Eugene Hughes

Eugene Hughes (born 4 November 1955 in Dún Laoghaire) is an Irish former professional snooker player. In 1985, 1986 and 1987 he was a member of the successful all-Irish team in the World Cup, alongside Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor.

Career Hughes was born on 4 November 1955 in Dún Laoghaire. He won the national under-19 English billiards and snooker titles in 1975, and later won the senior national titles four times in each discipline. He recorded a new championship record break at the 1980 World Amateur Snooker Championship. He turned professional in 1981. In 1985, 1986 and 1987 he was a member of the successful all-Irish team in the World Cup, alongside Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor. He reached two ranking semi-finals: the 1984 International Open and the 1986 International Open. He reached (and lost) six Irish Professional Championship semi-finals between 1982 and 1989.

Hughes ended the 1996–97 snooker season ranked 169th, which meant he lost his status as a professional, as only the top 64 players qualified. He remained active in billiards, winning the Irish title for the eighth time in 2009.

Personal life After himself relocating to England, Hughes allowed his compatriot and fellow-snooker player Stephen Murphy live in his house when Murphy first moved to England to pursue his snooker career. The pair practised together at Ilford Snooker Club. A football fan, he is a supporter of Manchester United.

Career finals Team finals: 3 (3 titles) Career team final details are shown below. OutcomeNo.YearChampionshipTeam/partnerOpponent(s) in the finalScoreWinner 1. 1985 World Cup Ireland 9–7Winner 2. 1986 World Cup (2) Ireland 9–7Winner 3. 1987 World Cup (3) Ireland 9–2