Darren delivers in decider to remain Connacht's No.1

Late last month, while the eyes and interest of most interested in cue-sports would have been firmly fixated on what, ultimately, was a disappointing World Snooker Championships in The Crucible, another hotly-contested Connacht snooker ranking event, The Connacht Grand Slam, took place in Century Snooker Club, Ballina.

Over the past 25 years or so, Darren Flaherty and Hughie O’Donnell, now in their forties and fifties respectively, have battled it out and contested many a ranking event snooker final so it was little surprise that those two exchanged breaks and safeties in the final.

With six of the top eight ranked players in Connacht setting out in the quarter-finals it was sure to be an entertaining and interesting event and the standard, as always, was up there with events around the isle of Ireland.

Numerous 50+ breaks were knocked in, but it was Hughie’s sublime 102 break in the semi-finals which took home the coveted high break prize.

Following the competition, Darren took the time to sit down with this reporter to discuss events.

“There were six out of the top eight in the quarter-finals so it was a great standard. I played Aaron Moyles and scored heavily when I needed to so that got me through to the semi-finals,” said Darren.

Darren also contested the Division 1 Ballina pool final against Aaron and was also victorious in that.

“It’s always a good match when I play Aaron. I just took my chances when I needed to pull ahead and never looked back.” 

Much like Darren, Aaron is a credit to hard work and effort and has qualified to represent Ireland in the Ultimate Pool competition in Blackpool.

“Aaron had a great season,” enthused Darren. “He finished seventh in Ireland and qualified for the Ultimate Pool competition, so I hope that goes well for him.” 

Next up for Darren was Colm Walsh and, this time, Darren needed to dig deep to get over the line.

“There was a terrific standard, 40+, 50+ breaks and two 60+ breaks between us in the five frames. It came down to a re-spotted black. Colm had the first go at it and narrowly missed it and I took the chance he left me.” 

In the other semi-final Galway’s Hughie O’Donnell knocked in a 102 break for the high break of the day and set-up a tantalising clash in the final.

“Hughie and I have been contesting competitions for over 20 years. I’m in my forties now and Hughie’s in his fifties so it’s getting harder for us to stay up there but we’re putting in the practice and we met again in the final.

“The final was more of the same (as the semi-final); it went to 2-2 and came down to the final frame. It was never going to be about heavy break-building in that as we tied up the blue, pink and black early on. It was never going to be one- or even two-visit breaks to clinch the frame. With two reds left, Hughie left me a long red. I stroked it home and cleared up from that (to take the title).” 

With the World Championships taking place, many people reflect on the late, great, Paul Hunter and Darren reflects on his time playing Paul in Castlebar.

“He was a gentleman and always liked to entertain crowds. I played him in Castlebar and we were meant to play two frames but with the score tied at 1-1 he asked me would I play a third frame. He’s sorely missed,” Darren offered.

There is a great deal of tournaments run in the club in Ballina. The Champions Leagues of Pool and Snooker are running at present and with handicaps in place, it gives an opportunity to all-levels of cue-prowess.

“Anyone from beginner up to the most senior players we have in both codes have a chance. Nobody is going to get blown away.”

This is the fifth year in-a-row that Darren has finished the Connacht rankings as number one and admits it’s getting more and more difficult with each passing year.

“It’s getting harder to retain (the number one ranking) but I’ll be back again next year and hope I’ll be able to continue this good run.” Darren concluded.