Local snooker players celebrated for competing in Disability Championships in Bangkok

Dungarvan snooker players Dylan Rees and Alex Hennebry were honoured with a Mayoral Reception in City Hall last week in recognition of them representing Ireland in the first ever World Snooker Disability Championships held in Bangkok.

The historic event saw 66 players across wheelchair, ambulant, intellectual, visual and deaf classification groups.

Both of our locals players represented their county and country to the fullest, with Dylan defeating world number one and compatriot Colvin O’Brien 3-0 to become world champion for the final time.

During the reception in the Mayor's Parlour, Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr John Pratt, said that both Dylan and Alex had shown extraordinary "dedication, focus and passion."

"Representing Ireland on the world stage is no small feat and to do so at a history-making event is something they and all of us can be proud of," he said.

"I would also like to recognise the support of their families, coaches and all those who helped them reach this level. Behind every great athlete is a strong team of people.

"On behalf of Waterford city and county council, I extend my congratulations and our sincere admiration."

Also present at the reception were Cllrs Joe O'Riordan and Niamh O'Donovan.

Commending the pair, Cllr Joe O'Riordan said: "Alex will be familiar with you all as the jovial young man in the Dungarvan Post Office. To say we are all extremely proud of him would be an understatement

"I want to compliment both of you on your fantastic achievement in representing your country on the foreign stage, particularly when you have to overcome adversity to do it

"The achievement of going abroad to compete, it cant be understated, as well as the work your doing in the locality with the snooker club. Its tremendous."

Cllr O'Donovan described the pair's achievements as "remarkable" and said that snooker is growing in popularity in Waterford, particularly amongst young people.

"In the youth centre I used to work, it was the most played sport down there. Young people love it, and it’s a very relaxing sport even though there’s a huge amount of concentration and skill needed."