Posthumous honour for legendary pool player Davy Tosh

The 147 Individuals Shield - which Davy won a record six times - was ‘retired’ and presented to his partner Sharon and daughters Stacey and Shelby.

The shield will now take pride of place in the trophy cabinet at the Sperrin Club - Davy’s spiritual home - and the place where he began his competitive pool career.

A new trophy - The Davy Tosh 147 Individuals Cup - has been donated to the league by Robert Downes of the 147 Club. The first name on the trophy is Marc Hutchinson, who defeated Sperrin’s Allen Tosh in this year’s final.

Davy Tosh played his first game of league pool for Sperrin alongside his close friend Raymond Stockman in 1994 and capped a marvellous playing career when winning his sixth Singles title in the Newmills Road venue last year.

Playing through the pain barrier as he bravely battled cancer, Davy defeated Raymond Baxter 6-5 in one of the most dramatic pool matches ever played in Coleraine.

Loved and respected throughout the Coleraine League and in pool circles across Northern Ireland, Davy passed away in February at the age of 42.

Hid wonderful talent was first recognised when he was called up for the NI Men’s team in the mid 90s. He won the European Championships with the NI team in St Malo, France in 1996 and World Championship titles in 1998 and 1999.

At the recent Coleraine Tennents Pool League dinner held in The Bull’s Eye, Raymond Stockman paid an emotional tribute to Davy - twice a NI Doubles winner.

Raymond recalled many happy times with Davy and said it was fitting that his final match - that never-to-be forgotten sixth Singles title win - was played at his beloved Sperrin.

Raymond said: “His heart was always with the Sperrin. He told me he would love to come back and play for the club again but sadly that final victory was his last time.

“It’s a lovely gesture for Davy’s family and his partner Sharon to donate the trophy to the Sperrin where everyone can see his magnifient achievements. It will ensure that Davy’s place in local pool will never be forgotten.”

Davy’s partner, Sharon said: “On behalf of myself and the girls we were delighted and honoured to receivee the Shield from the league and felt it was fitting to donate it to the Sperrin Club - a place very close to Davy’s heart.”

Trevor Harte, secretary of the Northern Ireland Pool Association and president of the Coleraine Pool League, said the shield would take pride of place in the Sperrin.

He added that Davy occupied a hallowed place in the history of the local game and the honour was fitting given his many achievements, particularly his European and World team titles with Northern Ireland.