The third annual Finbarr Ruane Sr. Memorial Cup takes place this Saturday at CrossGuns Snooker Club in Dublin.
The tournament began two years ago to celebrate the memory of one of Ireland’s most well-known and respected snooker patrons, 21 years after his passing.
Finbarr Ruane Sr. was a two-term president of the national governing body RIBSA and the former owner of CrossGuns in Phibsboro.
Now, of course, the historic club belongs to his son, Finbarr Jr., who has continued in his father’s footsteps of helping to promote the game in Dublin and indeed across the Emerald Isle.
The handicap event has been opened to all players and a strong 32-man field will compete in what will undoubtedly be a fun and competitive day in the capital city.
That being said, there’s plenty at stake, with a cool €1,000 going to the champion, and cash prizes for the beaten runner-up and two semi-finalists as well.
Defending champion Martin McCrudden was unfortunately unable to enter but 2013 winner John Sutton returns in an attempt to recapture the coveted cup.
The favourite will surely be Rodney Goggins, who won three ranking events in the Irish season that just ended, although he did lose to Sutton in the National Championship in May.
The handicap format will be an additional leveller while all rounds up until the final, which will be played over seven frames, will be best of five so it really is all to play for.
There is a good mix of both young and old in the draw which I’m sure is a just way to honour Ruane Sr, who was a popular character among Irish snooker circles and abroad.
“It makes me immensely proud to host this event in honour of my dad,” said Fin Jr. ahead of the competition this weekend.
“I’ve no doubt that he would love the tournament and being around the game he loved so much.”
Everybody is welcome to go and watch some of the action unfold on Saturday with the first round getting under way at 11:30am.
There are still a limited number of places available in the draw with an entry fee of just €50. Contact Fin at 0868196760 or via Facebook for more details.
The best of luck to all involved and I hope it turns out to be a cracking day.
