Gavin Quinlan thrilled with the success of the various Cork Pool teams in Killarney and all season

The inter-county All-Ireland Pool Championships were recently held in the INEC Arena at the Gleneagles Hotel in Killarney.

Cork were strongly represented in most categories and came away with great success by winning the senior title, however, it was young hotshot Sean O’Connell-Walsh, who really caught everyone's eye with some impressive performances by taking home the senior men’s singles title and also retaining his U23 singles All-Ireland title.

Cork had eight teams in total across the various team competitions throughout the five-day event, as well as representatives in all single categories, from senior, intermediate, junior, junior B, O50’s, O60's, right through to the ladies and U23 singles events. 

First up was the men’s senior team managed by Gavin Quinlan and Noel Rea.

The team was captained by Ryan Cronin. 

The rest of the senior squad consisted of Tony Moore, Darragh Osttello, David Cassidy, Grey Casey, Michael O'Sullivan, Edmund Walsh, Phillip Murphy, Sean O'Connell-Walsh, Kevin O’Riordan, Steve Walsh and Gary Bracken.

The lads put in incredible performances throughout the five days and brought the All-Ireland senior team title back to Cork.

Sean O’Connell-Walsh, who played outstanding pool all week and went on to win the men’s senior singles title for very first time, as well as retaining his All-Ireland U23 singles title, which he won also last year. 

In February of this year Sean travelled to Malta as part of the Ireland U23 team competing in the European Pool Championships where he was successful in winning the European U23 singles title, and he was also part of the Irish team that became European U23 team champions. 

Sean has a very bright future ahead of him as he is such a young talented player. 

Cork also had some excellent performances from Cian Corcoran.

He had a brilliant run to the final of the intermediate singles where he just fell short on the day. 

Cian played superb pool over the five long days and thoroughly deserved his place in the final, however, it just wasn't meant to be on the day.

The lads from Cork had great runs in the other single categories, with Tony Moore, Paul Noonan, Ryan Hayes and Eamon Dolan all getting to the latter stages of their respective categories.

All the lads who travelled to Killarney can hold their heads high with their impressive performances throughout the week. 

Cork also had two ladies who entered the All-Ireland ladies singles event with Ash Dunne and Claudia Santos also giving a great account of themselves despite participating at that level of competition for the first time in Killarney.

The Cork team manager Gavin Quinlan expressed his delight with all the players who played in various competitions and both himself and his committee members were extremely proud of every player for their dedication and commitment over a very successful season.

“We are so proud of each and every player who travelled to represent the Cork City and County Pool Organisation in Killarney.

"I want personally congratulate all who brought honours back home to Leeside,” Gavin said.

“The CCPPO hold Leagues and various cup competitions throughout the season, from September through to May in both A and B standard competitions to allow as many people as possible across different levels of standards to play and compete.

“These league and cup competitions take place in various bars throughout the city and county with 18 teams currently registered to play in our leagues.

“Currently, we run the Heineken A and B Leagues, the Fosters Knockout Cup and Plate, the Beamish Cup and Plate, A singles, B singles, doubles, U23 competitions, Scotch Doubles, over 40’s, over 50’s, over 60's singles, and the prestigious Jason Long Memorial Tournament, as well as holding trials open to everyone to try make our inter-county team.

“We, the committee, have to mention the top class facilities that Ray O’Mahony of the Red Cove Pool Hall provides for us and our members as well as his continued support and sponsorship throughout the year. 

"Also, our other sponsors, Heineken Ireland, AK Tipping and Engtech Engineering for their continued support and kind sponsorship towards our new inter-county jerseys.

“We, the committee, are lucky to have such great sponsors involved which we truly rely on as their continued support helped us achieve all of the above.

“Our AGM will be held in late August (date to be confirmed) and any new player wishing to play or any new Bar that would be interested in putting in teams for the 2025/2026 season are more than welcome.

“We can be contacted through Cork City and County Pool on Facebook, or on the Cork Pool League App," Quinlan added.