2025 Celtic Junior Challenge

Snooker & Billiards Ireland have just announced the details of the 2025 Celtic Junior Challenge. This year the event will be held on Saturday the 5th of July in the Snooker & Billiards Ireland Academy of Excellence in Carlow.

The top four Under 14 and the top four Under 16 players after each National Championships will qualify to represent Ireland in this annual Junior Celtic Challenge against the Welsh.

PLEASE NOTE REMINDER FOR ALL SBI PLAYERS

White long Sleve Shirt, Bow Tie, Black Pants and Shoes is the Dress Code for the SBI Team for the Celtic Challenge.

Ireland 14’s Team

1. Liam Dunne (Team Captain)
2. James Stewart O Reilly
3. Luke Mundy
4. Callum Behan

Ireland 16’s Team

1. Aaron Donnelly (Team Captain)
2. Dermot Kelly
3. Joe Shannon
4. Max Kennedy

Training Camp

SBI are planning a training day on the 28th of June 11am -4pm with PJ prior to the event in the SBI HQ in Carlow.

Any player who has not got an Irish Waistcoat will be given a loan of a SBI Irish Waistcoat for the event at this SBI Training Day in the SBI HQ in Carlow.

MATCH DAY – 5th July in the SBI HQ Carlow

1pt per frame – all 3 frames played out

(Each Session played out before next session begins)

9.45 Photos & Introductions

• 10am First Session – 3 Frames played per match
• 11.45am Second Session – 3 Frames played per match

Lunch 1.45-2.30pm

• 2.30pm Third Session – 3 Frames played per match
• 4.30pm Fourth Session – – 3 Frames played per match

6.30pm Presentation – 7pm Depart for Hotel

SBI Coaching Team

National Coach PJ Nolan will be the Team Coach for this event and Paul Keighery from Ballinasloe will be his assistant Coach for this event.

Welsh 14’s Team

• Freddie Smith (Team captain)
• Rory Reardon
• Jaiden Chung
• Spencer Collings

Welsh 16’s Team

• Rio Chung (Team captain)
• Reuben Gingell
• Jordan Wright
• Aiden Collings

Defending Champions – Wales

Wales are the defending Champions after they beat Ireland in Carlow in 2023 and in Wales in 2024.