The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Eric hits the target in battle of arrows
THE annual darts tournament to raise funds for Valentia Island Community Hospital took place in the Ring Lyne Bar and Restaurant of Chapeltown (Caol), with 60 men and 13 women taking part, mostly from Valentia and the wider Iveragh area.
The winner, for the second year running, was University of Limerick student Eric Power of Tramore in Waterford. Eric came to the island together with a number of college friends and really illuminated the night with his dart throwing skills. He warmed up earlier in the evening with a few games in Tig Rosie’s Bar of Dungegan, Ballinskelligs, where he and a number of friends threw. Last year’s win saw him victorious over the reputable John ‘King’ O’Shea of Waterville and on this occasion his final opponent was young Mark Quigley of Cahirsiveen.
Mark’s father, Valentia man Richard Quigley, was his semi-final opponent. Richard also contested last year’s semi-final. Regrettably, Eric states that he will not be able to defend his title and contest a three-in-a-row effort, as he will be in San Francisco.
The women’s contest was won by Mary Donnelly of Donnelly Tyres in Cahirsiveen with the runner-up being Niamh O’Shea of Dromid.
This has been the sixth year of the Ring Lyne event and previous winners were Declan Corcoran of Ardcost (2012-13), and Frank O’Connell of Portmagee (2014-15).
The organisers were Steve and Anthony Shee- han, proprietors of the Ring Lyne, as well as Brian O’Connor of Cooil and Eileen Healy of Corobeag, ably assisted by Patrick O’Donoghue of Chapeltown and Joe Barry of the Top of the Bridge Road.
Organisers would like to sincerely thank all sponsors, those who gave spot prizes, and the various bars in South Kerry who helped out by providing stands and surrounds.
Meanwhile, it has been decided to organise an annual darts competition in the Ring Lyne to honour the memory of the late William (Bill) Healy of Corobeag. The first event of such will take place on Saturday, March 4 (8pm), and will comprise open doubles games (men and women mixed).
Bill Healy, much loved and respected in Valentia Island circles, passed away on April 11, 2016 at the age of 65, after along battle with terminal illness. He was also a familiar figure at quiz, card playing and darts events in the Ring Lyne and other social outlets. We look forward to a big turnout for Bill.