Table football in Ireland is definitely moving in the right direction after the final round of the Irish circuit in the north-west.

You could argue the point that from a championship perspective this was a bit of a dead rubber (as the title was as good as decided) and the venue was tucked up in the north-west of the country (not the easiest to access). That didn’t deter the 16 individuals that turned up to play. Factor in a handful of notable absentees because of other commitments, we could quite easily of seen 20 plus players taking part in Derry.

The draw took place on the Friday night with the standout “group of death” throwing together home town boy Martin Og, Barry Spence and Ernie Bickerstaff from the north of the country and representing Kerry, David Elton.

The highlight of the group stages saw the ever-improving youngster Daniel Kalizewsk take top spot in group C. Martin Og took the “headline” group on goal difference from Barry Spence with the other groups going pretty much to form.

In the main event quarter finals Andy Fitzpatrick was desperately unlucky to lose on shots to Kenny Beggs and there was a great result from Brendan Rodgers seeing off Daniel. I the last 4 Kenny Beggs’ luck ran out as Barry Spence won on shots in a contest that swung like a pendulum.

That set up an all-northern final looked like it was heading for a home town win with Martin Og leading 1-0 into the final minutes but Spence snatched a dramatic equalizer. His new found momentum caried him through the extra time before eventually clinching a well-earned victory on shots.

In the Plate competition the favourite looked to be Eoin Adams who was very unlucky not to qualify from group A. The Bangor man breezed into the semi final but met an inspired Lawrence Watson who triumphed 3-0. On the other side of the draw Kerry’s David Elton came through a close encounter with Ernie Bickerstaff to triumph on shots. The north south final was locked at 0-0 until an inspired shot from the Tralee man in extra time took the honours.

Once again, a big kudos to the Derry City Club and our hosts at the Argyle Bar for looking after us and putting on a great day.

Finally, well done to Kenny Beggs on taking the overall “Subbuteo King of Ireland” prize, with Martin Og Bradley finishing runner-up and Barry Spence taking third.

Here’s to 2024!