The closing stages of the Joseph Thompson billiard tournament took place in the O'Brien Memorial Hall, Borris-in-Ossory on Sunday 3rd March. The local clubs had been well represented with players from Rathdowney, Durrow, Templemore, Edenderry, Kilkenny and Mountrath, but it as the local players filled three of the semi-final places. The exception was Conor O'Dwyer from Kilkenny, but he also went out at this stage, losing 400-261 to John Fahy, both players having a handicap of 400.
In the other semi-final John Delaney, the club's chairman, who received 100 points start from Joe Doheny. Try as Joe did to wipe out the handicap, he was unable to do so, and Delaney went on to win 400- 312.
It was the first time any local player reached the final and with the destination of the trophy now certain to remain in Borris-in-Ossory, all broke for a meal in the Loft restaurant, Ballaghmore. The long awaited final started at 6.00pm and with both players off a 400 handicap, they started level. Fahy took an early lead and passed the 300 mark almost sixty points in front. Although Delaney attempted to come back, Fahy held his advantage to win 400-321
In conclusion, Murty O'Donnell thanked the Thompson family for their sponsorship of the tournament which has grown to be the best in the country with all the top class billiard players in Ireland taking part. Joe Doheny made the highest break of the tournament with 105. Frank Thompson presented the Waterford Crystal trophies and other prizes to the winners.
Semi-finals
| John Fahy | 400 | Conor O'Dwyer | 261 | ||
| John Delaney (rec100) | 400 | | 312 |
Final
| John Fahy | 400 | John Delaney | 321 |