The Republic of Ireland team has won the blue riband Home Internationals snooker senior title for the second successive year after going undefeated in Leeds.
Only Michael Judge remained from the quartet that emerged victorious twelve months ago at the Northern Snooker Centre but it was the very same outcome after a dominant display landed the nation its sixth Home Internationals snooker triumph.
A stellar and experienced team consisting of Judge, Brendan O’Donoghue, Rodney Goggins, and Greg Casey worked well together and saw off all the challenges in their path.
The Irish began with a closer than expected 7-5 defeat of the Isle of Man on the opening day of action before an 8-4 victory over neighbours Northern Ireland increased the confidence levels.
After another brace of 7-5 scorelines against the mighty England and Wales respectively, the foursome knew that a win or draw in their final game would prove enough to ensure a strong defence.
There was hardly any doubt as they hammered Scotland 9-3 to impressively top the standings, with each of them tasting glory for a second time in the competition during this decade.
As mentioned, Judge, who compiled the highest break with an excellent run of 112, adds to his win from a year ago while O’Donoghue, Goggins, and Casey were all in the unit that captured the spoils back in 2012.
In the Masters tournament, Ireland finished in second place behind England while the two junior categories – the under-16 and under-21 disciplines – are currently taking place.
Later in the week, the Ladies Home Internationals snooker tournament and a billiards event will wrap up proceedings for 2018.
Click here for more information on the 2018 Home Internationals Snooker.
