Echo Sports Awards 2019: Ireland snooker great Fergal O’Brien receives ‘Hall of Fame’ accolade
ONE OF Ireland’s greatest snooker stars over the past 30 years, Fergal O’Brien became the latest inductee into The Echo Sports Hall of Fame.
The 1999 British Open champion has also reached finals of some of the sports top tournaments including the World Cup, the 2001 Masters and the Northern Ireland Trophy.
Fergal O’Brien with his father Fergus, daughter Isabel and wife Jean after receiving ‘The Echo Sports Hall of Fame’ Award in the Green Isle Hotel on Thursday night
What’s more, the Lucan man is the holder of a number of records in the sport, including the oldest player to make a 147, the only player to record five centuries in a Best of 11 match and the only player to card a century in the first frame he ever played at the Crucible.
Turning professional in 1991 after having helped Q’s in Clondalkin to the Division One title in what was his very last outing as an amateur, O’Brien made a real breakthrough in 1993 when he beat Steve Davis 5-4 in Thailand.
It really ignited an impressive career in the sport that was fuelled when he received a wildcard for the Irish Masters in 1994 and also earned a place in the World Champion-ships for the first time.
Delighted at receiving The Echo Sports Hall of Fame Award in the Green Isle Hotel on Thursday, O’Brien said “The night was fantastic and I was delighted to pick up the award and get the recognition for what I’ve achieved”
“As a player you can tend to dwell on one or two defeats and not give yourself the credit for what you’ve accomplished, so it was really nice pick up the ‘Hall of Fame’ Award.
“It was amazing to see all the sporting talent we have in the area and the diversity of sport, from snooker to taekwondo, I mean you can’t get more diverse than that” he said.
Still competing strongly, O’Brien said “I still love the game, still love playing. I’m now 47 and I’m at an age when I’m receiving Hall of Fame awards, but I still love the game and hopefully I can keep playing and be successful for as long as I possibly can.”
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