Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has been immersing himself in intensive practice sessions at a traditional Irish snooker club as he gears up for a dramatic return to the Masters tournament next week.
The Rocket's Irish Training Base
The seven-time world champion, now 50, has been staying in Ireland and sought out high-quality practice matches at the Celbridge Snooker Club, just outside Dublin. With the Masters set to begin at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, O'Sullivan is leaving nothing to chance in his bid for a record-extending ninth title.
His preparation marks a significant shift from last year, when he withdrew from the event entirely. That decision came after a moment of frustration at the Championship League, where he famously 'lost the plot' and snapped his cue, unhappy with his form. This time around, the mood and method are decidedly different.
Old School Atmosphere and High-Stakes Practice
The setup was arranged by former professional Fergal O'Brien, who played at the Celbridge club from 2008 until his retirement in 2024. Recognising O'Sullivan's need for competitive games, O'Brien paired him with two of the young professionals he now coaches: Jordan Brown from Antrim and Aaron Hill from Cork.
'The club in Celbridge has two Star tables there,' O'Brien explained. 'He needed to practice and he was looking for a couple of games against good players. I work with Jordan and Aaron, so I said, "I know they'd be delighted to play with you." Sure enough they came down and had a couple of games.'
O'Brien emphasised the mutual benefit, noting it was a huge boost for both the club and the young players to share a table with the sport's biggest star. He described the venue as a 'real old school snooker club' with a busy, vibrant atmosphere over the New Year period, yet one that also offered O'Sullivan the privacy to focus entirely on his game.
A Welcome Change of Scenery
According to O'Brien, who was present for the sessions, O'Sullivan thoroughly enjoyed the environment. 'He seems to really enjoy being around and playing in the club,' said the former world number nine. He credited the club's owners, Phil and Johanna Martin, for maintaining a strict policy in the main playing hall, ensuring only players are allowed in, which created an ideal, undisturbed practice setting.
While O'Sullivan's competitive season has had its challenges, O'Brien observed promising signs. 'In talking to him, he's in good form in himself and he loved being in the club and playing. He was certainly playing well enough!' O'Brien remarked, though he conceded that only 'The Rocket' himself truly knows his current level.
O'Sullivan's opening match at the Masters is a blockbuster clash against former champion Neil Robertson, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
O'Brien's Smooth Transition from Player to Coach
The article also shed light on Fergal O'Brien's life after his 33-year professional career ended in 2024. He admitted his own surprise at not missing competitive play, a fear several friends had harboured for him. 'The only real surprise is that I don't miss playing, which I'm amazed at to be honest,' O'Brien said.
He attributes this smooth transition to being 'straight into coaching' with players like Hill, Brown, and Martin O'Donnell, combined with a busy schedule of coaching in Ireland and media commentary work. 'The switch as a player just went off,' he concluded, content in his new chapter within the sport he loves.
