IRELAND'S TJ Dowling touched down at Dublin Airport yesterday proudly holding the European under 19 snooker championship trophy following his victory over England's Michael Holt in the best of 11 frames final played in Jersey on Sunday.

The 16 year old from Glasnevin was greeted by a crowd of well wishers that included his parents Tom and Lily and sister Ciara.

Dowling, who plays his snooker in the Classic club in Finglas said: "Even though Michael was 63 points up in the fifth frame, I knew I was still in with a good chance if the opportunity arose.

"Fortunately when I came to the table, I potted a long red and then cleared the table. That was the killer frame for me and I could see him shaking his head in disbelief. I knew at that stage, that I had the match won.

Indeed Dowling went on to take three out of the next four frames to clinch a 6-3 win. The determined Dubliner gets up at six in the morning to practice before going to school.

Dowling now has his sights set on the professional ranks.