Derry Civic Reception Celebrates 40 Years of the Tony Gough Snooker Competition.

Derry Civic Reception Celebrates 40 Years of the Tony Gough Snooker Competition.

 

The city of Derry is set to roll out the red carpet — literally — as local authorities prepare a civic reception to honour the 40th anniversary of the iconic Tony Gough Snooker Competition. Scheduled for early March 2026, the event will take place at the historic Guildhall, a fitting venue given its long association with community pride and sporting heritage in Northern Ireland’s second-largest city.

Tony Gough, a name synonymous with grassroots snooker in Derry, founded the tournament back in 1986 as a way to bring together local talent, nurture young players, and inject excitement into the winter sports calendar. Over four decades, the competition has grown from a modest club affair into one of the region’s most anticipated amateur snooker events, producing champions who’ve gone on to shine on national and even international stages.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr. John Boyle, confirmed plans for the reception: “This isn’t just about celebrating a tournament — it’s about celebrating a community. Tony Gough’s vision gave countless kids a table, a cue, and a dream. We’re proud to mark this milestone with a fitting tribute.”

The reception will feature:

– A ceremonial presentation of a specially commissioned trophy plaque to the current champion, alongside past winners stretching back to the inaugural 1986 holder, local legend Jimmy “The Hammer” McGarrity.

– Exhibits showcasing memorabilia — old scorecards, photographs from early editions held at the now-demolished Waterside Social Club, and even a vintage snooker table donated by the Gough family.

– Speeches from former champions, local councillors, and representatives of the Northern Ireland Snooker Association, highlighting how the event has fostered inclusivity and kept snooker alive outside major centres like Belfast.

– Live music from the Derry Youth Jazz Band and a surprise performance by former competition mascot-turned-singer, “Snooky” O’Connor, known for his hit single “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” inspired by a dramatic frame-deciding shot in 1998.

Attendees will include families of past participants, local dignitaries, and even surprise guest Ronnie O’Sullivan, who grew up watching broadcasts of the Tony Gough event and credits it with sparking his own love for the game. O’Sullivan has pledged to drop by for a quick chat and autograph session — though organisers hint he may challenge the current holder to a friendly frame.

The event also ties into Derry’s broader cultural calendar — coming just weeks after the 335th Relief of Derry commemorations in August 2024, which saw massive turnout and renewed civic pride. City officials see the snooker reception as part of a year-long celebration of local heroes and grassroots achievements.

“We want to show that greatness starts small,” said Sports Development Officer Sinead McLaughlin. “From Tony’s first tournament in a converted garage to today’s packed halls — this competition proves sport can change lives.”

For those unable to attend in person, streaming will be available via the Derry City Council YouTube channel, with commentary from local radio host “Cue Crazy” Kenny Craig