Behind every great man there’s a great woman - and for Northern Irish snooker star Mark Allen he’s found a gem in fiancée Aideen Cassidy.
The pair met through mutual friends and got to know each other through coffee dates and long walks during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Antrim man Allen has endured a tough two-year spell off the table with bankruptcy, divorce proceedings and maintenance disputes from a previous relationship to deal with.
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But Aideen has stuck by her beau through thick and thin, with the couple set to tie the knot in June.
They have enjoyed some magical nights together celebrating the Antrim ace’s special Northern Ireland title defence in October and famous UK Championship triumph in the following month.
And ahead of a tilt at a second Masters crown this week, Allen told Mirror Sport: “She’s given me nothing but support on and off the table in the two-and-a-half years that I’ve known her.
“I’d imagine not many other partners would have stuck by their other half like she stuck by me.
“We’ve been through some really, really bad times and a lot of people would have done a runner a long time ago with all the things that have gone on.
“She constantly had to endure all of the solicitor’s letters and court hearings.
“I don’t think many people would have stuck around; more fool her to be honest!”
Allen feared he may have to quit the sport at the beginning of last season due to his financial problems.
The money troubles are thankfully behind him and his divorce is finalised. The only obstacle left is sorting out his maintenance issues with 12-time women’s world champion Reanne Evans.
But with the majority of his past problems now in the rear-view mirror, Allen has risen to No 5 in the world rankings and is looking forward to a long future with his wife-to-be and their respective daughters.
“In all honesty, everything that’s happened has made us stronger and I’d like to think we’re through the most of it now,” added Allen.
“We can enjoy our futures together now. It’s going to be a great year for us, we’re getting married in the summer.
“The two girls are growing up together and they love each other’s company. They’re bonding so well and that’s something me and Aideen have done well together because they’re growing up as a family.
“Hopefully we have a long, long future together.”
Former champion Allen has been the form man this season and is miles ahead on the one-year prize money list.
But he knows he will have to be at his best when he kicks off his bid for a second Masters crown, and the £250,000 top prize, on Tuesday afternoon against last year’s finalist Barry Hawkins.
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