The 2022 Inter Counties All Ireland darts were held this past weekend at the Knightsbrook hotel in Trim, Co. Meath. There was great excitement to finally get back to the darts after the missed year due to covid. It was to be a very open competition this year with everyone missing out on in-person opponent practice and some leagues yet to be up and running.
The Donegal men travelled to Meath on Friday to defend their title from 2020. A fine squad of men were ready to rock and were well fired up for the competition. The darts were throwing early on Saturday starting at 11am. They had Offaly and Monaghan in their group so an early lead was needed. Offaly were All Ireland champs only a couple of years ago and were tough competitors. But the Donegal men started and continued strong and with a nice 8-5 win. Offaly met Monaghan next where they beat them 10-3. It meant that we needed at least 7 points to top our group against Monaghan. The men did that and more winning 8-5 to top our group.
The darts kicked off on Sunday at 11.30am and the tension was sky high in the room. This was knockout time. Every game inched us closer to retaining the title. The supporters and were crammed in like sardines trying to see the boards, some having to jump up on chairs to get a better view. We faced Carlow in our 1 st match which was now down to the last 16. The men threw fantastic darts and were elated with a 7-1 win which seen them into the quarter final next against Dublin. They had barely an hour break to regroup and get ready before the next run of darts were thrown. It was here that Dublin got the early lead and took off with a 6-0 lead. The Donegal heads were low knowing that the dream of retaining the title for 2022 was getting further aaway. The heads lifted when Charlie grant won the first match of this battle for Donegal making it 6-1 and giving us hope. The crowd got behind John Flood roaring words of encouragement to get the next win with a fine 123, bull finish making us that bit closer at 6-2. Gerard Porter was next up and his kids alone drowned the crowd out with shouts of encouragement. He got the win and made it 6-3. But that was to be the last win for Donwegal as Dublin got the last leg to make it 7-3 and earned their place in the semi-final.
The Donegal men did themselves and their county proud, it just wasn’t to be this year. Another year of normal darts will see them back, bigger, better and stronger, ready to rock for 2023!
Mens Panel:
Manager: James Weir (Quigleys Point), Men's selector: John Murray (Ramelton)
Panel: Sean Wilson (Buncrana (Captain)), Noel O'Donnell (Brockagh (V-Captain)), John Flood (Milford), Charlie Grant (Quigleys Point), Anthony Whoriskey (Newton Cunningham), Clive Aiken (Ramelton), Michael Leech (Moville), Jordan Boyce (Newton Cunningham), Andy McLaughlin (Carrigart), Andrew Gillespie (Carrick), John Meencha Gallagher (Carrick), Joe Flood (Milford), Cartha Boyle (Glenties), Reece Brennan (The Cross), Adrian Devine (Buncrana), Alan Byrne (Duneyloop), Gerard Mc Glynn (Glenfin), Gerald Porter (Letterkenny), Declan Quinn (Ardara), Dean Gallagher (Bridgend).
The Donegal ladies were drawn into a group of 4. The other teams being Kilkenny, Limerick and Wexford who were reining all Ireland champions. The ladies had their first game on Saturday morning. Donegal faced Kilkenny winning the game 5-2, with wins coming from Trish Kelly, Geraldine Harkin, Amanda mc carron and Amy and Sharon Cunningham. In the next game Donegal faced Wexford. Donegal narrowly missed the win by a score of 4-3, with wins coming from Sharon Cunningham, Geraldine Harkin and Amanda mc carron. The last game of the groups was against Limerick. Donegal got a 4-3 victory with wins from Marie shields, Sharon Cunningham, Geraldine Harkin and Amanda McCarron. They finished the group in 2nd place landing their place in the All Ireland quarter final on Sunday!
On Sunday, Donegal went to head to head with county Laois. A bad start seen the Ladies down 3-0. But Donegal rallied the troops and brought the score back to 3-3 with a real fight for the finish. Unfortunately the darts didn’t go our away in the last game and Laois took the victory.
The Ladies did themselves proud with some outstanding darts played all weekend. All in all, a great weekend for the ladies who finished off once again in the championship where they belong.
Ladies Team.
Manager: James Mc Carron (Carrigart )
Panel: Betsy Gordon (Convoy). Geraldine Harkin (Brockagh) Catherine Porter (Crossroads, killygordon), Marie Sheils (Lifford), Amanda Mc Carron (Carrigart), Sharon Cunningham (Frosses), Amy Cunningham (Frosses), Marybeth Cunningham (Frosses), Maggie Bonnar (Brockagh), Trish Kelly (Carrigart)
Donegal ladies PRO: Rose Forde
Congratulations to Mayo men and women for winning both titles this year. They did fantastic to be bringing the double win home! Also massive congratulations to the INDO on the running of a fine weekend of darts. All competitions were well run and ran without a hitch.
Donegal darts would also like to thank our sponsors for their support and of course our entourage of supporters whose encouragement and support mean so very much!
The Donegal men travelled to Meath on Friday to defend their title from 2020. A fine squad of men were ready to rock and were well fired up for the competition. The darts were throwing early on Saturday starting at 11am. They had Offaly and Monaghan in their group so an early lead was needed. Offaly were All Ireland champs only a couple of years ago and were tough competitors. But the Donegal men started and continued strong and with a nice 8-5 win. Offaly met Monaghan next where they beat them 10-3. It meant that we needed at least 7 points to top our group against Monaghan. The men did that and more winning 8-5 to top our group.
The darts kicked off on Sunday at 11.30am and the tension was sky high in the room. This was knockout time. Every game inched us closer to retaining the title. The supporters and were crammed in like sardines trying to see the boards, some having to jump up on chairs to get a better view. We faced Carlow in our 1 st match which was now down to the last 16. The men threw fantastic darts and were elated with a 7-1 win which seen them into the quarter final next against Dublin. They had barely an hour break to regroup and get ready before the next run of darts were thrown. It was here that Dublin got the early lead and took off with a 6-0 lead. The Donegal heads were low knowing that the dream of retaining the title for 2022 was getting further aaway. The heads lifted when Charlie grant won the first match of this battle for Donegal making it 6-1 and giving us hope. The crowd got behind John Flood roaring words of encouragement to get the next win with a fine 123, bull finish making us that bit closer at 6-2. Gerard Porter was next up and his kids alone drowned the crowd out with shouts of encouragement. He got the win and made it 6-3. But that was to be the last win for Donwegal as Dublin got the last leg to make it 7-3 and earned their place in the semi-final.
The Donegal men did themselves and their county proud, it just wasn’t to be this year. Another year of normal darts will see them back, bigger, better and stronger, ready to rock for 2023!
Mens Panel:
Manager: James Weir (Quigleys Point), Men's selector: John Murray (Ramelton)
Panel: Sean Wilson (Buncrana (Captain)), Noel O'Donnell (Brockagh (V-Captain)), John Flood (Milford), Charlie Grant (Quigleys Point), Anthony Whoriskey (Newton Cunningham), Clive Aiken (Ramelton), Michael Leech (Moville), Jordan Boyce (Newton Cunningham), Andy McLaughlin (Carrigart), Andrew Gillespie (Carrick), John Meencha Gallagher (Carrick), Joe Flood (Milford), Cartha Boyle (Glenties), Reece Brennan (The Cross), Adrian Devine (Buncrana), Alan Byrne (Duneyloop), Gerard Mc Glynn (Glenfin), Gerald Porter (Letterkenny), Declan Quinn (Ardara), Dean Gallagher (Bridgend).
The Donegal ladies were drawn into a group of 4. The other teams being Kilkenny, Limerick and Wexford who were reining all Ireland champions. The ladies had their first game on Saturday morning. Donegal faced Kilkenny winning the game 5-2, with wins coming from Trish Kelly, Geraldine Harkin, Amanda mc carron and Amy and Sharon Cunningham. In the next game Donegal faced Wexford. Donegal narrowly missed the win by a score of 4-3, with wins coming from Sharon Cunningham, Geraldine Harkin and Amanda mc carron. The last game of the groups was against Limerick. Donegal got a 4-3 victory with wins from Marie shields, Sharon Cunningham, Geraldine Harkin and Amanda McCarron. They finished the group in 2nd place landing their place in the All Ireland quarter final on Sunday!
On Sunday, Donegal went to head to head with county Laois. A bad start seen the Ladies down 3-0. But Donegal rallied the troops and brought the score back to 3-3 with a real fight for the finish. Unfortunately the darts didn’t go our away in the last game and Laois took the victory.
The Ladies did themselves proud with some outstanding darts played all weekend. All in all, a great weekend for the ladies who finished off once again in the championship where they belong.
Ladies Team.
Manager: James Mc Carron (Carrigart )
Panel: Betsy Gordon (Convoy). Geraldine Harkin (Brockagh) Catherine Porter (Crossroads, killygordon), Marie Sheils (Lifford), Amanda Mc Carron (Carrigart), Sharon Cunningham (Frosses), Amy Cunningham (Frosses), Marybeth Cunningham (Frosses), Maggie Bonnar (Brockagh), Trish Kelly (Carrigart)
Donegal ladies PRO: Rose Forde
Congratulations to Mayo men and women for winning both titles this year. They did fantastic to be bringing the double win home! Also massive congratulations to the INDO on the running of a fine weekend of darts. All competitions were well run and ran without a hitch.
Donegal darts would also like to thank our sponsors for their support and of course our entourage of supporters whose encouragement and support mean so very much!
Donegal were crowned All Ireland Darts Champions 2020 this weekend after winning the All Ireland Inter County Championship in Ennis, Co. Clare.
Donegal had a difficult start in Saturdays first stage of the competition after losing their first match 7-6 to Wicklow. With what started with a 5 leg losing streak they managed to come back to 6-6 and just lost out on the last leg. Their team talk after that defeat must have made an impact as they breezed through their next match winning 10-3 against Cavan. They topped their group and were buzzing for Sundays Final stages.
The competition started at 11am but the players were up and at it from 8 or before to get the practice in for the day ahead! First up was Kerry. Donegal lead the way through this knock out match winning with a nice 7-5.
The quarter final saw them up against Mayo. Both teams had met in last months West Coast Challange in the final where Donegal came back from 4-2 down to beat them 7-4. Mayo were not likely to be an easy game. Mayo started strong with a 0-2 lead. Donegal's Adrian Divine won the 3rd game. But Mayo won again leaving Donegal on 1-3. But Gerard Mc Glynn and Reece Brennan hammered in 2 2 nil games to bring it all even at 3-3. JOhn Flood and Charlie Grant gave Donegal a nice 5-3 lead with 2 more strong 2-0 game wins. Mayo got 1 more game back but Michael Leech and Jordan Boyce were on the team sheet to make sure Donegal got the result to make it a 7-5 win and a spot in the Semi final.
With only an hour break, a quick bite to eat was had before the Semi final started with a fired up Cork Team! The anti was definitely upped in this state where it was best of 5 legs to win a game. Cork started strong here with the 1st game. Andy mc laughlin won his game to make it all square. Donegal lost the next 2 games making the gap that bit bigger at 1-3. Gerard mcGlynn got a mighty game back to bring us only 1 behind. But another strong game from Cork saw us 2-4 down. But John Flood and Charlie Grant were the on the ockey next and brought us back to all square at 4-4. Tensions were running high and the crowd were getting louder as both team were cheered on to make it to the Final. Cork went ahead again before Michael Leech, Jordan Boyce and Clive Aiken took to the ockey and claimed Donegals place in the final!
Kilkenny and wexford were fighting it out beside our battle station for a place in the final. Shouts and cheers matched that of Donegal when Wexford took their place in the final.
The Final was ON.
Can you imagine the pressure? Of course you can. We've all been to finals and nearly had heart attacks when our side has left it to the last minute of the match to decide a game. Nerves are all part of the game. But when those nerves have to be steadied so your hand wont shake even a milimetre so that 60 you were aiming for wont go into the 3 which is only 8mm wide, well that takes some doing. Fair play to all dart players. A game of endurance and precision.
Donegal started the final the way they intended, strong and determined. John flood took to the stage and gave Donegal the mighty 1st point. Andy Mc laughlin ran away with a 3-0 game giving Donegal 2 on the trot. Joe flood made it 3-0 and Donegal had a nice lead. Sean wilson lost his game giving Wexford their 1st point. But the troups rallied and support was high as Adrian Divine took to the stage where he made it 4-1 for Donegal. Reece Brennan was in top form as he took another leg from Wexford and made it 5-1. Gerard McGlynn wasnt going to see the final lose him a match this weekend and for a 100% record he made it 6-1. We only needed 1 more to claim the title. Cartha Boyle was next up but his Wexford opponent upped the anti and took 1 back for Wexford. Charlie Grants roaring support from the crowd was enough to spur him on to win the game for his teammates. With a 132 check out in the 3rd leg and a 15 darter to win the match he certainly gave his all to crown Donegal the All Ireland Champions !
Well done to Wexford for a great game in the final. Big thanks to INDO for a well run weekend.
A mighty thanks to our fantastic supporters who travelled all the way down for the weekend. Many thanks also to our sponsors.
Donegals winning team 2020
Sean Wilson Buncrana (Captain)
John Murray Ramelton (V-Captain)
Noel O'Donnell Brockagh
John Flood Milford
Charlie Grant Quigleys Point
Anthony Whoriskey Newton Cunningham
Clive Aiken Ramelton
Michael Leech Moville
Paddy Boyce Newton Cunningham
Jordan Boyce Newton Cunningham
Andy McLaughlin Carrigart
Andrew Gillespie Carrick
John Meencha Gallagher Carrick
Joe Flood Milford
Cartha Boyle Glenties
Reece Brennan The Cross
Adrian Devine Buncrana
Alan Byrne Duneyloop
Gerard Mc Glynn Castle finn
James Weir (Manager) Quigleys Point
Robert Hayes (Manager)
What a fantastic weekend for Donegal teams at the West Coast Challange in Clare. Well done to Clare darts for a well run competition. The Men's A team won their 12th West Coast Challenge Championship with a 7-4 victory over Mayo. They came from 4-2 down to clinch the title. They beat Longford 7-2 in the qf and Roscommon 7-3 in the Sf. The Mens B team won the Shield final defeating Mayo b with a nice 7-1 victory. They defeated galway b 7-4 in the Sf. Well done to all. The Donegal ladies had a great run also just missing out in the Shield final. They beat Mayo B in the Sf 4-2. The final went to the very last leg and Limerick just clinched it with a 4-3 win. Well done Ladies. We had a big squad of youth which meant 2 teams entered which was fantastic. The A team lost in the championship final to Mayo. The B team lost in the semi final. Well done to both teams. And well done to Clive aiken who won the blind doubles competition on Friday night with his partner from Clare. Also well done to Sean Wilson making it all the way to the singles final on Sunday. He just missed out! |
Donegal Darts are happy to the welcome the “Jackson’s Hotel Ballybofey” as our new main Sponsor.
We are happy to announce a 5 year sponsorship deal has been agreed with “Jackson’s Hotel”
http://www.jacksonshotel.ie/
The manager of the Jackson Hotel Ballybofey presenting Clive with the new Donegal county shirt.
Gavin Carlin wins the Donegal Open 2018! A fantastic turnout for the Donegal Open at Jackson’s Hotel Ballybofey with players travelling from all around the country to attend the darts.
133 Men
16 Women
12 Youth
A very high standard of darts were thrown throughout the day with some very tight games.
Gavin retained his title from last year beating Daryl Loughery in a fantastic final with both players throwing high quality darts. Gavin won the game 7 5 in what was in his own words “a tough final”
Gavin beat Adrian divine in the semi final with Adrian hitting 5 X 180’s in 3 legs.
Daryl beat Phil Mc Geehan in the other semi final. Ladies winner Denise Cassidy who beat Amanda Mc Carron. Youth winner Travis Baur
Runner up Marty O’ Connor
Semi Owen Carr
Semi Alex Hughes Total prize money paid out on the day was €1360. The Donegal Darts Organisation would like to thank all those who turned up on the day, players, supporters, helpers, markers and callers. A special thanks to all our sponsors, board sponsors on the day and Jacksons Hotel for sponsoring and hosting the Donegal Open in what was a great venue. Thanks to the all the staff on the day.
A very special thanks to Amanda Leech and Louise Doherty for their hard work behind the scenes who had to organise over 120 games kept the draw and games running smoothly all day. Well done!
Donegal Darts Sponsors
Jackson's Hotel Ballybofey.
John Murray stonework LTD Ramelton.
Kevin Harley Engineering LTD Letterkenny.
Dusty's bar Milford.
JT MOTOR REPAIRS & TYRE SALES STRANORLAR.
The Ferryport Bar Greencastle.
OMS O'Malley Scanlon Insurance Brokers Ballybofey/Dungloe.
The Glencar inn Letterkenny.
Triple success at the West Coast Challenge 2018
Triple success for Donegal Darts teams as the men, women and youths win at the West Coast Challenge at the Breaffy House resort Castlebar, Mayo! (Report by Owen Murray youth player)
Donegal men got their West Coast Challenge triumph off to a great start with a 10-2 win over Clare, they followed this up with a 9-3 win over Limerick and finished off the group with a very impressive 9-3 win over last years winners Sligo.
With the draw being unseeded it meant they set up a clash with Limerick in the quarters where they won 7-0.
Next up was a very strong Mayo side, this game got off to a bad start going 5-2 down but they fought back with a last dart double 9 from the Charlie grant making it 5-3, followed by wins for Jordan Boyce, Andrew Gillespie, Michael leech and Declan's Quinn made it a great comeback and won 7-5 setting up a clash with Sligo in the final.
The final got off to a good start with John flood and Anthony Whoriskey putting Donegal 2-0 up but Sligo brought it back to 2-2 when Gerald Porter and Derek Quinn lost, Sean wilson lost an impressive game which set it up at 3-2 to Sligo John Meencha made it 3-3 but Donegal dug deep again with wins for Charlie Grant and Clive Aiken to make it 5-3. Jordan Boyce lost to make it 5-4 but Andrew Gillespie put Donegal one game away. Michael Leech lost but Declan Quinn wrapped it up for Donegal impressively which was a great day for the county winning their eleventh title.
Ladies West Coast was a round robin event involving 5 Counties :Leitrim Mayo Galway Limerick and Donegal.
Donegal topped the group with Limerick being eliminated.Semi finals were Galway v Mayo and Donegal v Leitrim some good steady darts played by all teams
Donegal ladies played well all day but really stepped it up for the final winning a comfortable 4-1.
The ladies team consisted of
Manager Brian o Farrell
Captain Marion McDermott
Amanda McCarron
Angela Deward
Bernie Devlin
Catherine Porter
Kate Boner
Majella Cunningham
Maggie Bonnar
Michelle McGeoghan
Donegal Youth West County Challenge
We started the day off with Donegal 1 in a group with Mayo 2 and Roscommon 2 and Donegal 2 in a group with Mayo 1 and Roscommon 1, both teams topped their groups! When Donegal 2 played the Runners-Up in Donegal 1 group, and Donegal 1 Played the runner-up In Donegal 2 Groups
In the semis Donegal 1 played Roscommon 1 and Donegal 1 were 2-0 with only a set to win this but Roscommon 1 played a very good game to bring it back to 2-2 and winning the final set
Donegal 2 played Mayo 2 in the semi finals Donegal kept a clean sheet against Mayo which they won 3-0 and into the final against Roscommon 1 which we played in the group and beat 4-1
Donegal 2 were against Roscommon 1 in the final Donegal 2 went 1-0 down but Donegal Youth never gave up hope and went onto won the final 3-1.They did there county proud! Once again after retaining it for the third time in a row!
INDO Men's & Ladies Inter-Counties Championship 2018,
23 February - 25 February.
Treacys West County , Limerick Road, Ennis, Co. Clare
Congratulations to Sean Wilson "Irish National Singles winner"
Triple success for Donegal Darts teams as the men, women and youths win at the West Coast Challenge at the Breaffy House resort Castlebar, Mayo! (Report by Owen Murray youth player)
Donegal men got their West Coast Challenge triumph off to a great start with a 10-2 win over Clare, they followed this up with a 9-3 win over Limerick and finished off the group with a very impressive 9-3 win over last years winners Sligo.
With the draw being unseeded it meant they set up a clash with Limerick in the quarters where they won 7-0.
Next up was a very strong Mayo side, this game got off to a bad start going 5-2 down but they fought back with a last dart double 9 from the Charlie grant making it 5-3, followed by wins for Jordan Boyce, Andrew Gillespie, Michael leech and Declan's Quinn made it a great comeback and won 7-5 setting up a clash with Sligo in the final.
The final got off to a good start with John flood and Anthony Whoriskey putting Donegal 2-0 up but Sligo brought it back to 2-2 when Gerald Porter and Derek Quinn lost, Sean wilson lost an impressive game which set it up at 3-2 to Sligo John Meencha made it 3-3 but Donegal dug deep again with wins for Charlie Grant and Clive Aiken to make it 5-3. Jordan Boyce lost to make it 5-4 but Andrew Gillespie put Donegal one game away. Michael Leech lost but Declan Quinn wrapped it up for Donegal impressively which was a great day for the county winning their eleventh title.
Ladies West Coast was a round robin event involving 5 Counties :Leitrim Mayo Galway Limerick and Donegal.
Donegal topped the group with Limerick being eliminated.Semi finals were Galway v Mayo and Donegal v Leitrim some good steady darts played by all teams
Donegal ladies played well all day but really stepped it up for the final winning a comfortable 4-1.
The ladies team consisted of
Manager Brian o Farrell
Captain Marion McDermott
Amanda McCarron
Angela Deward
Bernie Devlin
Catherine Porter
Kate Boner
Majella Cunningham
Maggie Bonnar
Michelle McGeoghan
Donegal Youth West County Challenge
We started the day off with Donegal 1 in a group with Mayo 2 and Roscommon 2 and Donegal 2 in a group with Mayo 1 and Roscommon 1, both teams topped their groups! When Donegal 2 played the Runners-Up in Donegal 1 group, and Donegal 1 Played the runner-up In Donegal 2 Groups
In the semis Donegal 1 played Roscommon 1 and Donegal 1 were 2-0 with only a set to win this but Roscommon 1 played a very good game to bring it back to 2-2 and winning the final set
Donegal 2 played Mayo 2 in the semi finals Donegal kept a clean sheet against Mayo which they won 3-0 and into the final against Roscommon 1 which we played in the group and beat 4-1
Donegal 2 were against Roscommon 1 in the final Donegal 2 went 1-0 down but Donegal Youth never gave up hope and went onto won the final 3-1.They did there county proud! Once again after retaining it for the third time in a row!
INDO Men's & Ladies Inter-Counties Championship 2018,
23 February - 25 February.
Treacys West County , Limerick Road, Ennis, Co. Clare
Congratulations to Sean Wilson "Irish National Singles winner"
Fantastic day at the Donegal Darts Open in the Caiseal Mara Hotel Moville with 100 plus entrants on the day with a high standard of darts thrown throughout the day!
Well done to Gavin Carlin winning the Mens, Shaun Bryant winning the youths and Anne Marie Wilson winning the Ladies.
Thanks to all the players who turned up on the day, Mens, Ladies and youths. Thanks to all the markers and shouters, thanks to Amanda and Louise for taking care of the draw, thanks to the Caiseal Mara Hotel for there hospitality.
Thanks to all the board sponsors:
King & crew traditional barber shop Buncrana, Buncrana darts league, John Murray stonework Ltd Ramelton, Bonnars corner bar Ballybofey, Twin towns dart league, Gweebarra septic tank cleaning Glenties, Josie Mc Gowan landscaping services Ballybofey, Durkins bar Ramelton, Kevin Harley engineering Letterkenny, Teac Jack hotel Bunbeg. Iona estate services Friday night dart league Derry, Caiseal Mara Hotel Moville Friday night singles dart League
WOW
What a weekend for Donegal Darts!
Absolutely delighted to say the Donegal Ladies are the All Ireland Champions!!
Gutted to say the men lost out in a nerve wrecking fight to the finish final!
Amazed to say that over 70,000 people have been engaged on the Donegal darts page over this weekend! Thanks to Owen Murray for fantastic updating and live streaming. Not easy to do when you want to watch also and support the ole fella!!
Our ladies had a great run to final. On Saturday they played Leitrim and won 4-2. They lost out to cork 4-2 (this being the one they let them win) and beat Limerick 4-2 to put them into the ¼ finals against Kildare on Sunday.
They defeated Kildare 4-1 and met Laois in the semi final. Their toughest match yet. It went to 3-3 but Catherine Porter took the darts and landed Donegal in the final for the second year in a row.
They were up against a strong cork side. Cork got a nice lead with 2 wins to starts but Bernie Devlin won her match to make ir 2-1. Angela de ward played suberb darts to make it all square at 2-2. Kate Bonnar lost her match putting pressure on Amanda Mc Carron next. Amanda didn’t let the team down and had a brilliant match to bring it all square again. Catherine Porter left her nerves on the floor and dug deep to win it for Donegal!! She had a great final which can be viewed on the Donegal Darts facebook page.
The men had a bad start on Saturday when they lost 9-3 to Galway. They found themselves again in their next match against Cavan when they won 8-4. Anthony, John Meecha, Andrew, Charlie Michael and Clive won their games clean with a 2-0 win in each game with Sean getting a 17 darter and Gerard a 16 darter to win their games!, This left them 2nd in their group and through to the last 16 on Sunday.
Sunday began with a bang against Roscommon. After 4 games we were 2-2 but Porter, Meecha, Paddy, Charlie and Michael put us into the ¼ finals..
We met Dublin in the Quarters. Sean Wilson won his match to make it 1-1 with a 13 darter!!Flood, Declan, Porter, Meecha and Charlie won their games making it 5-3. Dublin narrowed the gap to 6-5. But Clive clinched it for Donegal with a 2-0 win to put us in the Semi final.
We met Cork next. Anthony gave us a nice start with a 3-0 lead and a neat 180 in the 2nd leg. Sean made it 2-0 with a 17 and 14 darter. Flood and Derek took the lead to 4-0 with Derek having a nice 17 darter in there. Declan Quinn missed out on a 12 darter but lost his game. Porter had a great 3-0 game with a lovely checkout of 143 to win. Meecha had a great game winning 3-2 to put us 6-1 ahead. Cork rallied their troops and won the next 3 matches but Andrew Gillespie cliched the win 3-1 to put the Donegal men into the Final.
I don’t think anyone really knows what's involved in this weekend of Darts. This has been my 5th year at the Inter county championship. Most of the men and women rise at 6.30am and start their day of with a small breakfast, a stomachful of nerves and mountains and mountains of darts. Sunday past these men and women were playing from breakfast at 7am till that final finished at 11.30pm. Anyone that puts a day in like that deserves a medal. The Ladies certainly derserved their trophy.
The men met Offaly for the first time in their final. They now know what it takes to take home that trophy!!
Offaly started strong with a 3-0 win against Anthony. Sean took it back with a 3-1 win making it 1-1. John flood started with a 16 darter but lost 3-1. Derek Quinn, even with 3 180's including the chance for a 9 darter, lost out 3-1. Offaly lead 3-1. Gerard Porter won his set 3-2 bringing it back 4-2. John Meecha lost out giving Offaly a- 5-2 lead. They were playing fantastic darts taking their doubles 1st time. Paddy boyce took 1 back with a 3-2 win. Charlie pulled another one back with a 3-2 win and a 115 finish. Michael Leech made it all square at 5-5 with 3-1 win. And Andrew Gillespie gave us our first lead in the match with a 3-1 win. Offalt were under massive pressure. It just wasn’t to be for Clive when that final double just couldn't be hit and Offaly drew even putting Noel O donnell into the final game shoot out. He went 2-1 up but it was not to be. After he missed his double Offaly knew they wouldn’t get a second chance and put the dart where it had to go!! A hard loss to any county who put that effort in. But fair dues to Offaly! A well played and well deserved win.
A shout out and big thanks to the INDO marker and Caller for a well run final game.
And I think the 70,000 odd people who viewed the Donegal Darts facebook page over this past weekend will agree.
Till Next Year!!
Ladies Panel
Manager: Michelle Mc Geoghan
AmandaMc Carron (Captain)
Ann Marie Wilson
Bernie Devlin
Angela DeWard
Kate Bonnar
Maggie Bonnar
Catherin Porter
Leah Fox
Majella Cunningham
Marion Mc Dermott
MensPanel
Manager: Robert Hayes
Noel O'Donnell, Brockagh, (Captain)
Sean Wilson, Buncrana, (Vice-Captain)
John Flood, Milford.
Charlie Grant, Quigleys Point.
John Murray, Ramelton.
Michael Leech, Moville.
Gerald Porter , Letterkenny.
Anthony Whoriskey, Newton Cunningham.
Paddy Boyce, Newton Cunningham
Gerard McGlynn, Cloghan
Clive Aiken, Ramelton.
Paul Leech Moville
Derek Quinn, Newton Cunningham.
Michael Naulty Gweedore
Declan Quinn Ardara
Jordan Boyce Newton Cunningham
Andy McLaughlin Carrigart
Andrew Gillespie Carrick
John Meencha Gallagher Carrick
County Team Selectors: Noel O'Donnell Sean Wilson James Weir
Donegal Darts had the presentation of their new tops last night, Saturday 22nd October in the Glencar Inn. The Teams and committee would like to thank their sponsors for their generous contributions towards these tops;
Glenveagh Engineering,
John Murray stonework,
JT motors Stranorlar,
The ferryport bar Greencastle,
Dusty's bar Milford,
Harley engineering Letterkenny,
OMS O'MALLEY SCANLON INSURANCE BROKERS Ballybofey /Dungloe,
The Glencar Inn Letterkenny
Glenveagh Engineering,
John Murray stonework,
JT motors Stranorlar,
The ferryport bar Greencastle,
Dusty's bar Milford,
Harley engineering Letterkenny,
OMS O'MALLEY SCANLON INSURANCE BROKERS Ballybofey /Dungloe,
The Glencar Inn Letterkenny
Donegal Darts Organisation would like to welcome some new sponsors for our new shirts!
Kevin Harley Engineering, Letterkenny,
Dusty's Bar, Milford,
John Murray Stonework, Ramelton,
The Ferryport bar, Greencastle,
JT Motors, Stranorlar,
OMS o'malley Scanlon insurance Brokers, Ballybofey / Dungloe,
the glencar inn, Letterkenny
And along with our main sponsor Glenveagh Engineering
From all at Donegal Darts; Thanks for your support😉🎯👍
Kevin Harley Engineering, Letterkenny,
Dusty's Bar, Milford,
John Murray Stonework, Ramelton,
The Ferryport bar, Greencastle,
JT Motors, Stranorlar,
OMS o'malley Scanlon insurance Brokers, Ballybofey / Dungloe,
the glencar inn, Letterkenny
And along with our main sponsor Glenveagh Engineering
From all at Donegal Darts; Thanks for your support😉🎯👍
Success for Donegal Dart teams in West Coast Challenge
Competing in The Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, the mens team won their 10th West Coast - a truly outstanding achievement and tremendously proud moment for the county. The Donegal men came through a group involving Leitrim, Sligo, Longford.
Up first was Longford. We needed a good start here and got it with a 10-2 victory over a very good Longford team.
Now we faced Sligo. We got off to a great start leading the game but then with some missed doubles the tide started to turn before a very determined Sligo, side took the win 7-5. Well done to them.
Then came Leitrim where Donegal overcame the noisy home crowd with an great 10-2 victory to book their place in the last 4.
In the semi-final Roscommon lay in wait. In a game that ebbed and flowed they got to 5-5. But it was not to be for Roscommon as Donegal won the next two games to win with Clive Aiken and Michael Leech landing the winning darts in a great match to win 7-5.
For the final there was a good crowd looking forward to Sligo facing Donegal.
Donegal playing superb darts and went 3-2 up though Sligo pulled 1 game back to 3-3. Donegal went on to take the next 3 games 6-3 Then Sligo pulled 1 more back to make it 6-4, before the decisive arrow was again landed by Michael Leech, whose 88 checkout sealed the title with a 7- 4 win. Celebrations went well on into the wee hours.
Donegal Darts would like to thank all their fans for their support. Big thanks to Louise Doherty for keeping the Donegal Darts page well updated.
Now on to the ladies who got through a group involving Leitrim, Galway and Mayo. Donegal topped the group to reach the final, Where Mayo lay in wait. Unfortunately it was not to be for Donegal who lost out 4-2 to the winners Mayo! Hard luck Ladies - lets take it next year!
The Donegal Youths emerged from a group with Roscommon and Westmeath before defeating Donegal ‘B’ in the semi-final.
In the final they overcame Mayo 3-0. With Jordan Boyce landing the winning darts to sealed the title.
In the singles competition on Sunday, Donegal’s Anthony Whoriskey, won the day, overcoming Anthony Mullarkey 6-5 in the final.
And there was joy, too, for Alistair Moore, from Letterkenny, who won the Youth singles.
Competing in The Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, the mens team won their 10th West Coast - a truly outstanding achievement and tremendously proud moment for the county. The Donegal men came through a group involving Leitrim, Sligo, Longford.
Up first was Longford. We needed a good start here and got it with a 10-2 victory over a very good Longford team.
Now we faced Sligo. We got off to a great start leading the game but then with some missed doubles the tide started to turn before a very determined Sligo, side took the win 7-5. Well done to them.
Then came Leitrim where Donegal overcame the noisy home crowd with an great 10-2 victory to book their place in the last 4.
In the semi-final Roscommon lay in wait. In a game that ebbed and flowed they got to 5-5. But it was not to be for Roscommon as Donegal won the next two games to win with Clive Aiken and Michael Leech landing the winning darts in a great match to win 7-5.
For the final there was a good crowd looking forward to Sligo facing Donegal.
Donegal playing superb darts and went 3-2 up though Sligo pulled 1 game back to 3-3. Donegal went on to take the next 3 games 6-3 Then Sligo pulled 1 more back to make it 6-4, before the decisive arrow was again landed by Michael Leech, whose 88 checkout sealed the title with a 7- 4 win. Celebrations went well on into the wee hours.
Donegal Darts would like to thank all their fans for their support. Big thanks to Louise Doherty for keeping the Donegal Darts page well updated.
Now on to the ladies who got through a group involving Leitrim, Galway and Mayo. Donegal topped the group to reach the final, Where Mayo lay in wait. Unfortunately it was not to be for Donegal who lost out 4-2 to the winners Mayo! Hard luck Ladies - lets take it next year!
The Donegal Youths emerged from a group with Roscommon and Westmeath before defeating Donegal ‘B’ in the semi-final.
In the final they overcame Mayo 3-0. With Jordan Boyce landing the winning darts to sealed the title.
In the singles competition on Sunday, Donegal’s Anthony Whoriskey, won the day, overcoming Anthony Mullarkey 6-5 in the final.
And there was joy, too, for Alistair Moore, from Letterkenny, who won the Youth singles.
JORDAN BOYCE IS HEADING for the Lakeside after qualifying for the BDO World Youth Championship final.
BDO World Youth Championship final.
Boyce will meet England’s Josh Richardson in the World Youth final in January 7th at the Lakeside after winning six games at City Hall in Hull on the 7th October.
Well done Jordan From all at Donegal Darts!🎯🎯🍀🍀💪
BDO World Youth Championship final.
Boyce will meet England’s Josh Richardson in the World Youth final in January 7th at the Lakeside after winning six games at City Hall in Hull on the 7th October.
Well done Jordan From all at Donegal Darts!🎯🎯🍀🍀💪