Youghal Snooker Club enjoyed a great year in 2025
Rowan Kelly pictured with his prize after winning a National U14 Ranking event in Carlow.
It's been another successful year for the Youghal CYMS, both on and off the table.
The Youghal A team started 2025 with another great run in Killarney, doing extremely well to reach the final of the Munster Snooker Team Championships at the Gleneagle Hotel.
Winners back in 2023 and runners-up in the All-Ireland final in 2024, the seasiders put up another good showing against the New Institute Club from Nenagh in County Tipperary. Despite coming up short in the feature final, it was an outstanding weekend as the talented team beat a couple of really strong teams along the way.
President of the Youghal CYMS, Brendan Cooney, said: "It's been a great year and a big thanks goes to everyone involved. I've just come in as President since November, so really, Eddie Hickey, who was President for the last three years, deserves an enormous amount of credit for the way he ran things below."
Youghal CYMS is located on the Quayside of Youghal, Market Square. Established in 1871, it's one of the oldest clubs in Ireland.
A beautiful venue, the club holds some fantastic tournaments throughout the year.
Cooney added: "It's been a great year overall.
"There's a lot of work done within our rooms. We have spent a lot of money over the last six months or so, approximately €20,000, and we still have a bit more work to do in the coming spring.
"So, all of that was very successful and all locally sourced, may I add. We have put in a new heating system, a lot of work on our tables, seating, and toilets. It's all great."
The Youghal CYMS have a great history of producing top junior players, and the club has had numerous Irish Internationals over the last number of years.
During the course of 2025, there were two standout victories for the club. At the Cellbridge Snooker Club, Cathal Horgan delivered a couple of stunning performances to win the Phil Martin Trophy, an invitational event that featured over 40 players and was organized by ex-pro Fergal O'Brien.
The second big win came in Carlow when Rowan Kelly won the Snooker & Billiards Ireland second event on the 2025-2026 SBI 14s Snooker Tour. A first National Ranking title for the young man from Youghal.
Both Cathal and Rowan are young players to watch in the coming months. It's also worth mentioning that Cathal has qualified for the European U16 Championships. Cathal will once again don the Irish waistcoat and compete against the very best that European underage snooker has to offer.
The tournament will be held from March 1-4 at the Gandia Palace Hotel in Eastern Spain.
Speaking on the success of the juniors, Brendan Cooney said: "It was an outstanding achievement for both Cathal and Rowan.
"We also have Cian Hogan, who continues to make progress, along with Davy Hickey, who is playing in the U18 and U21 events.
"There are a few new lads coming along as well for next season. Look, the future looks bright, and hopefully we can continue on the road we are on."
The event will get underway on Thursday, January 15. It promises to be another fantastic weekend of snooker at the Gleneagle Hotel.
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