MARK Allen was in Shipley for a snooker night last Friday, where he made a passionate plea to any parents in attendance not to put too much pressure on their talented children.

Young, old and somewhere in between were in attendance for the 10-frame exhibition at The Saltaire Bar.

And just outside of the main room, kids were picking up their cues and playing some impromptu matches against friends while former Masters and UK Championship winner Allen produced some brilliant snooker, including a 147, just a few metres away.

And speaking to the T&A at the end of the night, Allen said: “That’s the biggest thing, because if you don’t enjoy playing, why would you do long hours of practice?

“You have to enjoy trying to learn every day and how to compete against players who are probably better than you when you start out.

“I’m 38 now and I still enjoy trying to get better every single day.

“I hope I’m setting a good example for the youngsters that come to my snooker club in Northern Ireland and see me practicing, knowing I’m enjoying myself doing that.”

Northern Ireland is tiny compared to England, so it is little surprise that their great sportsmen, like George Best and Alex Higgins, were hero-worshipped by many in the country during their careers, and still to this day, even though both died several years ago.

Asked by the T&A if he feels that pressure of flying the flag for Northern Irish sport, Allen said: “It is a big thing.

Mark Allen can only watch on in despair as Mark Selby beats him 17-15 in the World Snooker Championship semi-finals at The Crucible last year. Allen has made the last-four twice in Sheffield but never the final.Mark Allen can only watch on in despair as Mark Selby beats him 17-15 in the World Snooker Championship semi-finals at The Crucible last year. Allen has made the last-four twice in Sheffield but never the final. (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.)

“It’s not what I started out to do, I was just trying to win tournaments then, to win the World Championship and to be world number one.

“But now I’ve been involved in snooker a long time and have a lot more experience, I want to set a good example.

“I want people to be playing snooker in Northern Ireland hoping to be the next Mark Allen.

“That’s not me being arrogant or big-headed, I just want to inspire new people to take up the game.

“I’ve been very fortunate with what the game has given me, and I’d love to see more people playing snooker in Northern Ireland from a young age.

“If I can help just a few more people start out, I’ll feel like I’ve been doing my job right.”