Von Beaumont overcomes Clarke to claim senior snooker title

Mullingar Snooker Club notes

The 2025 Westmeath Snooker Championship Final was held in the St Mary’s Snooker Club rooms on Bishopsgate Street, Mullingar, during the last week. This tournament is for senior players on the Westmeath snooker circuit each year.

It was Stephen von Beaumont who took the honours in an eagerly awaited match against Davan Clarke to chalk up his first senior title.

In a little over thirty years of this tournament, only eight players have managed to win the event.

Winners’ record: 1988 Enda Collins; 1989 Ger O’Connor; 1990 Ger O’Connor; 1991 Mick Kane; 1992 Mick Kane; 1993 Mick Kane; 1994 Mick Kane; 1995 Mick Kane; 1996 Mick Kane; 1997 Mick Kane; 1998 Don Rogers; 1999 Don Rogers; 2000 Ger O’Connor; 2001 Ger O’Connor; 2002 Ger O’Connor; 2003 Terry Parker; 2004 Ger O’Connor; 2005 Richie Toal; 2006 Ger O’Connor; 2007 Ger O’Connor; 2008 Ger O’Connor; 2009 No Event; 2010 Terry Parker; 2011 Terry Parker; 2012 Davan Clarke; 2013 Richie Toal; 2014 Ger O’Connor; 2015 Ger O’Connor; 2016 Gary Walsh; 2017 Terry Parker; 2018 Richie Toal; 2019 Richie Toal; 2022 Richie Toal; 2023 Barry Mulvany; 2024 Gary Walsh; 2025 Stephen von Beaumont.

2025 Final

Stephen von Beaumont v Davan Clarke

Michael Kane, Club Chairman, got this final under way between the in-form Stephen von Beaumont, a winner of three Intermediate tournaments this year, and the 2012 champion, Davan Clarke.

The best-of-seven-frames final report is as follows:

Frame 1:

The match was anticipated, as Stephen had a great run to the final with tough matches against Ger O’Connor, Niall Heffernan and Keith Mulligan. Davan Clarke overcame Paul O’shaughnessy, Richie Toal (w/o), Ger O’Connor and Seán Slevin.

The first frame saw both players nervous and there was no great match play until the colours. Davan had a couple of great chances but let the frame slip from his grasp. He needed a snooker on the brown and eventually left Stephen a long pink for the frame - and he does not miss too many long shots.

Frame 2:

Davan broke off and it was nip and tuck with some good match play. Davan got a good chance and slotted home five reds and blacks and another red to record a 41 break, only to miss the blue. After some safety play, Stephen finally surrendered the frame. It looked like Davan had found some form and might just find a way of defeating Stephen.

Frame 3:

We, the spectators, referee and scorekeeper, all thought the tide was about to turn. Stephen managed to get his nose in front for a short time and it looked like he was going to win the frame, but missed chances let Davan in again, and he slotted home a 43 break to edge ahead. However, the defining balls fell to Stephen and he notched up another frame to lead 2–1.

Frame 4:

The fourth frame saw a resurgent Stephen, who started to get his safety game together. Although Davan had a few chances, they were difficult and he felt forced to attack. He was not playing well enough to trouble the in-form Stephen, who, after winning three Intermediate tournaments, was match-sharp. Davan only managed to score 29 points in this frame, while Stephen had double that. Stephen won the frame, leaving Davan’s back against the wall with no more room for mistakes.

Frame 5:

The final frame was won through Stephen’s safety play. At a crucial time he took a smart 24 break to leave Davan needing a clearance, and choosing the green on the black spot instead of the black left him needing snookers. The determination on Stephen’s face made it clear he was going to win — and win he did.

Result:

Stephen von Beaumont beat Davan Clarke, 4–1.

Scores: 52–40, 22–60, 70–49, 61–29, 63–37.

Presentation

Mick Kane, Club Chairman, thanked Ger O’Connor and his family for sponsoring the event. He called Ger O’Connor, Hon Club Secretary, forward to present the 2025 Westmeath Snooker Championship “Shane J O’Connor Memorial Cup” to the champion, Stephen von Beaumont, who now became the tenth winner of this tournament in thirty-six years.

The cup is named in honour of the late Shane J O’Connor, Ger’s son.

Club Chairman Michael Kane thanked all the competitors for playing in the event and congratulated the new champion, Stephen von Beaumont, who now joins the list of winners of this event since 1988.

Mick Kane hopes to see a full calendar of events next year, kicking off with the 2026 Mullingar Open Snooker Championship, sponsored by Cleary Electrical, in the club shortly.

Mick said they encourage all snooker players to enter these events and reminded everyone that champions can only win by beating the players willing to enter the tournaments.