A father and son from Belfast are celebrating after claiming ian ncredible sporting double in space of a week.

Gerard Heaney won the IBF World Pool Championship in Malta on November 10, and six days later his son Gerard Jr won the Northern Ireland Under 18 Individual title.

It was a proud double success for the pair, who play pool for the Dwyers Club in West Belfast.

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Gerard told Belfast Live: "We are both delighted. It was a special week for the family. That's the third time young Gerard has won the Under 18s, but this is my first World Championship.

"I had a prelim match before reaching the last-64 of the tournament, so I had a total of about six or seven games. I was playing against players from all over the world but in the final I actually played another Irish player, Paul Kelly, who I know well.

"It is the biggest win of my career. I had won the Northern Ireland title before and a few regional trophies, but there is nothing bigger than the Worlds. I was nervous in the semi-finals because I was so close, but I was able to relax in the final and just play my game.

"I have played Paul a few times before, so it was ironic that we met in the World final. I just wanted to do myself proud and I managed to do that. I felt good throughout the game and took my chances in the game.

"The furthest I got before in the Worlds before was the last-16, but I reached the Doubles final last time out in France. We just came up short on that occasion, but this year I got over the line."

Gerard added: "Having my young lad there watching made it even more special. Being able to experience it all with him topped everything. Winning it with my son and friends there was the best feeling.

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"I was in shock afterwards, but it has been amazing since then. The support has been out of this world."

Gerard was still celebrating his World honours when young son Gerard Jr claimed the Northern Ireland Under 18 title.

The proud father said: "Gerard Jr has dominated Northern Ireland pool at that age group for a few years now. I would expect him to go and win the World title at some stage. I actually thought he would do it before I ever did.

"Gerard Jr is a special talent. He is still only 17 and his priorities might change, but he has way more talent than I ever had. He just needs to learn other elements of the game, like game management and things like that. But in terms of ability he is frightening.

"He won a tournament in England a while back which showed what he can do. If he keeps playing and developing he could become professional."

The younger Heaney has grown up watching his father play pool. That's where the drive and motivation to lift a cue came from.

"He has been watching and supporting me since he was no age, and I brought him down to the pool hall when he was young," said Gerard.

"He just watched me and I taught him the basics, so he could enjoy playing. He took more of an interest as he got older.

"I knew he always had the potting ability, and I just had to teach him the mentality side, and how to carry himself on and off the table. He spends a lot of time away with me, and we have been to loads of different countries and places in Ireland, and he loves it.

"Hopefully he can go on and win many world titles. I don't think I will win another, but he has the ability to win multiple titles."

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