Ken Doherty On Training With Ronnie O'Sullivan, His £2 Cue & George Best

What a belter this episode is!
We welcome Ken Doherty back to the channel who puts on a snooker clinic and delivers some amazing stories about getting his cue, meeting his hero Alex Higgins and even training with a young 12-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan. Settle down with a drink and enjoy this one. It's definitely one of our favourite episodes so far!
Let us know any future guests you'd like to see on the channel, and we'll try out best to get them on.
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[@Calsonic8899]

Love how Ken puts his cue down on the table before answering a question just to let you know he’s got a bit of a story to tell 😂

[@Dudebond.]

Clearly didn’t on few times

[@paulgillespie542]

agreed. he knows that he needs his hands to tell a live story. I wonder if he makes hand gestures in the commentary booth.

[@albino5995]

Ken puts his cue down and we start rubbing out hands for story time with Ken 😁

[@sithvsjedi9696]

@@paulgillespie542 I can guarantee it 😅

[@danmorfy3631]

Sure he is Irish ☘He does not know how to a make a Long story Short 👍

[@adamski101]

Ken Doherty is the only celeb who has ever replied to me on social media. I tweeted him good luck several years ago and he very politely replied thanking me. I've always liked him and that just made me like him all the more.

[@sithvsjedi9696]

Indeed. Can tell he is genuinely a nice guy as he comes across on the TV. There's no act there for sure.

[@eirebhoy132]

My dad met him in Belfast, they were chatting for a little bit talking about his match with ronnie. my dad then said there’s only one way you’re going to beat ronnie tonight with that cue and Ken said how’s that, my dad replied turn it around and knock him out with it, he said Ken just walked off pissing himself laughing 😂

[@alanF]

Of course he’s a Dub

[@robertmckeown5778]

True that what a gentleman and a legend

[@na-ow4oc]

You know

[@joeajbeaumont]

These two are the best ambassadors any sport could ask for. More Ken!

[@robovac3557]

Disagree. He dry a bit off character wise.

[@gurney2931]

I'm sure they are both good guys but Steve Davis is the snookers finest ambassador and should be knighted for all he has done for the sport both on and off the table.

[@Jacknul24]

​@@robovac3557 disagree eith you but we have different views

[@johnmc3862]

​@@robovac3557 What?

[@robovac3557]

@@Jacknul24 Fair enough.

[@corallaroc2946]

Ken's charisma is infectuous, plus his memory of every single game of the past is astounding. So entertaining to listen to!

[@haveanotherpinacolada]

Can't beat Ken.

[@na-ow4oc]

You know

[@aliadair1787]

Crafty Ken casually knocking out an 85. Two legends of the game

[@theshygenius5438]

He potted a brown followed by a blue

[@thesheetposter9277]

@@theshygenius5438 brown is just a deeper red

[@user-qf6kf6vd6t]

@@theshygenius5438 and he fouled the black while potting the brown🤣 they aren’t serious 🤣

[@mikesmith1485]

Thanks for the spoiler.

[@MichaelBoogerd]

@@theshygenius5438 lol it's the kind of blooper that they're so focused on the storytelling they didn't realize.

[@Sponger760]

I'm a random 40 year old bloke from the states who only recently discovered snooker in the past few years. Absolutely love this channel and the chats, wish they were much longer form. Could watch/listen to these chats for hours.

[@duncanmills391]

Good to have you my friend, enjoy

[@craigfowler7098]

Does Ken look younger than you? He is almost 54!!

[@oldmanc2]

It's a beautiful game. Great characters and skill. Have you seen Alex Higgins?!

[@Tomlawrence93]

Ken just casually hitting an 85 break in the most interrupted and distracted series of shots, class act.

[@FUNKINETIK]

I hardly paid attention to the snooker, I was so engrossed in his story telling.

[@JohnJaySnookerChannel]

Magical break like nothin with 2 class doubles

[@samwh.9611]

Ken's a great Irish ambassador for snooker and always good fun

[@johnsrabe]

Amen. Such a wonderful distinctive voice.

[@LQB42]

Here's to new era of hopefully 100 years of peace ✌️

[@arceus1]

Not just for Ireland, for the entire snooker world!

[@JohnJaySnookerChannel]

🍀🇮🇪

[@ShubhamSingh-zz7hd]

Ken is possibly the most entertaining guest stepehen has brought on. I play with an old Riley cue that has ken doherty's signature printed on it. Gonna treasure it even more now.

[@X22GJP]

Key word, "printed"...if it was an actual signature, would be different. An Argos special from way back isn't quite the same.

[@ShubhamSingh-zz7hd]

@@X22GJP if only you were as good at finding the "key" with Chelsea, you wouldn't be struggling so hard after spending 300 million ££. Buy everyone here a john parris please !! 😄

[@Charlie_Crown]

@@ShubhamSingh-zz7hd 🤣🤣😆👍

[@chrisg1ish]

100% accurate!

[@FUNKINETIK]

Ken’s story of his 42 year old cue that cost £2 was great.

[@glennkirwan5567]

As an Irish man I think I speak for us all in saying Ken is a top man . Proud of him . A great player and a right decent awl skin 🇮🇪

[@pottypranks8628]

As an Irishman I have to ask.. Did you wear your mask like you were told..and did you get all your jabs?

[@silewis9396]

​@@pottypranks8628 who gives a shite

[@charlielad6124]

​@@pottypranks8628weirdo

[@neilperry2241]

​@@pottypranks8628 🤡

[@kevinkilbane2007]

​@@pottypranks8628 hahaha. What a dummy

[@HugoNobrega87]

That George Best/Alex Higgins story was a very big, very bittersweet laugh. Another excellent episode, many thanks!

[@mason26392]

The story of the £2 cue is brilliant.

[@Harp00nX]

Money well spent I would say :D

[@nc3music920]

He still has the 3 pound as well

[@yellowfolder]

Doherty is money in the bank. Such a personality, always has been.

[@Paul-sl9zm]

💯 true. Ken is a gentleman and a legend.

[@onniroy4975]

If you were ever in doubt how good these players were in their prime dismissed by how easily Doherty made an 85 break without even concentrating. Amazing!

[@matthewbray7992]

Love it when Stephen says "wish I could double" 😂

[@jameso7049]

Some great story’s from Ken and knocked in an 85 while telling them 😂 which he made look so easy

[@RedMachineKieran]

how can you not love these two legends playing and having a laugh together? absolutely brilliant stuff lads

[@fensterputzernuernberg]

Ken should get his own KZbin channel going .. I think many snooker fans like him a lot . HE stands out .. I was captivated listening to him TBH

[@hamza9052]

Ken's laugh is priceless.

[@robertl426]

This has rapidly become one of my favourite KZbin channels. As a snooker fan for 25 years or so, it's a delight to hear these stories over a casual frame ( with an 85 break no less). I hope to see the both of you playing at The Crucible at least one more time, the best of luck to you in qualifying Ken and Stephen.

[@JohnJaySnookerChannel]

Here here 🇮🇪

[@BlazeyTV]

Casual Ken we'll call him just knocking in pots for fun whilst sharing some legendary stories. Class act, take a bow.

[@johnlarkin3020]

Ken is a gentleman and one of the soundest men I have met. 👍

[@akib2542]

Ken is just so great.. Always been one of my favourite players... The Curly Mick story 😂😂😂

[@changbeerbeer]

It’s always a laugh when Ken’s around, great to hear his story!

[@pyrrhicvictory6978]

Ken's run in 2003 World Championship is the best run ever what a pity he didn't win that year.

[@peaceandLove220]

he played 134 out of a possible 137 frames, thats outrageous must be a record

[@pyrrhicvictory6978]

@@peaceandLove220Yeah it's the most frames ever played in World Championship in the modern era I believe. Every match he had that year was epic, 2 deciders vs Dott, Murphy, going 10-0 up vs Higgins only for Higgins to win 7 in a row until Doherty got over the line. The epic 15-9 comeback vs Hunter, and then being 10-2 down to Williams and coming back to 16-16 incredible. As much as I like Williams as a player, after all the effort Doherty put in during that championship I do wish he'd won it. It would've been the greatest run ever to winning world championship. But Williams was on fire that year and having his best season ever.

[@sonicrules666]

I have tickets to the semi final this year for the 8th time overall at the World Championships. I'm from near Leeds, a Snooker fan since 1988 when I was 6 years old. I was there live when Ken played Paul Hunter, was devastated when Hunter lost, nothing against Ken at all he's a legend and I always enjoyed watching him play, tragic what happened to Paul. I had to smile at the stories, particularly the one abou the cue when he was 11, crafty Ken eh!

[@sharpvidtube]

I wanted Paul Hunter to win that year, such a shame that was his best chance.

[@wad6216]

yea i Had a tenner on him those last two frames Williams pulled put in the final at 16-16 to win were special, especially after Ken came back. That cost me 150 quid!

[@patrickcrowther9195]

That was wonderful. Ken Doherty’s laugh makes the world a better place. Top man and a fabulous player. At his peak he never knew when he was beat. After Steve Davis’ fabulous Alex Higgins impersonation, now another one! These chats with the players are so enjoyable.

[@williamstdog9]

I LOVED these stories so much!! 😭I remember going to Ireland 🇮🇪 for the first time in 1997 .. best memories of my life… and now hearing these guys talk about all this makes the memories come flooding back 😢 Wow I cannot believe Ken has had that cue for over 30 years!! 😱 Has any other Snooker legend done that before?? Thank you so much Stephen for doing these! You’re the best! ☺️

[@sixpounder18]

Joe Davis played his whole career with the same cue. Over 50 years.

[@sharpvidtube]

I think Jimmy White has gone back to the cue he was using in the 80s.

[@williamstdog9]

@@sixpounder18 😮👏☺️

[@garethboyd8580]

Hold on. We’re speaking about legends in snooker and shitty cues that won championships… On Hendry’s channel. Is no one going to say it? Is this like Macbeth in the theatre? Are we not allowed to talk about it?

[@sharpvidtube]

@@garethboyd8580 Stephen Hendry paid £40 for his cue, a lot of money back then. I would dream of having a cue that cost that much😂

[@ruckspin1981]

Love how Hendo is always happy to talk about his defeats. Very humble guy. Love these shows

[@Kyran31]

Met Ken once in Manchester City centre, I noticed him in a newsagents and involuntarily burst out oh it’s Ken Doherty and he was the nicest you could imagine and took a picture with me, snooker legend

[@monman8183]

Smashed it out of the park with this one, Stephen. Thank you both for your time. ❤️

[@Harp00nX]

Ken has a great personality to back up his awesome stories from the past. Love him on commentary too I hope he is around snooker for decades to come.

[@barreljam]

I remember as a 5 year old watching Ken in '97 and he's been my favourite ever since. It's great to see these two still have the love for the game.

[@anandgounden4376]

Two Legends. Mr Doherty is such a wholesome storyteller and a proper lad too.

[@soundofthenebula]

😂Absolutely roared at Ken's Alex Higgins and George Best story! Brilliant. Ken should consider doing pa's just for his story telling. Maybe stand up comedy when he's done with snooker. Another great interview Stephen, well done.

[@velichisteff]

Those Alex Higgins impersonations....spot on :))))

[@chrisjohnson4165]

Stephen - this is your best video IMO. Ken is very likeable and has so many stories to tell.

[@frankberryfilms]

Love both of these, I am a die hard Hendry fan, but have always had a soft spot for Ken... Hearing the way they talk about the very young Ronnie already flying was brilliant, so clear how much they respect him. To be making that kind of impression at 12 shows how rare a talent Ronnie is

[@kieran7925]

What an amazing human Ken is. Truly a treasure of the sport.

[@fbraakman]

Love the interaction between Stephen and Ken. Greatest story telling.

[@V-Odyssey]

Making an 85 break that quickly is no easy feat! Nicely done 👏

[@HaidurShah21]

I was a small kid when Doherty won in 1997. My brother and I were watching it live, and it brings back memories

[@justynbarnes7895]

Casually chatting his way through an 85 break. Class.

[@mustard8756]

Two of the all time greats. More importantly 2 of most humble down to earth fellas. Would love to see them have one last last dance at the crucible.

[@nickwest8896]

Absolutely lovely fella,met him at Snooker exhibition 2 weeks ago,a real gent and very good Sense of humour

[@LeeM1992]

That £2 cue story is unbelievable. What a great insight. I remember the whole country standing still for those three hours in 1997, I was only a child myself and I was watching it with my dear grandfather who has long since passed away. He wasn’t an emotional man, quite the opposite in fact, but he was an avid snooker fan and I swear I remember seeing a tear leave his eye when our fellow Irishman beat the great Stephen Hendry to win the world championship. One of my fondest memories from my childhood ☘️

[@ta-w5538]

I'm a bit young to have seen the prime years of these guys, it's great to see these videos and get a feel for the way things were and learning about the players and seeing the personalities. 👍

[@sharpvidtube]

Ken was crafty as a kid, saving 3 ponds on the price of his cue. He was unlucky to be the same age as Stephen Hendry, then have Williams, Higgins and Ronnie to deal with. Well deserved his world championship and almost defended it only losing to John Higgins in superb form.

[@Eat-MyGoal]

Ken still cues like an active tour player - his timing is excellent...

[@Chas.F]

What a top bloke Ken seems. Could listen to his stories all day

[@raysgadgetsandprojects1734]

Big Fan of Ken, Been watching him play since the early 90s. Hope we see his tough table challenge in a few days time..

[@Bloxdio_God]

I used to play in Kings Cross. Bob Davis used to try to give me lessons. I played Joe O'Boye and Peter Ebdon I was a teenager 3 years younger than Ebdon, but once I got to 16 I knew I wouldn't make it and just played for fun. Nowadays I am hopeless. Had a 66 the other day but was making regular centuries at 15. I remember Stephen Hendry being advertised in Snooker Scene for exhibitions whilst still an amatuer. Incredible player. Joe O'Boye was a great talent with a brilliant all round game but his discipline, or lack of it hampered him. Great days.

[@Alison8js1]

I could listen to you pair talk all day.

[@Neil_Gibson]

Such a great conversation and Ken’s cue action is so smooth.The conversation about the cues @18:34 is fascinating! Ken found one that works for him, it’s not perfect, but it works for Ken. Every new player should heed the lesson, you can buy the fanciest of equipment but it can only do so much. It’s no substitute for talent!

[@kevinlawes591]

Love ken one of my favourite professionals great sense of humour and amazing to watch! One of the hall of famers!!

[@christopherrichardson5352]

The Darliin' of Dublin. Ken is such a wonderful character and ambassador for snooker. I love the stories about Alex Higgins. Ken is one of the most down to earth fellows you would ever want to meet. Great video!!!

[@kevingolden5675]

Ken's great craic I met him in a pub in Dublin years ago beside his snooker club in terenure. Good laugh and very friendly with everyone that came up to him.

[@mcvicarross7]

Ken's always a gd laugh, love listening to his stories & his commentary/analysis is top notch aswell 😅👍

[@h2oussama988]

i could listen to ken telling stories aaaalll day

[@bobboyer9440]

This was the most entertaining game of snooker I have ever watched.

[@userjim83]

United thrashed 7 and watching this straight after, pretty sweet Sunday tbf 😂

[@MrSilvershane]

Love Ken's stories. Truly legendary.

[@errol-ih4jy]

DOHERTY HASNT MISSED A SHOT FOR AGES, GREAT LAD GREAT PLAYER.

[@alkenstein]

Smiling from ear to ear listening to these stories - keep it going Stephen!

[@nickllama5296]

Thanks for all the great matches you gave us over the years, Ken!

[@PJV1990]

It'd be amazing to see both of them qualify for the world championship

[@markapostolou75]

Just love the down-to-earth banter and conversation from two greats of the game that clearly just love the sport. Refreshing.

[@nallekarhu7994]

This conversation warmed the cockles of my heart, thank you 🙂

[@sebastianschwald1625]

What a break while chatting all the time…shows the class of that guy!

[@yo-us7bm]

Love Ken, class guy

[@Drinckx2]

Great to see 2 consummate professionals who are both so down to earth. Stephen is so good at teasing out stories and Ken is a natural raconteur in addition to still being an excellent player.

[@Mcqlfc]

I had a couple of snooker questions once so I chanced sending Ken a tweet. He replied to everyone!! Top guy.

[@SMITH-lw3rv]

These interviews Stephen does round the table are brilliant and he's got such a great way with the players.

[@timallsopp8656]

Ken is one of the funniest at telling stories! Well done for having him on

[@johaldoronaldo9393]

Brilliant clip!! Thoroughly enjoyed it, more than I expected to. Ken has good stories!!😊

[@knockholt69]

Thoroughly enjoyed hearing the background stories about their pasts. I've had my fill of Virgo - 'Where's the ball going' and 'he's inch perfect' so will enjoy hearing either of these comment from now on.

[@jamieatkin2946]

I hate 95% of KZbinrs, but this channel is exceptional. Great promotion for snooker, and incredible insight into the career of legends. So much information that would not be known without this channel.

[@RalphieMuskinyaar]

Ken is such a great ambassador for snooker. Just a fantastic human being.

[@diarmaidmac2149]

Wonderful video and channel Stephen. I didn't want this episode to end! Ken is such a great people person and a great storyteller!

[@guusleeuw5558]

Love the chats and the craic with Ken! What a character!

[@daveyhal]

Love this video with Ken and absolutely love all of the channel content. Thank you!

[@estoforte388]

Always back Ken Doherty on the doubles.

[@davidgeorgemarr8694]

Just following this yesterday and love all the informal chat from these two legends!!...

[@klezmorim1980]

Stephen, you have the best KZbin Snooker channel here. Golden interviews that we can go back to for years to come. Well done.

[@ahmed.ali.2023]

Ken Such a character... one the best episodes of Steven's Show .. Congratulations Stephen Hendry for such a pod cast

[@andyking5670]

Stephen !! your vids and chats are brilliant, keep them coming.

[@nostalgiachannel318]

I was sceptical about this channel at first but I gotta say I love this way of interviewing. It's just natural. Good job well done.

[@naqializada9280]

I'm just loving to watch your videos, Stephen. You are my number one. Haven't seen your great matches live as i been introduced to the snooker table on 2015, but I watched all your matches on KZbin. And what you are doing these days is brilliant. So good to watch you legends talking about your memories and laughing abt it❤ Hope to see you one day in person. 😊

[@estocadatx8172]

Casual 85 break from Ken whilst delivering a succession of stories - magic! I loved his impersonation of Alex Higgins - he has the voice and a couple of the mannerisms nearly perfect! Pleasure to watch. I met Stephen (at a golf club, introduced by some mutual friends) a few years ago, and what a very pleasant chap he is. Wonderful episode!!

[@darylkenny9669]

This is brilliant. Love Ken and love Stephen.

[@DavePiaggio75]

The Cue tips are brilliant but these chats with the players are amazing, so many great stories. Great content, keep them coming!

[@eventdomain1]

Hey, Ilford, Ilford Snooker Centre - I was a member and met Ken. he was serving behind the bar and had a chat with him. I was being coached by Dave Gilbert as he was the resident pro before Ken was there, and Dave lived in Goodmayes at the time, actually he spent the whole day with me, showed me his house or flat, and found out he won a billiards competition. Story was I was trying to sell my cue and Dave said he would help, but the buyer wouldn't take it, as the cue has too much varnish, and I still have that cue today. Great pair of guys Ken and Dave. Ilford Snooker Centre is no more now - not sure why it shut down, shame...

[@kwoktony6416]

love it, even more so when legends like Alex Higgins and George Best were brought up

[@KenKen-wp3fe]

Pls do a video with ronnie o'sullivan 2 Legends on one place!!

[@John_Wood_]

What a legend.

[@FloydMaxwell]

One of the most extraordinary snooker moments I can think of.

[@sijig3501]

Always liked Ken as a player and as a commentator. Seems like a really nice guy. Loved the interview.

[@johnrigby9594]

Absolutely brilliant that thanks Stephen .

[@jjmstudios]

Ken is a legend

[@joesretrostuff]

Ken's a great story teller. They all are but it's nice to hear!

[@IanMcGarr]

Love seeing Ken on here... but how many times did he say y'know? 😂 Ken has some fantastic stories, loved this episode, great work.

[@dhananjayringe]

He says to me he says

[@anshalkumarsrivastava2260]

2069 times

[@robertl426]

He said it 147 times... 😉

[@anshalkumarsrivastava2260]

@@robertl426 I would hope that to be a "minimum"

[@benjaminvolant2469]

Nearly as many times as Selby says "obviously"