RONNIE O’SULLIVAN wants top-level snooker to return to Ireland because they have the “most special” fans.
The Rocket will use Dublin as his base as he flies back and forth from the UK over the coming weeks at the end of this snooker season.
The 50-year-old will limit the days he spends in Sheffield for the World Championship for tax reasons because he is now based in Dubai.
He used to visit Ireland in a professional capacity almost every year between 1994 and 2007 for the now defunct Irish Masters.
Goffs Paddocks in County Kildare is a popular place for the old pros due to its unique circular layout where all supporters get a great view of the table and this creates an intimate atmosphere.
The World Snooker Tour does not stage any ranking tournaments in Ireland these days but does go every autumn to Belfast for the Northern Ireland Open.
O’Sullivan thrashed Stephen Hendry, a fellow seven-time world champion, 6-1 in the semi-finals of the John Virgo Trophy on Saturday night.
He said: “I have always loved playing in Ireland. Goffs is special.
“I always say this is the most special country in the world. People are amazing. The best people.
“It is amazing to be back here in Ireland. We love this place. I always say that this is the best country on earth.”
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In March 1998, Ronnie O’Sullivan became the Irish Masters champion aged 22 but a few months later, he was stripped of his title after testing positive for cannabis.
His 9-3 win over Irishman Ken Doherty was annulled and he forfeited his £61,000 prize-money as the Darling of Dublin was crowned the champion.
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