Pool ‘Hot Shots’ for Killarney Shoot-out

Hundreds of the world’s best pool hotshots will descend on Killarney, Co Kerry, next month when, for the first time, Ireland hosts the World Pool Championships.

More than 400 players representing 16 countries, including Australia, India, Morocco and South Africa, will compete in a number of individual and team events which will be held at the INEC Gleneagle Hotel from October 19 to 27.

Mark Scally, chairman of the Irish Pool Association, which was founded in 1994, said they were “incredibly proud to be hosting the most prestigious annual event for the sport”, which will provide the Co Kerry town with a major financial boost during the off-peak season.

Pool’s popularity has increased immeasurably in recent years and is now shown more often on television channels. Many of those taking part are well-known professionals such as England’s Phil Harrison and Australia’s Jake McCartney.

Some of the match-ups at the INEC will be screened on Freesports. The TV company will also have an app available to download for free. There will also be games televised on the Ultimate Pool Group website.

It is expected that hundreds of Irish pool fans will also attend the tournament, especially as entry to all the matches is free. Irish fans will no doubt be hoping their team can repeat their feat of 2011 when they won the world team championship in England.