KEN DOHERTY'S family and friends toasted the first world snooker champion from the Republic with champagne and pizza last night.
Minutes after the 27 year old Doherty potted the final ball in the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield to beat Scot Stephen Hendry by 18 frames to 12, his family's terraced house in the Dublin suburb of Ranelagh was heaving with well wishers and journalists.
For Doherty's 63 year old mother, Rose, the excitement of the match was too much. She stayed out of the house all day, visiting friends in hospital. Anything to avoid watching television, said Doherty's older brother, Shay (36). "She can't watch his matches at all. She's got bad blood pressure," he said.
Doherty's other brother Anthony (31) had cracked half way through the evening and had to leave the house as well.
At 9.50 p.m. the young Dubliner, who had just picked up a cheque for £210,000, rang home to inquire about the family. "He just said how is everything at home. It was just a normal phone call," said Shay.
Doherty's sister Rosemary (25), confessed they had not been confident of his success all along, especially when he missed a blue ball and potted a pink by mistake. "We're so glad it's all over."
Family friend, Mr Gerry Spencer, said the win was his dream come true. Two years ago he dreamed Doherty would take the world title at the age of 27. And he bet a tenner on it at 40 to one.
Round the corner in Jason's snooker club, where Doherty potted his first black, the champagne was on ice from around 9 p.m.
Doherty was congratulated on his victory by the President, Mrs Robinson, who said he would be a great ambassador for Ireland. Congratulations were also conveyed by the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton; the Tanaiste, Mr Spring; the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern; the PD leader, Ms Mary Harney, and the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr Brendan Lynch.
Doherty is due to return to Ranelagh today with the trophy, and several homecoming celebrations have been prepared. More champagne and pizza no doubt.