Donovan hopes for big break at Home Internationals

COMBINING schoolwork, football, swimming, scouting and learning piano leads to a busy schedule. But 12-year-old Donovan Sheridan has also been spending time on the baize improving his snooker skills - so much so that he has been chosen to represent Scotland; for the second successive year. Last year, at the tender age of 11, the Brydekirk youngster played for the Scotland B Under 16 team at the Home Internationals. This year, due to his ongoing improvement, he has been chosen for the Scotland Under 16 A team. Donovan, who has been playing the sport since he was seven, mainly practices out of Annan’s Blue Bell and intends to compete in the Annan and District Snooker League this coming season. His progress – he now has a top break of 64 – is not only down to his determination and commitment to the sport but also the support he has been given by his parents, Daniel and Fiona, and mentor Neil Sharkey who plays in the Annan and District Snooker League. Neil was watching a competition at the Sands Snooker Club in Dumfries when he noticed Donovan’s skill. After speaking to dad Daniel, it was discovered there was a family friend and Neil offered to help guide Donovan on his snooker journey. Neil said: “With a love for the game combined with his obvious talent and ability to learn, Donovan has the potential to go far provided he remains grounded and continues to prioritise his academic studies, which I firmly believe he will.” Snooker players from the league and other interested parties have chipped in to help fund expenses for Donovan and his father when they travel down to Leeds Snooker Centre next week for the 2025 Home Internationals.