It couldn’t have come at any better time, nor in any better year.
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Fiona Plummer’s eventual induction into the Australian Eightball Hall of Fame on Saturday night may have just about tested the emotions – and lifted her spirits.
“I didn’t know,” she said, “so I was very shocked, but it was a nice surprise.”
The Launceston veteran’s mind had until the past week been elsewhere.
The 48-year-old had spent most of the year fighting against breast cancer.
Plummer was only given the all clear to resume playing six weeks out from this month’s Australian eightball championships.
“It’s been a tough year since I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in March. So generally, I have been battling the radiation and the operation,” she said.
“To come out with this at the end of it, after everything I’ve put in and achieved over the years, and then you sort of get bad, you reflect a little bit different on life.
“It’s nice to have something recognised for what you’ve done over the years.”
Tasmanian 2007 Hall-of-Famer Andrew Saltmarsh said Plummer had been a most deserving recipient.
But the honour was held off a “year or two” until it could be presented to Plummer in front of her home supporters in Launceston.
Plummer is now one of 17 members into the sport’s Hall of Fame since 2003, while its sixth female is the first new inductee for three years.
She said competing this past week against rivals she calls friends has been tough given her health scare.
“It’s been more mental rather than physical, so I was prepared, but obviously not as good as if I didn’t have it,” Plummer said.
“But mentally it has been draining, but I suppose it has given me that extra focus.”
The awards presentation night also included naming the Australian teams, as the men and women attempt to retain their 2016 World championship titles.
Hobart’s Jeremy McGuire was the only Tasmanian in the men’s team.
Penguin’s Cale Barrett was selected for the national under-23 team, while Devonport’s Wayne Stubbs headlined made the masters’ team after being named its player of the carnival.
To come out with this at the end of it, after everything I’ve put in and achieved over the years, and then you sort of get bad, you reflect a little bit different on life.
- Fiona Plummer