Superbly Organised Tournament

Daniel Wells - 2011 European Champion

So, the European Championships are over for another year. What a professional, slick enterprise this was and credit has to go to Oleg and the Bulgarian Snooker Federation. Looking back over the 12 days of the tournament I can remember the excitement, fun, tension and stiff competition that is a European Event. For Bulgaria to take on this event with just 16 weeks notice is a testement to the hard work put in by both EBSA and the BSF, something the players often overlook.

'Blue' Peter, me, Ger, Vic, and Sverrir 'Ashcloud' Garðarsson

The standard of referreing has also improved and this was highlighted by Bernard McGuinness during his speech at the end of the event, well done referees. The closing ceremony was a fitting climax to a wonderful tournament., with estatic winners and gracious loosers. Although I didn't sample the 'Black Ram' whiskey (one of the sponsors) during the closing ceremony I have heard it is quite good, a bottle or two was exported to various parts of the European community no doubt.

I have made some wonderful friends and if I didn't get an opportunity to mention you on my blog (thank your lucky stars) there is always the next time. Sofia is not the easist place to reach in Europe and we had to get connecting flight from Paris both there and back. But thats not detracting from a wonderful venue and event.

Next year I am sure the host country will be a little more accesible with possible host countries ISRAEL, LATVIA, RUSSIA, DENMARK, GERMANY and N.IRELAND hoping to host the event. Watch this space and I will update the moment I hear anything.

For me it's back to the day job (I have some car trouble which means I can't get into work today as I write this) and my other passion which is Politics. The next election campaign will not be for another 3 years, so plenty of work lies ahead. If you are interested in what our party stands for, you can catch up via my website, which again will also be updated with various goings on. Click here.

Oh, and before I forget and get off the snooker theme completely, thanks for the t-shirt Janie. I like surprises and I LOVE SNOOKER!!

A good day for Northern Ireland

Go Team NI. Before getting to the snooker it's worth point out the power of online blogging. The German snooker player Miro Popovic pulled me to one side today to let me know he has been following 'this' blog and he is enjoying it...WOW! What for me is a way to let my kids know what is happening has reached so many people and I am humbled, even though a lot of the ramblings are pretty random and not really related to snooker. Thanks Miro, your words mean a lot to me. Plus you have invited me to your town which I know very well having spent some time in Bottrop, I want to say be prepared for lots of beer and fun!

Back to snooker and Team NI. We had the first win registered for the snooker  master John McIntyre, well done buddy, long overdue. The EBSA table fitter Jacek Rudowicz from Poland is a fantastic potter, but John used his boundless experience to cause enough problems winning easily 3-1.

The Bulgarian Ivailo Markov was my 5th group opponent and he didn't find his game at all, giving me a few too many chances, thankfully I took these with a couple of small breaks in the first, a 60 in the second, and a comfortable 3rd to secure a 3-0 victory. Snooker over for another day.

A nifty dancer - nice

Following the successful 'Party Bus' night on Saturday enjoyed by the team, rumours were abound that a 'Lady GaGa' look-a-like would be making an appearance at the venue, alas this didn't happen but by no means did it dampen what was an otherwise a fantastic night, Sofia will come again. I hope.

On the Move - A good day at the office

Finally got approval from work today to take part in the event this year. BT are one great company to work for. Because the event is a major International event and I am representing Northern Ireland, it made the decision that much easier. Given I have already had some time off recently to stand for election, I am very thankful for the support (Thank you Heather, Rita, Cecilia and Robert) what a great team.

Northern Ireland Snooker Championships
Eventually tracked down my missing snooker cue (behind the fridge) and now looking forward to the Northern Ireland Championship, this year sponsored by Danny Boy Whiskey. This will be the last competitive snooker I will get before the EBSA European Championship starts so will be a good indicator of how I should do...that's the theory anyway.

Sofia - whats going on?

I finally received notification from NIBSA Secretary yesterday that my nomination has been sent through to EBSA ahead of this years European Championships in June. Thanks Brian. Once confirmed, I quickly had a peek at www.skyscanner.net to check out flights and prices. Once completed, it was down to a bit of 'research' on Sofia, and Bulgaria ahead of the trip.

Church of St Nedelya & Goddess Protector

This gets quite a mention in most of the sites I have looked at, Sveta Nedelya (not pictured) is apparently a typical example of neo-Byzantine architecture. There has been a church on site since medieval times, although the present building dates from the mid-19th century. In 1925, the church was largely destroyed when Communist rebels exploded a bomb during a funeral service, attended by Tsar Boris III and his cabinet ministers, killing 123 people. Nice.

The square, Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya, used to be named after Lenin and a statue of the Communist leader once stood here. It has since been replaced by a 24m (79ft) bronze statue of the goddess protector of the city, Sofia (above), holding the symbols of wisdom and fame, a much better view than Lenin I think.

First impressions of Sofia are very good. Will have to get my Daughter Joanne and her friend Morgan to do a little bit more research for me, its going to be an awesome trip, so long as I remember to bring my Snooker Cue, it is a tournament after all!