Titbits

The wide Northern Ireland Billiards and Snooker fraternity today regret with deep sorrow to

learn of the death of their highly esteemed colleague and friend Patrick Morgan (Pat).

A gentleman of large stature both in his physical build and in his principals and integrity,

these high morals symbolised his character in every walk of life, his home, his work and for

"Pa" as he was affectionately known to all his billiards and snooker colleagues, became a member of the old NIB&SCC in 1960 and during those past 48 years, he held many high official

positions in the Northern Ireland Association, as Vice Chairman: Tournament Director:

Life Member and in the latter years since the association changed to the NIB&SA for all his

dedicated and excellent service he was accorded the distinction of Vice-President.

During his long and lustrous career as a class one Billiards and class one Snooker referee,

he officiated at many Championship finals at World, European, National and International events.

For as long as anyone can remember he diligently guarded the purse strings of the Referee’s

He was always fondly hailed as the grandfather of the association and his vast knowledge and

wealth of experience and his wise guidance made him the cornerstone of the referees association.

Pat was dedicated to his faith and faithful to his Church, an out and out family man he was dearly loved as a father, a father-in-law, a grandfather and a great grandfather, and will be sadly

Our thoughts are now with Martin, his son and Josephine, his daughter-in- law who tended him

We from the world of the sports played on the Green Baize, have been blessed and privileged to have known the man we affectionately called,

At the Annual General Meeting held in the Balmoral Hotel, Belfast on Tuesday 17th June 2008,

Mr Brian Richmond from Forester's Club, Belfast and Mr John Currie from Mitchell's Club,

Cookstown were elected into the offices of Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively.

Both men will bring considerable administration experience into the organisational aspects

of the association. Brian from his years in office with the Northern Ireland Referees Association

John from his vast knowledge gained through his University Professorship.

Mr Sam Pavis was re-elected President, as were the other officers: Mr Pat Morgan Vice President,

Mr Gary Morton Hon Secretary, Mr Joe McGonnell Hon Treasurer, Mr Jim Stewart Senior Director,

Mr Con Egan Junior Director, Mr Martin Brammeld was appointed to the position of Minutes

The meeting was well supported by the affiliated clubs and referees delegates, good

constructive debate ensued. Concern was expressed at the closure of various snooker clubs

and the future selection of venues for our Intermediate and Ranking tournaments during the

The Home International Series came under close scrutiny, many delegates expressed

apprehension in view of our past experiences at the event in 2006 and 2007. Various

appointments as team captains were put in place and since a new format is being implemented

this year ( i.e. Seniors and over Forties will be played from Saturday till Monday and the

It was agreed to send a full complement of teams ( as selected by the team captains) to this

Many complimentary accolades were expressed to Mr Kieran Erwin our outgoing Chairman

for all his splendid leadership over the past four years. His continual guidance and control of our

association has now set us on a healthy and secure path for a promising future.

Best wishes for a long and happy retirement were conveyed by all the delegates and officers.

Thanks was also recorded to Mr Declan Birt our outgoing Vice Chairman for all his

Our new chairman brought a most successful AGM to a close, wishing everyone a very

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The long established snooker extravaganza this year made its way back to the delightful Members Room within the Donaghadee Golf Club, County Down, their last visit was in 1995.This friendly snooker contest played annually by the Belfast and District Golf Clubs Snooker League and a Northern Ireland Billiards & Snooker Association Select Team is now in its 30^th year which demonstrates the immense popularity and esteem that has surrounded the competition over all those years.

Both teams supply a complement of eight players, each game is a challenge over two frames of snooker. The honour of selecting the opponents for each game is given to the golf clubs team captain, this year the privilege was bestowed to Mr Charlie Campbell who is also the Vice Chairman of the Golf Clubs Snooker League.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was the “evergreen” Mr William McBride, a stalwart who has for many years been the inspiration behind this annual festival of snooker. Billy as he is fondly known to all his friends is the driving force that, mostly, behind the scenes does the spade work to assure the continuation and success of the All Stars spectacular.

Over these past three decades, “from the record books” the teams have drawn five times and the Golf leagues players can only claim one outright victory to their credit, but, everyone agrees over the whole saga of contests the friendship, camaraderie and sportsmanship of the player opponents and Officials have been the outright winners.

The M.C. opened the evening by extending a warm greeting to all the spectators, players and officials, welcoming everyone on behalf of the organising committee"

He expressed his appreciation to the Captain and members of Donaghadee Golf Club for inviting the "All Stars" back once again to their club rooms and affording them the use of all the excellent facilities

The players for both teams were announced by Charlie Campbell and who the opponents were, including the four officiating referees in charge. Play then commenced on the clubs two immaculate snooker tables.

The games were all contested in a very friendly atmosphere with, at the end the usual players chat being reminiscent of their game and holding courts of inquiry of: how I missed that black, or how that ball went in-off, and so-on. The Golf Clubs league captain declared the final results and also thanked the NI Referees, Jim Stewart, William McBride, Brian Richmond and Campbell Faulkner for the smooth and proficient manner they officiated over the entire evenings snooker. He then invited everyone to the dining room were the Donaghadee Golf Club had provided a bountiful supper served up by their friendly and helpful staff.

Mr Tommy Mulholland the Secretary /Treasurer of the Golf Clubs League congratulated the Northern Ireland Select team on their plausible victory. He explained to everyone that the funds raised through this “All Stars” event every year is totally donated to a selected charity.

He also thanked all the players of both teams and the officials for giving up their evening to assist the Golf Clubs Snooker League raise money to support charity.

Mr Jim Stewart as team manager of the NI Select team thanked the officials of the league and paid tribute to the Donaghadee Golf Club for the splendid supper they had set-up and all the staff for their hospitality. He concluded by wishing continued success to the All Stars Concept.

The 31^st Year of the “Spectacular All Stars Snooker Competition was again an immense success hosted this season by the Fortwilliam Golf Club -- Belfast.

This brilliant charitable event is played annually as a friendly encounter between 8 chosen members from the Belfast and District Golf Clubs’ Snooker League and a Northern Ireland Billiards & Snooker Association Select team.

This year the venue was the affable Fortwiliiam Golf Club Snooker Room, play commenced at 7.30pm Friday 30^th January ’09 and a large crowd of the golf club members with their friends were treated to some entertaining snooker by the cream of Northern Ireland snooker talent.

Mr Billy McBride was the selected officiating Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Billy has been long devoted to the organising and success of the “All Stars Event”. In his opening speech, he extended a cordial welcome to the players from both teams and all the guests; he also introduced the officiating referees and outlined the evening’s activities.

Mr Charlie Campbell the captain of the Golf clubs’ league, was given the honour (as by tradition) of selecting the opponents for each game, He then also welcomed the Northern Ireland Association Players and Referees.