James Gallagher...County Champion 1990

Nineteen year old James Gallagher burst onto the county stage on the 11th of May, 1990 when he defeated Liam McNamee from Oldtown, Letterkenny in Donegal Town Snooker Club. In so doing he became the first Donegal player to win the county title and with it the David Hanna Jnr. Cup.

James, a left-hander was an avid snooker fan, collecting magazines and knowing everything there was to know about the game. He learned his craft in Donegal Town's long-established snooker club and was fortunate to have among his peers in the late eighties the likes of Stephen Boyle, Danny Harvey and Mark McGroary. All ultra-competitive as well as talented, they pushed each other to new heights and anyone who drew them in competition knew they were in for a battle.

Added to this younger group were the more established players such as Vincent Granaghan, Michael Neary and Sean Boyle who had plenty of experience and guile. Together, these players, along with other notable cueists won three county league titles in a row. James though stood out from the others and his constant practising showed the hunger for improvement.

He warned them in 1989 by reaching the county semi-final and winning the best young player award. It all came together in 1990. Former champions Anthony Bonnar and Paul Gallagher were absent through injury and marital bliss but everyone else who excelled at the game in the county was there. Future professional and 1993 champion Donal Bonner from Twin Towns was on fire, 1996 champion Jack McGranaghan was compiling huge breaks while Jack Downey from Ballyshannon was at his peak. James defeated the likes of Michael Neary and Andy Quigley, while Liam McNamee (who was Letterkenny's only player to reach the quarter-finals) defeated Donal Bonner in the quarters and Jack Downey in the semi-final.

The final was nervy and both players knew it was a great chance to write their names in lights. James lost the opening frame after losing the tip of his cue. Much repair work was required but by frame two James was back in the groove. Frame three also went his way. The fourth was the 'big one'. It lasted 88 minutes and Liam was very unlucky to lose by fouling on the final black. But fate is cruel. It happened again in the fifth and this time Liam lost by a point. But more importantly it cost him the championship. The club members erupted in glee. They had a county champion on the books!

James' break of 16 had been the highest of a low-scoring final but his break of 37 in an earlier round won him the Highest Break prize. Ninety players had begun with hopes of winning. James though had achieved his goal. He had shown great fortitude in hanging in there when things were looking dodgy in the first frame. His reaction to adversity showed the measure of the man.

Donal Bonner won the Best Young Player award sponsored by Bank of Ireland. Other sponsors included Interior Design, McGroarty's Bar, Mr. T., Terry Woods, Wm. Britton Jewellers, Rivas, Eamonn Duffy, AIB, Ulster Bank, National Hotel, Terence Callaghan, Donal McHugh and B.O.S.S.

James picked up a cheque for £100, the high break prize, a replica trophy and the biggest prize of all, the David Hanna Jnr. Memorial Cup. For the Hannas this was a special time as the whole family had been avid players and had had a big involvement in Donegal Town Snooker Club. A home win meant a lot.

James never won the cup again and sadly quit the game in the mid-nineties. But for one magical month he was officially the best player in County Donegal and that is something that few players will ever be able to say.