PROFESSIONAL DARTS COMES TO THE BOYNESIDE AND THE FANS JUST LOVED IT.

THE TLT has seen many things in recent years, great dancers and singers, snooker and MMA, even a bit of Daniel to excite the fans.

But last week, the ‘global circus’ that is professional darts pulled into town and what an impression it left.

This was professionalism at its most stark and either you love it or hate it - but it’s modern day sport, warts and all.

The event was an exhibition featuring two of the biggest names in modern day darts, the world PDC champion ‘Mighty’ Michael Van Gerwen and his fellow Dutch master, Raymond Van Barneveld.

And boy did they pack them in!

Gone are the days when players with big bellies stood at a dartboard, a pint in one hand, a fag in the other - somehow fitting a dart in there too - and specatators trying to make out the players through a haze of smoke.

Now it’s all glitz, music, walk ons, signings, pictures, merchandise.

Although the image has changed, the down to earth characters still remain in the sport and for those hundreds who met both players, they were left with an impression of two true pros, willing

Gerrard Black with Michael and Barney.

Compere John McDonald with Tommy Leddy.

Olivia Harty with the two champions

Robbie Mulligan and Niall Mc Loughlin at the TLT.

Aoife Mc Groggan with the darting pair.