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| Darts cup a Bridge too far for Daly’s
THE Blackwater Valley Darts Cup Final was held last Friday night in Maureen’s Bar between near neighbours Daly’s Bar and the Bridge House Bar.
John Sheehan went to battle first against Eddie O’Rourke and before long Sheehan knew he had a mountain to climb. The first game started slow and either player could have won but it was O’Rourke who hit double six for the win.
O’Rourke, who is one of the best players in the league, went on to win the second leg but Sheehan, who started his darting career in the Pulpit Bar in Mallow, had a brilliant 110 checkout to win the third leg. O’Rourke fought back and finished the fourth leg on double seventeen to win 3-1.
The tall figure of Jerry Black played Brendan Matthews in the second game. Matthews hit double tops to start the first leg and went on to win then Black hit back with 62 start and a 67 checkout to win the second leg. The next two legs were shared and in the last game it was Matthews who pulled away for a 3-2 win.
Being 2-0 down Daly’s needed someone to win a game. Could Johnny Holland be that man or would Darren Jones do it for the Bridge? Jones hit first, finishing the first leg on double one then Jones finished the second leg on double two.
Holland, with all his experience, finished leg three and had a 90 check out in leg four. Pressure was on Holland and he did not disappoint as he finished the last leg to put Daly’s back in the hunt.
Darren Lynch was up next against Steve O’Mahony and even though Lynch had chances O’Mahony had too much experience under his belt and went on to win this one 3-0. Lynch is an up and coming player and a one to watch.
In the fifth leg youths champion Nicky Sherman played ex player of the year Maurice Lynch. Lynch won the first leg and checked out 72 in the second leg then Sherman had 20 double tops to win the third leg. In the fourth leg Lynch pulled ahead and when he got near double 12 he made no mistake winning 3-1.
The last game of singles was between Alan Foley, son of Cosy Corner darts legend Timmy Foley, and one of Ireland’s greatest sons, Tony Hartnett. Foley, who is playing brilliant darts for the Bridge this year, won the first leg on double one then Hartnett hit back winning the second leg on double 10.
Foley then changed gear and finished 86 with a bull finish and in the fourth leg both players were left on double tops. Hartnett went first and was close but missed while Foley looked up and straight as a dye hit it in the middle for a 3-1 win.
After a short break Jim Twomey, captain of Daly’s, and Steve O’Mahony, captain of the Bridge, picked the doubles. Daly’s needed to win the first game or the match was over and they went strong with Holland and Lynch but this game went the way of Foley and Matthews who played well throughout.
So the cup left Maureen’s in the north side and headed south to the Bridge House. Well done to all players on the night and well done to John Sheehan with a 110 checkout.
Thanks to the caller and marker on the night and special thanks to the Dinan family and their staff for making the night a great success.