European Doubles Pool Title for SERC Student #BetterOffAtSERC

Eamon Ferris (21) from Castlewellan has scooped the Under 23 European Doubles title at Bridlington in Yorkshire this month.

Eamon, who is studying Level 4 Hospitality and Management at South Eastern Regional College’s (SERC) Downpatrick Campus and works at the Burrendale Hotel, Country Club and Spa, has been playing snooker from the age of 11. Last year he decided to try his hand at the NI Pool Trials and has enjoyed doubles success, teaming up with Declan Duff from Lurgan.

He said, “I have been playing snooker from the age of 11 when I was introduced to the sport by my father. I loved it so much, I joined Drumaness Snooker Club. My first success was winning the NI Under14 snooker championships. From there I won the NI Under16, Under 19 and Under 21 titles.”  

Eamon has also won two All-Ireland Club Championships and represented NI at international level for snooker travelling to Poland, Bulgaria and Cyprus and across the UK and Ireland to play the game.

He added, “Last summer I decided to take part in thee NI Pool trials. The games are similar it is just the size of the table that is different with pool played on a 6-foot table and snooker on a 12-foot table. From the trials myself and Declan Duff were chosen to represent NI in the Doubles at the World and European Championships.

“We won the Under 23 World Doubles at Bridlington in Yorkshire in November and this month lifted the European Under 23 Doubles title.   This is the first time that a pair has ever won the two titles in the same season, so we are delighted.”

Eamon manages to juggle his love of snooker and pool with his studies at SERC and work. He said, “I am thrilled to have two titles. As an amateur sports person you dream of winning a major title so to have won two of them in a year is a massive achievement.”  

“Declan and I work well together; we both have a similar style of game, so the doubles suit us. It was important that we had a game plan in place as we are only allowed to discuss our shots before we reach the table.”

“Our next challenge will be the Nations Cup which is coming up in November. Declan and I will travel to Aya Napa, in Cyprus to represent NI and will be playing against doubles from across Europe.”

“It is very busy mixing, College, work and the sport together but thankfully everyone has been very supportive.   At the minute I am concentrating on my assignments and achieving my Level 4 qualification. I am not sure of my next step, but no doubt pool and snooker will play a part. I have met so many people and made life-long friends from across the world and have had fantastic opportunities to travel which complements my studies here at SERC.”

South Eastern Regional College are hosting part-time open evenings, 4.00pm – 8.00pm on Wednesday 5 June at Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses.