Glencolmcille Darts League 2024/25

Anyone who doubted that the new scoring system to determine our 1st division finalists and who thought it cause our top players to relax was gravely mistaken at Roarty's on Saturday night. Understanding the importance of every leg of darts, the big guns who missed the opening night quickly caught up as the darts kicked off five minutes early. With 39 games on the card and five excellent boards, the standard was exceptionally high, resembling the second-to-last night in previous years.

The averages were off the charts. Last year’s champion, Cartha Boyle, started strong with a 4-leg win, checking out 170 with “An t-Iasc Mór”. He later followed up with a 12-dart leg (125 average) and had a titanic battle with the in-form Stephen Harron, where they ended up sharing the spoils. Cartha won 13 out of 16 games on the night. Harron himself was in top form, winning 4-0 in his first match. In his second match, he went ballistic with 13-, 14-, and 15-dart legs, including a 160 checkout and multiple 180s, as well as a 120 checkout under pressure, once again splitting points with Cartha. Harron finished with 14 out of 16 on the night. 

Our stats & fixtures man, James Byrne Bracken, also threw a 12-dart leg, one of three 12-darters that night. In total, we saw 6 legs of 12/13 darts, thanks to players like Andrew Gillespie, Dermot McGuire, and John Con. There were 11 legs of 15 darts or less, as well as numerous 16/18 dart legs. There were 11 180s, with John Con earning the nickname "the Chizzy of Glen" after hitting three in one game against this reporter—who might as well just sit back and take notes! 

The game of the night was Andrew Gillespie vs. Dermot McGuire. In their four legs, Andrew had a 12-dart leg along with hitting a 180, checking out 132 and 123, while Dermot also hit a 180 and had 13- and 15-dart legs, and both shared the spoils in a fantastic contest. 

Special thanks to Mary B for the setup and the new boom box for music, and to Kevin & Dermot for setting up the boards while the boss was away. We’ll be back next week, venue to be confirmed—keep an eye on the WhatsApp group midweek!

Youth League Week One

The juniors league is back after a 5-year hiatus, and it's fantastic to see young players returning to the oche at Roarty's before night 2 of the senior league.

 

Familiar "in thru" darting surnames like Byrne, McGinley, Cunnea, McGuire, and Carr are joined by others to restart, restore, and rejuvenate the local youth dart scene. For many of these young players, it was their first time throwing and marking games in a public setting.

 

Mary B, along with her dedicated team, Kevin and Dermot, had all five boards in top condition. The young darters quickly adjusted to the new surroundings, showing no signs of opening-night nerves. Each player had two games to gauge their form and pace, and it's clear that we’re in for a tight battle at the top. Noah McGuire leads with full points, thanks to steady scoring and an excellent checkout average.

 

Hot on his heels are Eoghan and Daniel, last year’s Norman Blain Youth finalists, along with Lewis McNelis and Kealan McGuire. There was strong scoring across the board, and those sitting in the lower or mid-table positions know that, with a little improvement on their checkout averages, they could easily climb higher. Most players were reaching the checkout zone, so some extra practice on doubles will make a big difference as the league progresses.

 

It’s also great to see Jasmine Byrne continuing "The Miner" tradition, and she’s holding her own against the lads. We hope to continue next week, so keep practicing those doubles and your marking skills! Soon, we’ll have you all up to playing three games a night.

 

Keep an eye on the WhatsApp group early in the week for updates.

The Glen singles league started on Saturday night in the Glen Head tavern, the restaurant was busy and warm so start time was back slightly. 20 of the leagues 28 players were present, big welcome back to former chairman Norman Fuller who was his usual quiet reserved self & to new players Gary Gillespie, Conor McKiverigan & Brion Domican. 31 games of 4 legs each and so to the darts. The 1st 5 games set a good standard, John Con was out of the blocks early with 2 x 180s in 14, 16 dart legs & another 180 later.

In the 1st 20 legs we had 4 ton plus check outs. Things settled then and Stephen Harron took up where he finished last year took 11 points from 12 with county team mate Andrew Gillespie following hard.. The best performers though were your seasoned locals Hugh Doherty Jnr, newcomer Brion Domican, both Boyle's James and Gabriel especially who took unexpected points. Joe Furey who “hasn't caught a dart since St Patrick’s day was also hitting hard along with Des and John Con set the early pace.. Good nights darts 10 x 180s & 6 ton plus outs. Darts next week in Roarty's and we envisage having the resurrected juniors league beforehand.

We will contact all juniors in their separate WhatsApp group during the week and the seniors also early in the week.. More info Re: rules changes by subcommittee on players WhatsApp too.

For anyone driving around the Wild Atlantic Way during winter months keep Noel and staff in John Eoiníns Bar in mind for bite to eat, great place to throw and eat as well, good supporters of the league. Players keep eye on WhatsApp both senior and junior early in the week.