The first major of the East Cork Darts Association’s season took place on October 20 with the first holding of the Carling Cup of Darts competition. The doubles competition was held for each division, in three different venues.
The first port of call is at Harty’s Bar where the premier division was held. The night started with 18 pairs starting in action. Mick Healy and Donie Kelleher came through their group and faced Kyle Devine and Michael Byrne in the first semi-final. In a tight game Donie and Mick prevailed 3-2.
The second semi-final saw Johnny Walsh and Stevie Holland come up short against John Fitzgerald and Tomas Bourke in a game which included a 127 checkout from Tomas Bourke.
The final produced some more good darts and it was Youghal men Tomas Bourke and John Fitzgerald who came out on top against Mick Healy and Donie Kelleher.
The division 1 competition headed to Colbert’s bar with 30 players taking to the oche on the night. In what was a very entertaining competition with some cracking darts all night, it was the men from The Long Point who came out on top. Mike McGrath and Stephen O’Halloran made the trip and were crowned champions.
Earlier they had overcome Darren Quinn and Joe Crotty in a keenly contested semi-final. The score was 4-3 to Mike and Stephen and it was as tight as the score suggests with both sets of players playing excellent darts.
The second semi-final saw Mick Holmes and James Howes come through against local men Paddy Quinn Jnr and Godfrey Kirby. In another tight game the locals just came up short.
In the final, James Howes and Mick Holmes gave a fantastic account of themselves and in a cracking final both sets of players fought to the last dart – but it was Mike McGrath and Stephen O’Halloran who came through.
The division 2 competition was held at Auntie Biddy’s in Cloyne. Some interesting groups here where 16 pairings took part in an excellent event. The knockout stages saw Billy O’Sullivan and Ken Horgan get over Donal Dennehy and Lorraine Dennehy in the first semi-final. Brian McCarthy and Graham Dennehy were too strong for Adie Walsh and Willie Wallace in qualifying for the final.
The final saw Batt Murphy’s player come face to face and it was the pairing of Billy O’Sullivan and Ken Horgan who came out on top against their club mates Brian McCarthy and Graham Dennehy.
Well done to all players in the three divisions on a fantastic night of darts. Many thanks to our sponsor, Carling and also to three fantastic venues.
Next up is a return to league action in the East Cork Darts Association on October 27.
