Grove Leisure » Billy O’Connor

The snooker world is honouring Billy O’Connor

monique — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:16:38 +0000

Today, the snooker world took farewell of Billy O’Connor, a talented young snooker player, but more importantly a very nice, selfless and ever brave person.

Worldsnooker pays tribute to Billy

Tuesday 22 Dec 2015 01:28PM

Friends and family of Billy O’Connor gathered in Dagenham today for the funeral of the former England junior captain who sadly died this month at the age of 18.

Snooker players including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stuart Bingham, Judd Trump, Jack Lisowski, Oliver Lines and Sean O’Sullivan were there to remember Billy, whose brave three-year battle with cancer ended on December 9th.

Billy first played snooker at the age of three and first represented England in 2009. He went on to captain the under-16 team when they won the Home Internationals title in 2012.

Last year he organised an 24-hour snooker marathon at Upton Park Snooker Club which raised £11,000 – for more details click here.

He continued to play snooker in between his treatment for illness, and as recently as September reached the last 16 of an EASB Premier Tour event.

Our deepest sympathies go to Billy’s parents Debbie and Barry and all of his family and friends at this sad time.

To read more about him click here

Mark King should have been there as well, as Billy’s family had asked him to be one of the coffin bearers. Mark was playing in the Senior World Championship qualifiers and did ask Worldsnooker if it would be possible to play his last match early so that he could be back in Essex in time to honour Billy. Unfortunately this couldn’t be arranged (and poor Mark lost his last match as well).

Farewell Billy

monique — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 16:53:46 +0000

Billy O’Connor has lost his battle against cancer this morning. For four years, he fought against the disease, showing great courage, he never gave up. He was a lovely person and a great snooker talent.
Billy’s funeral is held on 22/12/15 at 10am Holy Family Church, Oxbow Lane, Dagenham, Essex and onto Eastbrook End Cemetery for the burial after. Flowers can be ordered from Four Seasons in Broad Street, Dagenham.
Ronnie O’Sullivan himself had tipped him to become a great of the game. Unfortunately, this terrible disease has robbed him of his future and his dreams. It’s a great loss for snooker, and an even greater loss for his family, his friends, and us, at Grove, who have managed and supported him since the age of nine. We are devastated. Our thoughts go out to his family.

Rest in peace, Billy, you will be in our hearts forever.

Billy O’Connor Snooker Marathon raises over 11K for charity!

monique — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 11:08:39 +0000

Billy O’Connor is 17 years old and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. He was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 15. He’s a very gifted young snooker player currently captaining England team. He organised a 24h snooker marathon on August 16, 2014, to support Teenage Cancer Trust. Several pros and former pros showed their support – Jack Lisowski, Neil Robertson Stuart Bingham, Mark King, Sean O’Sullivan were there – and the event raised a over £11000 for Teenage Cancer Trust! THANK YOU!!!

Billy with Neil, Stuart and Mark and, last but not least the organiser Gary Filtness.

Thanks to every one who supported this great event!

and it even made it to the news! Dagenham teenager raises thousands with snooker marathon

Billy O’Connor – star of the future?

admin — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:36:44 +0000

Billy’s snooker career continues to improve. He recently took part in the Star of the Future 2012 competition in Prestatyn, Wales. In February Billy met with 33 15yr and under fellow snooker players. In a group of 8 he finished top of his league, without being beaten, with 30 points and progressed to the last 16. Beating Billy Stanton 3-0 he then went on to the last 8 to beat Jake Mulligan 3-0. His reign continued to the last 4 beating Tyler Rees 3-0. He reached the final without losing one match! Unfortunately he was beaten 3-0 by Nico Elton. It can only be onwards and upwards for his career. Mum, Dad and coach Gary Filtness are proud as punch!

Billy O’Connor reaches last four of EASB U14

admin — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 06:39:39 +0000

The Grove’s Billy O’Connor took part in the EASB English Under 14 tournament in Leeds on 26 March.

Billy reached the semi-final after progressing to the kock-out phase beating Robert Jones 4-2 and Russell Morgan 4-1. However he lost to Louise Heathcote 4-1 in the last four.

Billy has also been selected to play for England – more news on this soon!

EASB Junior Tour, Woking: 3rd October 2010

admin — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:49:21 +0000

A great event for the Grove’s Billy O’Connor who made it through to the final after beaing Guy Lozt in the semi final, only to lose 2-1 to Lewis Frampton.

It was Billy’s best performance to date and we’re hoping for his good form to continue in the next event here at the Grove Snooker Club in two weeks’ time.

Billy defeated another Grove player, Ryan Marriner, 3-0 in the group stages before making it through to the semi-finals.