mayo the Republic of Ireland snooker team looks very healthy indeed.

The senior and masters international teams flew out from Dublin Airport at 7am this morning to Malta as their competitions in the European Championships begin tomorrow morning.

The compliments were flying around the rooms of the Youghal CYMS last weekend and rightly so as everything was in perfect order throughout and there is no better venue for a tournament like the Orme Shield than Youghal CYMS, it has a special atmosphere that just reeks of snooker and all of which is good in the game.

Youghal CYMS President Brendan Cooney said “It was a great weekend and I want to thank everyone that came and played or watched over the two days, I would like to thank the Cork Billiards and Snooker Association to let us in Youghal CYMS host the event and I want to pay a special thanks to the referee’s over the weekend and of course I want to congratulate the Crucible Snooker Club on their victory, they are a super bunch of lads and well done to them”.

In Billiards news there is talk that there will be a Cork Billiards tournament organised soon. Billiards is a fantastic game, especially for snooker players,it’s a game of extreme skill and crucial positional play, so it will be good to see the plain and spot on the green baize in Cork again soon.

 

Orme Shield Results

Saturday the 26th of March

Round 1

Douglas 1  bt Youghal CYMS 4

AOH 1   bt AOH 2

Youghal CYMS 1 bt Douglas 3

Shooters 1  bt Crucible 3

Youghal CYMS 3 bt Youghal CYMS 5

Crucible 1  bt Youghal CYMS 2

Shooters 2 and Douglas 2 were awarded walkovers.

Quarter Final

AOH 1   bt Douglas 1

Youghal CYMS 1 bt Shooters 2

Shooters 1  bt Douglas 2

Crucible 1  bt Youghal CYMS 3

Sunday the 27th of March

Semi Final

Youghal CYMS 1 bt AOH 1

Crucible 1  bt Shooters 1

Final

The Crucible   bt Youghal CYMS 1

Small Turnout Sparks New Beginning For Youghal’s Concerned Community  Group. By Christy Parker

Potential beat apathy at the third meeting of the loosely titled ‘traders/concerned citizens of Youghal’ group at the Red Store on Wednesday March 23rd. The apathy was reflected in a sparse attendance of under a dozen. Potential emerged as those who did attend opted to fight on and subsequently elected a chairman and committee.

Unofficial chairman and organiser Jim Flanagan expressed his “bitter disappointment” at the low turnout an asked how Youghal could expect to “be sold to outsiders if it could not be sold to its own people.”  It was suggested that Youghal has a history of starts and disappearances and that locals needed to trust that when something, however small, starts, it will continue. People had been disappointed a lot but would eventually buy into permanence.  Meantime perhaps quality outpaces quantity, said a speaker.

Yet lingering over the early proceedings like an unwelcome smell was the realisation that the gathering represented a splinter group. “It has taken hold out there that this group seeks to replace another group,” said a speaker from the floor.

Not for the first -or 20th- time Mr. Flanagan reiterated that the meetings were all inclusive, traders and non-traders, individuals and organisations, etc., with the sole agenda being the betterment of Youghal in whatever manifestation might evolve. “It has always been about working with and alongside other groups. ” he sighed. Perhaps it’s time to stop repeating the message given that it has been voiced often enough for anyone who genuinely wants to listen to have heard and understood it.

Fight or fold

The immediate question, Mr. Flanagan insisted, was whether to decline or drive on. He would support any mandate to carry on. It is unavoidable to break with common practice and identify a speaker for the floor, given his input. Michael De Buitleir said he was not just representing Comhaltas Craobh Eochaille in its 21st year of promoting Irish music to tourists. “Organisations do last in the town,” he assured.  He was also attending as East Cork representative on Cork County Council’s Community and Voluntary Forum.

Mr De Buitleir said a process called Developing Areas was ongoing in the county council. Youghal was could one day be. Meanwhile places like Ballincolig, Midleton and Carrigtwohill were having similar tribulations to Youghal not least in regard to recruiting public participation. “In modern society people don’t want to get involved and we don’t know why,” he observed.

Co-ordinate

From Mr De Buitleir’s vastly experienced perspective, the group needed a positive name, while the town needed its common activities better co-ordinated. He argued that the group should decide and prioritise its agenda, rather than chase several rainbows at once and being an ad hoc movement. “Prioritise, achieve and so lead by example,” he advised. “We need to acknowledge the groups in the town,” he proceeded. He identified that once citizens reached teenage years a certain reticence to participate in public projects seemed to evolve, especially amongst adults.

Meanwhile, he explained, forums such as this needed to be able and poised to feed into the local authority and beyond into such as the County Development Plan. He noted it was by necessity “a long term commitment,” and “might take two years to really kick in.”

Mr. Flanagan concurred with the sentiments but remained perplexed as to how to get wide populace to “gel together”, not least given their absence.  Co-organiser Kay Curtain said she had had many inquiries that day from people inferring they would be attending. She was mystified as to where they were. Mr Flanagan asked, “Are we going forward or not?” There was silence. “Ok, I’m going to fight on. Is anyone joining me?”, he asked changing tact. Mr De Buitlier consolidated his willingness to be actively involved in the group given it would work for the town’s wider betterment and in partnership with other groups. Someone asked whether there was any update on a previous undertaking to discuss joining forces with the Chamber of Commerce –in whatever format it now occupies. There had been no report yet forthcoming.

The meeting deviated a little as to what name it might appropriately assume. Titles such as ‘Youghal Community Forum,’ ‘Youghal Community Council’ or even the more buoyant ‘Youghal Celebrates Youghal,’ were mooted but the issue remains undecided.

Show of hands, chairman, committee…

In due course Mr. Flanagan called for a show of hands as to remain in existence or not. The result was near unanimously affirmative. That resolved, it was decided to elect a chairman and committee from those present. Mr. Flanagan was proposed and elected.  A committee was then formed and comprises Adrian Hyland, Frank Murphy, John Coleman, Ger Kennedy, Kevin Linehan and Michael De Buitleir. It is intended to elect officers, i.e. PRS, secretary, etc. at the next meeting.  Thereafter it was intimated that an agenda will formally be set and, it would seem, the foundations for an organised structure were set. The night’s bad beginning had morphed to a glad conclusion and perhaps a new and better beginning to follow.

The next meeting will take place in the Red Store on Tuesday April 5th at 6 p.m.

Thomas Keevers Memorial Walk in aid of the Children’s Leukaemia Association based at the Mercy Hospital Cork.

On Sunday 10th April the Thomas Keevers Memorial Walk in aid of the Children’s Leukaemia  Association takes place in Clashmore. It begins at the Heritage Centre @ 2pm and will head via Kilmore to Coolbagh quay and return the same route to Clashmore village. The total walk is 8km long. On returning to Clashmore, tea and light refreshments will be available in the Heritage Centre.

The walk is dedicated to the memory of Thomas Keevers of Coolbagh who died in 2002, aged 12 years, and all proceeds will go to the Children’s Leukaemia Association based at the Mercy Hospital. This Association is funded totally on donations and fundraising initiatives that are carried out on a voluntary basis. All donations are used to benefit the children who are cared for in the the Children’s Leukaemia Unit in the Mercy Hospital, children who suffer from leukaemia, cancer and other serious blood disorders. The diagnosis of leukaemia has a profound effect on a child, their families and friends. The Association supports and assists families, funds research, purchases medical equipment for the Unit in the Mercy Hospital.

If you would like to support this charity walk in Clashmore on the 10th April , it would be very much appreciated. If you intend walking and need a sponsorship card, or if you would like to make a donation towards this worthy cause, feel free to contact  anyone of the people below. They will gladly give you any further information that you may require.

The Keevers family thank you in advance for any support that you may wish to give this worthy cause.

 

For further details contact anyone of the following ;

Margaret and Tom Keevers,  Coolbagh,  Clashmore  024-96173.

Margaret and Dinny Walsh,  Coolbagh, Clashmore   024-96375.

Ted O Brien,  Inchiquin , Killeagh   087-6262762.

Pad O Brien   Clonpriest , Youghal,   087-2857778.

Ger Thompson performing “Meet me under the Clock Gate” LIVE at Youghal Community Radio on 25th March 2011.
Written and Performed by Ger Thompson
Guitar/Vocals: Ger Thompson.
Lead Guitar: Alan Reid.
Interview by Shane Supple.
Camera: Peter Thompson and Genevieve Castonguay.

 

Tuesday March 29 (19.15pm) European Snooker Championships 2011

At the European Snooker Championships in Malta Derek Kiely

THE OPENING CEREMONY of the 2011 European Snooker Championships takes place at the Dolmen Hotel in Malta this evening where from tomorrow morning the 30th of March until April the 7th over 25 Nations will battle it out in the various European Snooker Championship competitions.

There are four categories here in Malta this week and the Republic of Ireland have serious chances of success in three different events, including the European Senior Team Championship, the European Masters Championships and the all new under 21 European Individual Snooker Championships, which has the dream ticket for the winner who will get a place on the Pro –Tour. There is also a Ladies European Championships, but the Republic of Ireland will not be involved in this event.

Republic of Ireland U21 Team Manager, Don O’Donoghue said “We have as good a chance as any other European Nation here in Malta, we have a team of top class players with us out here and if you get the bit of luck you always need and take your chances when they come along, then we have every chance”.

The venue here at the Dolmen Hotel is just spectacular, with 16 World Class Riley tables, 12 tables are set up in the main arena and four separate tables located in the Dolmen room of the hotel.The viewing area for spectators is also first class and with live scoring, and constant daily updates and reports, it is assured that the snooker public on this beautiful Mediterranean Island won’t miss a thing.

The under 21 European Individual Snooker Championships will start on the 2nd of April and run through until April the 7th, so the four Republic of Ireland Under 21 players, Vincent Muldoon, Greg Casey, Jason Devaney and David Cassidy will arrive here in Malta on Friday the 1st of April, but the rest of the Republic of Ireland team including the Chairman of RIBSA and the EBSA Jim Lacey flew out of Dublin Airport at 7.30am this morning and have arrived safely.

This evening at 9pm there will the European Snooker Championships opening ceremony and this will be a chance to see the teams on the eve of the event, and then tomorrow these European Cue-Men and Ladies will test the Green Baize in Malta in search of the prestigious title of European Snooker Champions, it is assured to be another brilliant 10 days of top class snooker.

More to follow later this evening…Including a report from the opening ceremony and Pictures. The Pictures will be general, so if you want to use a Picture of your Nations interest , please do

For all press information

Contact Derek Kiely 00353 894191901

Email derekkiely@yahoo.ie

MARCH 30th 11.45pm

WE have had our first Century of the European Snooker Championships where the host Nation’s favourite son ‘The Tornado’ Tony Drago hit in a 107 in his opening match for the Malta 1 side who played Malta 4 in the opening match of the 2011 European Snooker Championships.

Tony said “I think that this tournament is fantastic and you must take your hat off to the Malta Billiards and Snooker Association to hold the event for the second time in 12 months. Today was a difficult one for me playing against my very good friends, but that is what these tournaments are all about. When you think of the great players like Ronnie O’Sullivan or John Higgins, they all started off as amateurs and if it wasn’t for these tournaments the great players would never have made it to the professional standings, so you should never forget your roots”.

The facilities both on and off the tables at the Dolmen Hotel have come in for praise from everyone so far here at the European Snooker Championships and Tony echoed those sentiments “I played here many years ago and I knew that the facilities and the tables would be excellent once again and I think this is a good event for Malta in every way, I hope people support it strongly”.

EBSA Press Office – Derek Kiely 00353 894191901

MARCH 30 17.10pm

DAY one of the 2011 European Snooker Championships is progressing well in Malta at the Dolmen Hotel in Qawra.

Early indications are that the standard is very good indeed with Nine 50+ Breaks including two century breaks Tony Drago, Malta (107) and Daniel Wells, Wales (112).

Scoring from today’s play:

Senior Men’s Team European Championship: Best of 19 Frames.

Wales  10 – 0 Romania:    Rep of Ireland (1) 10 – 0 Finland:   Malta (1) 10 – 2 Malta (4):   Scotland  10 – 1 Iceland:

Masters European Snooker Championships: Best of 9 Frames.

Malta (2)  0 – 5  Russia:   Rep of Ireland (1) 3 – 5 Belgium:  Malta (1) 5 – 1 Israel:

Ladies European Snooker Championships: Best of 7 Frames.

Malta 1 – 4 Israel:   Germany  4 – 1 Russia:

Later this evening there will be a full report on day one of the 2011 European Snooker Championships with tables and results.

EBSA Press: Derek Kiely 00353 894191901

DAY one concludes at the Dolmen Hotel in Qawra the venue for the 2011 European Snooker Championships on a day that the host Nation’s Malta teams played well in their opening matches.

Ireland (1) showed their worth without dropping a frame and Wales secured two wins while only dropping three frames along the way.

The tournament has four different sections to it, Senior Men’s Team, Masters (Over 40) Team and Ladies Team Championships, but the forthcoming Inaugural Under 21 Individual European Snooker Championships begin on Saturday next and will conclude with the other events on the 7th of April. Importantly the winner of the Under 21 Championship will earn a place on the Snooker Pro Tour.

In the early stages of this tournament all matches are played in ‘Group Stages’ with the eventual outcome determined by knock-out stages in all four events.

Results from Day One of the European Snooker Championships 2011 Malta.

Senior Men’s Team (3 Person) European Snooker Championships (Best of 19 Frames)

Malta (1) 10 – 2 Malta (4):  Wales 10 – 0 Romania:   Malta (2) 10 – 4 Ukraine:  Ireland (1) 10 – 0 Finland:    Scotland 10 – 1 Iceland: England 10 – 3 France:   Wales 10 – 3 Poland:   Germany 10 – 1 Israel (2) Malta (2) 10 – 2 Finland: Ireland (2) 10 – 9 Cyprus: Malta (1) 10 – 0 Romania.

Masters (Over 40) Team (2 Person) European Snooker Championships 2011 Malta (Best of 9 Frames)

Malta (1) 5 – 1 Israel: Ireland (1) 3 – 5 Belgium:   Ireland (2) 5 – 1 France:   Scotland 5- 2 Finland.

Ladies Team (2 Person) European Snooker Championships 2011 Malta (Best of 7 Frames)

Malta 2 – 4 France:   Malta 1 – 4 Israel:   Germany 4 – 1 Russia:   Germany 4 – 0 Israel:   Malta 2 – 4 Russia. Israel 2 – 4 France: Malta 5- 0 Russia:

Derek Kiely EBAS Press 00 353 89 4191901 derekkiely@yahoo.ie

 

MARCH 31 11.15am

GOOD morning everyone and welcome to ‘Day Two’ of the European Snooker Championships at the Dolmen Hotel in Malta.

There will be reports and updates and scores from the press office on a regular basis from now until 6pm and later tonight there will be a day two overview with final completed results.

Day one was all about the powerhouses of European Snooker flexing their muscles in this prestigious event, the host Nation Malta, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and England won impressively at their respective matches in the Senior Men’s team events. With the Masters (Over 40’s) in full flow, plus the Ladies event also moving along nicely.

Tomorrow the European Under 21 players will arrive in Malta ahead of the start of play on Saturday when 64 of Europe’s finest will battle it out for the title and the opportunity to play on the ‘Main Tour’.

Day One Results:

Senior Men’s Team (Three Person Best of 19 Frames) ‘GROUP A’: Malta (1) 10 – 0 Malta (4):   Malta (1) 10 – 0 Romania:   Wales 10 – 0 Romania:   Wales 10 -3 Poland:   Ireland (2) 10 – 9 Cyprus:    Ireland (2) 10 – 7 Poland: ‘GROUP B’  Ireland (1) 10 – 0 Finland:   Ireland (2) 10 -2 Iceland:   Malta (2) 10 – 2 Finland:   Malta (2) 10 – 4 Ukraine:   Scotland 10 – 3 Israel:   Scotland 10 – 1 Iceland: ‘Group C’ Malta (3) 10 – 2 France:  Malta (3) 10 – 9 Sweden:   Germany 10 – 1 Israel:   Germany 10 – 5 England:   Belgium 10 – 5 Israel: England 10 – 5.

Masters Men’s (Two Person Best of 9 Frames)’Group A’ Malta (1) 5 – 1 Israel: Belgium 5 – 3 Ireland (2):   Belgium 5 – 4 England:   ‘Group B’ Malta (2) 5 – 0 Russia:   Ireland (1) 5 – 1 France: Scotland 5 – 2 Finland

Ladies (Two Person Best of 7 Frames) Germany 4-0 Israel:   Germany 4 – 1 Russia: France 4 – 2 Israel:    France 4 – 1 Malta:   Israel 4 – 1 Malta: Russia 4 – 1 Malta: Germany 4 – 0 Malta.

In Play this morning in Session 1:

Men’ s: Current Scores:  Malta 4 – 1 Poland; Wales 3 – 1 Cyprus; Malta (4) 3 –  1 Ireland (2); Malta (2) 6 – 0 Iceland; Ireland (1) 4 – 2 Israel.

Ladies: Current Scores; France 2 – 1 Russia;

Masters: Current Scores Malta (1) 4 – 2 Belgium.

EBSA Press Derek Kiely 00 353 89 4191901

 

MARCH 31 12.45pm.

Latest high breaks from the2011 European Snooker Championships Malta :

Top 10 High Breaks at the Tournament

Daniel Wells (Wales) 112

Tony Drago (Malta) 107, 100

Bobby Cruickshanks (Scotland) 95

Nigel Power (Rep of Ireland) 86

Alex Borg (Malta) 86

Scott Donaldson (Scotland) 78

Mario Cutajar (Malta) 75

Lee Walker (Wales) 74

Patrick Einsle 71

Derek Kiely EBSA Press Officer 00 353 89 4191901

 

MARCH 31 2.15pm

Results day two 1st Session:

Men’s Senior: ,Malta (1) 10 – 2 Poland : Malta (2) 10 – 0 Iceland

Masters: Malta 5 – 2 Belgium: Wales 5 – 1 Israel.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Some games from the earlier sessions are unfinished and will be completed later.

Latest Scores from Session 2 Day 2, which started at 1pm Malta Time

Senior Men’s:(Best of 19)  Germany 4 – 1 Malta (3):   Scotland 5 – 0 Ukraine:   Belgium 3 – 1 England:   Sweden 4 – 0 Israel:

Masters (Best of 9 Unless teams reach 4 – 4 then the match is deemed a tie) Ireland (1) 2 – 2 England

Ladies: (Best of 7 frames) Germany 3 – 0 France:   Russia 2 – 1 Israel

The third Session Starts at 4pm Local Time

Derek Kiely EBSA Press 00 353 89 4191901

 

MARCH 31 5.30pm

Latest Results from the 2011 European Snooker Championship at the Dolmen Hotel Malta.

Just letting everyone know that I will be leaving the Press Room at 6pm and will return at 10pm for a Day 2 Round Up which will include tables, results and further information.

Men’s Senior Team Championships: (Best of 19 Frames)

Group B: Scotland 10 – 0 Ukraine:

Masters Team Championships (Best of 9 unless 4 frames each equals a Draw)

Group A: Ireland (1) 4 – 4 England (Draw)

Ladies Team Championships: (Best of 7 Frames)

Germany has had four consecutive victories, with wins over Malta, Israel, France and Russia.

Russia has also started very strongly with three wins over Malta, France and Israel. We will have more information on this competition as it unfolds.

Tonight there will be a complete round up of all score’s with tables included.

Derek Kiely

EBSA Press 00-353-89-4191901

April 1 (10.30pm)

Day three comes to an end and it was a red letter day for the ‘Red Dragon’ of Wales who defeated the host nation’s top team Malta (1). The Republic of Ireland bounce back with victories after their defeat to Scotland and the Scots look a real threat this year.

The Welsh Masters also showed their metal with an impressive win over the Malta (1) side who up until today were undefeated

UNDER 21 EUROPEAN SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIPS (ESC)

2th – 7th April 2011 / MALTA

The Young Stars of Europe have arrived in Malta ahead of tomorrow’s Official Opening Ceremony at 4pm.

There are eight groups of eight players from all over Europe in each group with four players progressing from each group leaving a 32 knockout competition.

Results as of 10.30pm on Day 3 and latest scores at the ESC

Seniors

Malta (1) 10 – 5 Ireland (2):    Cyprus 10 – 3 Romania:    Poland 10 – 3 Malta (4):                    Malta (2) 4 – 10 Scotland:    Israel (1) 10 – 6 Finland:    Poland 10 – 2 Romania :                     Malta (2) 3 – 10 Ireland:    Germany 10 – 0 France:    Belgium 10 – 9 Sweden:                        Wales 10 – 8 Malta (1): Cyprus 9 – 10 Malta (4): Israel (1) 10 – 2 Ukraine:
Malta (3) 3 – 4 Israel (2):    Belgium 6 – 4 France:     Germany 5 – 5 Sweden:                    Iceland 4 – 3 Finland:      England 7 – 2 Malta (3):    Iceland 6 – 2 Ukraine:

Cyprus 10 – 9 Malta (4)

Masters

Malta (1) 5 – 0 England:    Ireland (1) 0 – 5 Wales:    Belgium 5 – 1 Israel:                               Malta (2) 3 – 5 Scotland:   Ireland (2) 3 – 5 Finland: Ireland (1) 0 – 5Wales:

France 5 – 0 Russia:   Malta (1) 1- 5 Wales

Ladies

Germany 4 – 0 Russia: Malta 4 v 3 Israel: Israel 1 – 4 France: Malta 1 – 4 Russia:

The 2011 European Snooker Championships Under 21 Group Draw Play starts at 7pm local time Malta

GROUP A

1 BULGARIA Georgi Velichkov

2 AUSTRIA Dominik Scherubl

3 WALES Edward Topham

4 ENGLAND Sam Harvey

5 BELGIUM Glen Dossche

6 MALTA Aaron Busuttil

7 FRANCE Alexis Callewaert

8 SWEDEN Suleman K Salam

GROUP B

1 WALES Kishan Hirani

2 POLAND Adam Stefanow

3 ROMANIA Bogdan Cozmacluc

4 IRELAND Vincent Muldoon

5 GERMANY Lukas Kleckers

6 LATVIA Rodions Judins

7 MALTA Shaun Sultana

8 UKRAINE Vladyslav Vyshnevskyy

GROUP C

1 SCOTLAND Robert Carlisle

2 SWEDEN Bairaq Al Urfy

3 BULGARIA Ivaylo Pekov

4 ENGLAND Callum Downing

5 AUSTRIA Maximilian Pfleger

6 GERMANY Roman Dietzel

7 ISRAEL Shachar Ruberg

8 MALTA Wayne Pace

GROUP D

1 BELGIUM Kristof Vermeiren

2 NETHERLANDS Bas Vervier

3 SCOTLAND Eden Sharav

4 IRELAND Jason Devaney

5 ROMANIA Mario Amza

6 POLAND Mateusz Baranowski

7 FINLAND Olli-Pekka Virho

8 MALTA Luke Borg

GROUP E

1 N. IRELAND Declan Brennan

2 FRANCE Adrien Frostin

3 SWEDEN Benjamin McCabe

4 WALES Daniel Norris

5 SCOTLAND Michael Leslie

6 POLAND Grzegorz Biernadski

7 CYPRUS Strafno Damianov

8 MALTA Matthew Zammit

GROUP F

1 NETHERLANDS Feylin Janssen

2 AUSTRIA Alexander Gauss

3 ROMANIA Andrei Orzan

4 CROATIA Davor Bobek

5 ENGLAND Mitchell Travis

6 IRELAND Greg Casey

7 MALTA Thruston Grixti

8 ISRAEL Maor Shalom

GROUP G

1 BELGIUM Luca Brecel

2 MALTA Chris Peplow

3 WALES Duane Jones

4 POLAND Kacper Filipiak

5 IRELAND David Cassidy

6 FRANCE Pierre-Yves Lainé

7 ROMANIA Radu Brezaie

8 BELARUS Yerashevich Pavel

GROUP H

1 MALTA Gary Carr

2 BELGIUM Jurian Heusdens

3 BELARUS Smagin Artemi

4 AUSTRIA Andreas Ploner

5 ENGLAND Nick Jennings

6 SCOTLAND Rhys Clark

7 GERMANY Sascha Breuer

8 ICELAND Sigurour Kristjansson
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April 2 (11.00pm)

Welcome to Day 4 of the European Snooker Championships, where the Team Groups are in the Men’s Senior Event will be decided today, already qualified are:

Men: Group A: (Qualified) Wales, Malta (1), Malta (4)

Group B: (Qualified) Malta (2), Ireland (1), Scotland

Group C: (Qualified) Malta (3), Germany, England, Belgium.

Masters: Group A: (Qualified) Malta (1), Wales, Belgium.

Group B: (Qualified) Scotland, Finland.

Ladies:

(Qualified) Germany, Russia, France.

UNDER 21 EUROPEAN SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIPS (ESC)

2th – 7th April 2011 / MALTA

The Young Stars of Europe will have their Official Opening Ceremony today at 5pm.

There are eight groups of eight players from all over Europe in each group with four players progressing from each group leaving a 32 knockout competition.

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Today’s Team Matches

Men’s

Cyprus – Russia
Wales – Malta (4)
Ireland (2) – Romania
Israel (1) – Iceland
Ireland (1) – Ukraine
Scotland – Finland
Belgium – Germany
England – Sweden
Israel (2) – France

Masters

England – Belgium
Ireland (1) – Israel
Ireland (2) – Russia
Scotland – France
Malta (2) – Finland

Ladies

Malta – Germany
Russia – France

APRIL 2 (3.159M)

Latest Results:

Men’s: Wales 10 – 2 Malta (4):   Ireland (2) 10 – 2 Romania:  Israel (1) 10 – 3 Iceland: Ireland 10 – 0 Ukraine.

Masters: England 5 – 3 Belgium: Ireland (1) 5- 0 Israel

Ladies: Germany 4 – 0 Malta:   Russia 4 – 2 France.

Teams Qualified into the final 15 of the Men’s European Team Snooker Championships

Men’s: Group A Wales, Malta (1), Ireland (2), Malta (4)

Group B Scotland, Ireland (1), Malta (2), Israel (1)

Group C Germany, Malta (3), England, Belgium

Masters:

Group A Malta (1)

Group B Scotland

Ladies qualified for the semi finals: Germany, Russia, France and Israel.

 

Day Six News
Time       Table               Player                     Player

10:00         1          Kristof Vermeiren 1-3 Jason Devaney
10:00         2          Bas Vervier          0-3 Eden Sharav
10:00         3          Mateusz Baranowski 1-3 Olli-Pekka Virho
10:00         4          Mario Amza         3-2 Luke Borg
10:00         5          Georgi Weliczkow 0-3 Sam Harvey
10:00         6          Dominik Scherübl  1-3 Edward Topham
10:00         7          Aaron Busuttil       3-1 Alexis Callewaert
10:00         8          Glen Dossche       2-3 Suleman Salam
10:00         9          Kishan Hirani        2-3  Vincent Muldoon
10:00         10        Adam Stefanów     3-0  Bogdan Cozmaciuc
10:00         11        Rodions Judins      0-3 Shaun Sultana
10:00         12        Lukas Kleckers      1-3  Wladislaw Wisniewski
10:00         13        Robert Carlisle       3-2  Callum Downing
10:00         14        Bairaq Al Urfy        3-0  Ivailo Pekow
10:00         15        Roman Dietzel       3-0 Shachar Ruberg
10:00         16        Maximilian Pfleger  3-1 Wayne Pace

 

Latest Score from the Under 21 European Snooker Championships

Derek Kiely
EBSA Press

Time Table No  Player                  Score  Player
11:30          1        Gary Carr             3-2   Andreas Ploner
11:30          2        Jurian Heusdens 3-0   Artem Smagin
11:30          3        Rhys Clark            3-0  Sascha Breuer
11:30          4        Nick Jennings     3-0   Sigurour Kristjansson
11:30          5        Declan Brennan  3-0   Daniel Norris
11:30          6        Adrien Frostin     3-0   Matthew Calleja
11:30          7        Grzegorz Biernadski 3-0 Strafno Damianov
11:30          8        Michael Leslie        3-0 Matthew Zammit
11:30          9        Feylin Janssen       3-2  Davor Bobek
11:30          10      Alexander Gauss  3-0 Andrei Orzan
11:30          11      Greg Casey           3-0 Thruston Grixti
11:30          12       Mitchell Travis     3-0 Maor Shalom
11:30          13       Luca Brecel         3-0 Kacper Filipiak
11:30          14       Chris Peplow      0-3  Duane Jones
11:30          15       Pierre-Yves Lainé   1-3 Radu Brezaie
11:30          16       David Cassidy     3-0  Pawel Eroszewicz

 

Day Six News
Time       Table               Player                     Player

10:00         1          Kristof Vermeiren 1-3 Jason Devaney
10:00         2          Bas Vervier          0-3 Eden Sharav
10:00         3          Mateusz Baranowski 1-3 Olli-Pekka Virho
10:00         4          Mario Amza         3-2 Luke Borg
10:00         5          Georgi Weliczkow 0-3 Sam Harvey
10:00         6          Dominik Scherübl  1-3 Edward Topham
10:00         7          Aaron Busuttil       3-1 Alexis Callewaert
10:00         8          Glen Dossche       2-3 Suleman Salam
10:00         9          Kishan Hirani        2-3  Vincent Muldoon
10:00         10        Adam Stefanów     3-0  Bogdan Cozmaciuc
10:00         11        Rodions Judins      0-3 Shaun Sultana
10:00         12        Lukas Kleckers      1-3  Wladislaw Wisniewski
10:00         13        Robert Carlisle       3-2  Callum Downing
10:00         14        Bairaq Al Urfy        3-0  Ivailo Pekow
10:00         15        Roman Dietzel       3-0 Shachar Ruberg
10:00         16        Maximilian Pfleger  3-1 Wayne Pace

11:30          1        Gary Carr             3-2   Andreas Ploner
11:30          2        Jurian Heusdens 3-0   Artem Smagin
11:30          3        Rhys Clark            3-0  Sascha Breuer
11:30          4        Nick Jennings     3-0   Sigurour Kristjansson
11:30          5        Declan Brennan  3-0   Daniel Norris
11:30          6        Adrien Frostin     3-0   Matthew Calleja
11:30          7        Grzegorz Biernadski 3-0 Strafno Damianov
11:30          8        Michael Leslie        3-0 Matthew Zammit
11:30          9        Feylin Janssen       3-2  Davor Bobek
11:30          10      Alexander Gauss  3-0 Andrei Orzan
11:30          11      Greg Casey           3-0 Thruston Grixti
11:30          12       Mitchell Travis     3-0 Maor Shalom
11:30          13       Luca Brecel         3-0 Kacper Filipiak
11:30          14       Chris Peplow      0-3  Duane Jones
11:30          15       Pierre-Yves Lainé   1-3 Radu Brezaie
11:30          16       David Cassidy     3-0  Pawel Eroszewicz

13:00          1         Bairaq Al Urfy      3-2   Wayne Pace
13:00          2         Kristof Vermeiren 1-3  Eden Sharav
13:00          3         Jason Devaney     3-2  Mateusz Baranowski
13:00          4         Mario Amza          3-2      Olli-Pekka Virho
13:00          5         Bas Vervier          1-3   Luke Borg
13:00          6         Georgi Weliczkow 1-3 Edward Topham
13:00          7         Sam Harvey         0-3  Aaron Busuttil
13:00          8         Glen Dossche       0-3  Alexis Callewaert
13:00          9         Dominik Scherübl 3-1  Suleman Salam
13:00         10        Kishan Hirani        3-0 Bogdan Cozmaciuc
13:00         11        Vincent Muldoon   3-0 Rodions Judins
13:00         12         Lukas Kleckers    3-0  Shaun Sultana
13:00         13        Adam Stefanów    3-0  Wladislaw Wisniewski
13:00         14        Robert Carlisle     3-0  Ivailo Pekow
13:00         15        Callum Downing   3-1  Roman Dietzel
13:00         16        Maximilian Pfleger  0-3 Shachar Ruberg