By David Caulfield
Ireland's Josh Boileau won the European Under-21 Snooker Championship on Saturday in Poland, and in doing so has qualified for the professional ranks.
The 20-year-old from County Kildare beat England's Brandon Sargeant 6-1 in the final, where he also compiled a superb tournament-high break of 130.
“I am the happiest and proudest coach in the world tonight” - National coach PJ Nolan
In doing so, Boileau becomes the first Irishman since 1997 to capture the junior amateur crown.
Antrim's Mark Allen and Belgian Luca Brecel, who featured in the final of last week's German Masters, are among the star names to feature on the roll of honour.
Along with the prestigious title, Boileau is set to be offered a two-year card onto the main tour.
The success makes up for previous near misses in international events, with runners-up spots in both the European and World Under-21 Championships in 2014.
Domestically, Boileau has excelled in the underage categories for years and claimed his maiden senior Irish ranking event in December.
The young cueist was lost for words after his achievement, simply expressing that his rise into the professional ranks “hasn't sunk in”.
National coach PJ Nolan said: “I am the happiest and proudest coach in the world tonight.
“It was a long road but Josh showed since aged 12 how much of a fighter he is and the talent he has got.”
Boileau's adventure in Wroclaw isn't over yet as his attentions now turn to the European Men's Championship this week, where he'll be attempting to perform a rare double.
Michael Judge, Brendan O'Donoghue, Jason Devaney and Ryan Cronin are also representing Ireland in the competition.
