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Former world champion Ken Doherty heads an all-Irish field for the Irish Snooker Classic in Kildare next month.

Defending champion Doherty will be joined at the Celbridge Snooker Club by a number of full tour professionals for the July 24-26 tournament.

Among the other big names competing are co-organiser Fergal O'Brien, two-times world championship semi-finalist Joe Swail and Kilkenny youngster David Morris.

Fans will also get a chance to see Brendan O'Donoghue in action, with the Nenagh potter having secured a place on the main tour last month by topping the Irish rankings.

Professionals Patrick Wallace, Joe Delaney and Michael Judge are also competing. Mark Allen who has been forced to pull out due to prior commitments.

"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity this season. It's great for Irish snooker that we've got a tournament like this," said Doherty.

"I always look forward to playing the other Irish boys, there's also good competition between us. A lot of us practice together, so we all know each other's games inside out, but we'll all want to win."

The tournament will be played in group format with the top two from each section moving on to the semi-finals.

Eurosport