PICTURES: Star-studded Snooker exhibition featuring former World Champion held in Offaly

A Snooker exhibition headlined by 1997 World Champion Ken Doherty and rising star Aaron Hill took place in The Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore on Thursday, February 19. 

Several special guests also featured on the night including Irish radio producer and TV show host Aonghus McAnally who acted as referee for the evening as well as Offaly hurler Adam Screeney who participated in a doubles exhibition game. 

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Ken Doherty in action at the snooker exhibition in the Bridge Hotel on Thursday night.

Photos courtesy of Niall O'Mara. 

The evening started with a meet and greet as Snooker fans got the opportunity to take their picture alongside Doherty, Hill and the World Championship trophy which were then subsequently autographed by the pair.  

As attendees took their seats, an interview with Snooker stars Doherty and Hill was conducted by event promoter Neil Madigan before opening the floor up for questions from the audience.

Dublin native Ken Doherty took the opportunity to pay a touching tribute to his friend, former Snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo who sadly passed away earlier this month at the age of 79.

Throughout the interview, Doherty and Hill reflected on how they first fell in love with snooker during their childhood years reciting light-hearted anecdotes and how their lives have been shaped by the sport.

As the action started, there were a series of doubles games which featured both the professionals and local talent teaming up which were all played in great spirit and fun. 

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There was great banter throughout the night with many witty quips, remarks and stories from the professionals as well as referee Aonghus McAnally much to the delight of the crowd. 

During the break in play, there was a host of sports memorabilia up for grabs including signed football jerseys of Eric Cantona, Mo Salah and Robbie Fowler.

There was also a chance for fans to purchase snooker cues signed by Doherty and Hill during an auction with the winning bids also allowed the opportunity to play alongside them in the final exhibition doubles game.

The night ended with a fiercely contested best out of three battle between Doherty and Hill as the crowd were treated to snooker of the highest quality which concluded a brilliant evening of cue sports action and craic in Tullamore.