EAMON & BERNIE'S MEMORIAL DARTS TOURNAMENT 2015

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STARTING TOMORROW NIGHT IN EAMONS PIANO BAR , BLACKLION , CO.CAVAN ( 28 miles from Sligo )

The 2015 tournament begins.

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For many years this tournament has consistently delivered top class darts. Seasoned pro's like Brendan Dolan , Mickey Mansell and Sean McGowan have rubbed shoulders with some of the best players on the local pub circuit like Richard Reid and Eamon McGovern to name just 2. And with the format being best of 5 legs x 501 everyone has a chance to impress.

In the 2014 tournament players like Paul Boyle , Michael Cox and David Bohan arrived on the scene , and 2015 promises to be bigger and better. Basically this is THE best pub tournament going and in the past few years there have been regular visitors from Dublin , Galway , Longford , Roscommon , Tyrone. The chance for good pub players to rub shoulders with the likes of Dolan , Mansell etc is a big attraction to the casual pub player , and to the promising up and coming international players like David Concannon , who made last years grand Final , it can be your way of finally "Arriving" on the scene.

I have been in touch with many players in the past few months who were unaware of Eamons tournament , I hope to see some of these players making it down and parading their talents .

With Colin and Tony and the team up in the piano looking after things behind the bar you can be assured of great pints and good service and Jimmy McGrath and his helpers make the tournament run like clockwork with up to 7 throws in the early rounds meaning crowds of 60 players or more can be ran off in under 3 1/2 hours.

This years Tournament has been renamed to commemorate The late Bernie Fitzpatrick who passed away during 2014 and was a vital part of the team up in the Piano Bar. A fitting tribute to a great custodian .

I hope to see you in Piano Bar over the next few weeks and I wonder who the surprise package will be this year?

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A low key start to the 2015 tournament mainly due to the horrendous weather conditions outside saw 25 players turnout for the opening night. However there was plenty of experience on show and Campbell Jackson a regular finalist over the past few seasons booked his spot early at the expense of Longford thrower Steven Ganley.

Ganley who himself had appeared in the final night a few years ago was reaching his first heat final since that time . He beat Peter Walmsley and Mark Gallagher to set up a semi final meeting with Brendan Dolan. Ganley produced some nice scoring at just the right time to deny the current PDC number 12 and make the final. Campbell Jackson defeated Linnet Inn thrower Aaron Leonard in round 1 and Sligo thrower Michael Healey in the quarters to set up a semi final with Brian Kelly. Brian had taken 2 notable scalps en route to the semi knocking out 2 of last years final 8. Sean McGowan in the quarters after he had knocked out David Bohan in round 1 . However he was unable to make it 3 of last years 8 in one night as Campbell Progressed to the final.

The final was poised at 2/2 with Steven under pressure when he missed a few darts at doubles allowing Jackson in to claim a final place at the first time of asking.


Week 2 preview. Brian Kelly was impressive in the opening two rounds tonight and he could well be on form to claim a final spot in the second week. Brendan Dolan should be on the premises to push him all the way.

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25 players arrived at Eamons for the second heat in the tournament , a rival event in Tyrone probably took away quite a few regulars from that neck of the woods on the night but the small but select field were treated to a good night of darts with some good comebacks , big checkouts and Paul Boyle a finalist from 2014 emerging from the pack to claim victory however it was anything but straightforward.

He had opening round wins over Peter Walmsley, Steven Quinn and Eamon Leonard before running into compatriot Sean McGowan . The semi final between the two Yeats county throwers saw the first great comeback of the series with Paul recovering well from 2/0 down to go through 3/2. Brendan Dolan would be waiting in the final for Paul. Ciaran Conlon , Christie Fisher and Peter Savage were his early round victims before a semi final win over James Deery appearing for the first time this year. The final was of a very high standard . 5 180s were shared out by the players over the 5 legs and Brendan looked to have done enough at 2/1 up and needing a simple outshot to win when Paul unleashed a 130 outshot on the bull to draw level . He then held his nerve to claim the decider. Out shots were the feature of the night and Colin Maxwell , a previous recipient of the highest checkout award staked his claim with a fine 160 effort.

With a few of week ones better performers absent like Brian Kelly week 3 could offer an opportunity and Sean McGowans experience should carry him to victory over Brendan Dolan who hopefully could be returning from mine head with the masters trophy.

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Week 3 and the tournament still really in its early stages. 24 players competed on the night . Daryl Gurney reached grand final night and made the journey up from the city of Derry a worthwhile one and compensated for missing out in 2014.

In the semi final he defeated Stephen Ganley , a beaten finalist from week one to set up a final meeting with Colin Maxwell who defeated Andrew Gillespie ( a frequent visitor down through the years from Donegal ) .

In the final the scoreline read 3/0 in the end for Daryl but it didn't tell half the story as " Maxi " pushed him all the way.

Brendan Dolan to win Week 4 with the main dangers expected to be David Concannon ( fresh from a fine effort at the dutch open ) and Sean McGowan a regular final night qualifier.

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"Brendan Dolan to win Week 4 with the main dangers expected to be David Concannon ( fresh from a fine effort at the dutch open ) and Sean McGowan a regular final night qualifier."
38 players on the night. Numbers rising.
Not a bad prediction from the humble reporter. The final pairing was indeed David Concannon and Brendan Dolan but nothing was straightforward in both getting a final place. Peter Walmsley , Tom Leonard and Stephen Ganley were David's early round victims before a place in the semi final against fellow Roscommon county player Damien McGovern . Damien playing beautiful darts knocked in an 11 darter but couldn't close out the match missing quite a few match doubles before David went through to reach his first heat final of the year. There he would face Brendan Dolan who faced a potential minefield of a round dispatching Tommy Byrne in round 1 before beating Sean McGowan in round 2 and Aodhagen o Neil in round 3 setting up a semi final against glenties thrower Declan Quinn . Dolan fresh from a pair of semi finals at the UK open qualifiers at Wigan prevailed to set up a mouthwatering clash against Concannon.

Brendan took the first leg in 12 darts but David recovered well to level up and eventually got on top winning 3/1 with a 92 average. Brendan (95) .

Many in with chances in week 5 . Brendan Dolan will be amongst the main protagonists to qualify but Sean McGowan won't be easily beaten and he is taken to prevail with the returning Aodhagen o Neill ready to push him all the way.

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Campbell Jackson, Paul Boyle , Daryl Gurney and David Concannon the qualifiers so far. 3 of last years finalists making it . Last few weeks should be brilliant.

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35 players entered not bad considering many were literally on their way back from the all Ireland's . Brendan Dolan was absent , on his way back from PDC duty in Germany and Michael Mansell took advantage as he made his first visit of the year to Blacklion a winning one with Victory .

J.R Doherty , Peter Walmsley and Padraig Kearney were Mansells opening round victims, setting up a semi final with fellow Tyrone compatriot Colin Maxwell . Mansell progressed but Maxwells showings in this series should be rewarded with a final place from the last 3 weeks . Sean Fleming who was one player who was in Clare at the All Ireland's in the West County Hotel , made the trip to Blacklion almost a winning one by reaching the final. Stephen Quinn and Aidan Meehan were his early round opponents , Meehan who plays in the local BDBA league gave him a few frights before Sean progressed to a quarter final showdown against the fancied Sean McGowan. Fleming progressed to the semi to face Martin Reilly who had defeated another frequent finalist here in Aodhagen O'Neill in his quarter final. Sean held his nerve to reach the decider. Nerves were to play their part however as Mickey held his to book a final night spot 3/0 .

With 3 weeks to go Brendan Dolan will be keen to book his final spot. Sean McGowan will too. Should be a close call this week .

THREE WEEKS TO GO - LETS BE HAVING YOU GENTS .

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45 players on the night as we reach week 6 . Brendan Dolan quite comfortably in the end reached finals night but it was a 14 year old Tyrone player who lit up the venue on the night with a performance that you would expect from a experienced top level player of many years. Nathan Rafferty is starting to make waves on the northern darting circuit. That he lives beside one of this countries top pros , Mickey Mansell , can only be good for one of the best talents to come out of the North in years . In round 1 however he was 2-0 down to Brian Smith before he rattled off 3 quick legs to progress. Next up he took out a frequent final night qualifier and previous beaten grand finalist in Eamon McGovern , no mean feat , then was the performance of the night . A 3/2 victory over Sean McGowan which included 2 x 13 dart legs , Sean virtually matching the youngster dart for dart, the kind of performance that got the large crowd watching him very closely . His quest for glory fell short at the semi final stage . Roscommons Francis Hussey making the trip up a worthy won winning 3/2 in a nail biting semi where both players missed 9 match darts . Nathan will fancy his chances in the last 2 weeks on this form .

Brendan's path to the final was not an easy one . Martin Reilly , Brian Kelly and Declan Quinn tried their best and Peter Savage a regular visitor here reached his first semi final of the year but the PDC world number 10 did enough to reach the decider . Francis came out fighting and took the first leg in very impressive fashion . This stung Brendan into action and a 64 finish levelled the match . Francis's momentum seemed to wane during the third leg as his prolific t20 hitting dried up from the first 2 legs and Brendan closed out the match 3/1 with an average of 93. However Francis (87 final average) is well placed to claim a final spot in the last 2 weeks .

Nathan Rafferty will be amongst the favourites to qualify in week 7 along with Sean Fleming and Colin Maxwell. In what looks like a very open heat it could well be the best attended one yet .

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26 players on the night , with dreadful weather conditions outside and roads and cars snowbound many were prevented from travelling as the Piano bar tournament reaches a climax .

Sean McGowan reached his usual final night spot after a great victory over one of the top players on the northern circuit over the past 20 years, Felix McBrearty. In the quarter final McGowan beat JJ Dolan 3/2. John Joe missing tops for a 120 checkout for the match . Shane Doherty beat Eamon McGovern 3/0 , Damien McGovern beat Michael Healey 3/1 and Felix beat Ryan Gethins 3/1 , Felix clinching the match with a 160 checkout.

In the Semi Final the Yeats county thrower stepped up another level to beat Shane Doherty 3/0. Felix matched the performance as he cruised past Damien McGovern 3/0 , with the last leg in 14 darts. It set up a final between two of the best known players on the Irish darting circuit over the past couple of decades.

Sean McGowan started off well and took the first leg in 14 darts , Felix levelled up, then took the third with a 113 finish. Not to be outdone McGowan levelled up to force a fine deciding leg. McBreaty leaving d8 for victory whilst McGowan , against the darts fired in a crucial 64 finish to claim his final spot.

For the final week it promises to be brilliant . Weather permitting many are in with shouts including JJ Dolan , Felix McBrearty and Alan Lawler, badly hampered by the weather in week 7, however after a couple of near misses in recent weeks including a final defeat in a major tournament in Tyrone 24 hours earlier , Damien McGovern might take the final spot.

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Sean Fleming capped a great night for Roscommon Dart players as he took the final qualifying spot on offer as the final night approaches. Sean who plays his darts for The Hatch, was one of a number of Roscommon players who reached the last 8. In those quarter finals Martin Reilly beat Pauric Kearney , Sean Fleming beat Declan Quinn , Thomas Concannon beat Ross Carty and Nipper McKeown beat the last remaining Fermanagh player on the night Aidan Meehan , the Doogies bar player unlucky to miss a d19 that would have capped a great comeback win. In the semi finals Nipper who plays out of the Bothar Rua beat McDermott's clubman Thomas Concannon in the all Roscommon Semi final.Sean Fleming made it an all Roscommon final when he defeated Martin Reilly.

Despite a disappointing final turnout of 29 players the standard of darts in the final were as good as of any of the previous finals as Sean took a commanding 2/0 advantage. The last leg was a thriller with Nipper just missing the Bull for a 170 outshot that would have gave him the highest checkout of the tournament ( ironically the final was being chalked by the current holder of that title Colin Maxwell!) but Sean came in for a 30 finish to wrap up the final leg in 14 darts with a final average of 100, ( nipper 83 ) .

All attention now turns to next Monday nights final which promises to be a cracker .

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On a night when this great tournament was brought to an end for another 12 months Brendan Dolan capped a great series of darts with a maximum 170 finish to retain his title in the grandest manner. But as I will explain he had to do it the hard way.



Quarter Finals

Brendan Dolan 4 David Concannon 3

The top ten PDC professional meets the rising Irish International Concannon and the meeting was a classic encounter going to the very last leg . Plenty of 180's and great finishing before Brendan settled the issue . David a shade unfortunate to be drawn against the pre tournament favourite.

Paul Boyle 4 Sean Fleming 2

In an all Connaught tie Paul Boyle came back from 2/1 down to reach the semi finals at the expense of the up and coming student from Roscommon , the decisive factor here maybe being Paul's second appearance in a row on finals night and overcoming some early nerves.

Campbell Jackson 4 Sean McGowan 0

Sean fresh from a tournament win in Claremorris 24 hours earlier would have entered the tie with high hopes but as many players on the circuit have found out over the past number of years Campbell is a player never to be underestimated and with his familiar rat-a-ta-tat style he reeled off 4 straight legs to progress.


Mickey Mansell 4 Daryl Gurney 1

Mickey with a statement of intent here. In a game widely expected to go down to the wire, he took an early lead and knocked in a few nice 140s at the right time to stay ahead of the chasing Gurney , eventually winning with 3 games to spare.


Semi Finals


Brendan Dolan 5 Paul Boyle 2

Brendan held firm to reach yet another final bringing Paul Boyles brave effort to an end. 5/2 was slightly unfair on Paul who missed a vital double in the 5th leg . A valuable learning curve for the Sligo man who will be a threat on the tour this year .

Mickey Mansell 5 Campbell Jackson 4

The game of the night , perhaps of the tournament as the two fancied Tyrone darters faced off for the chance to meet Brendan Dolan in the grand final . No less than 8 maximums were recorded in 9 legs of darts and both men down to a finish after 9 darts more times than not , the standard was as high as any you could imagine in any venue in Ireland or further afield . In the end there had to be a winner and it was Mansell who won the final leg to clinch a final place against his fellow NI international teammate .



Final


Brendan Dolan 6 Mickey Mansell 1

In what turned out to be a one sided affair Brendan Dolan claimed his 8th title in Blacklion with an emphatic 6-1 victory . The tough semi final took its toll on Mansell as Brendan strode inland 5/0 lead . Nothing the Clonoe man could do as Brendan took control with 2 13 dart legs. A brief revival saw Mansell take the sixth but Brendan saved the best until last. Leaving 170 after 9 darts he hit t20 t20 bull to a tremendous cheer and wrap up a fine tournament and take the highest checkout from Colin Maxwell .

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A very successful tournament came to an end and afterwards as is customary on Finals night I caught up with my old friend Sean McGowan for a good chat about the darts scene locally and nationally. The news is good . A lot of hard work is going on to promote the game and this work is being rewarded with a number of young players like David Concannon and Robyn Byrne ( to name just 2) receiving awards that put the game of darts up there getting the recognition it deserves as a sport . There are many more 8 week competitions coming up in this region over the next few months and I expect Sean to be bang in contention for them , especially when his troublesome leg injury fully heals.

I also had a good chat with Sean Fleming who participates ( when he isn't studying hard) in the Roscommon dart league . Interesting to get the views of a decent player who has been performing well in his local league and now making the final night in Blacklion . Hope the studies go well and to be able to play at that level whilst mixing it with full time education deserves respect. Anything going on darts wise in the region will be well reported by Nipper McKeown and his Public relations officers . Very good coverage of the league available on their own website.

Mickey Mansell was another whom I had a great chat with and he was very magnanimous in defeat. The respect that him and Brendan have for each other is refreshing to see from two professional sportsmen in what is one of the most competitive divisions in sport . I have no doubt that in the next 12 months he will move further up the rankings and with that an overdue success or two on television to build further confidence . There is no doubt on the floor of his abilities , just ask anybody on the PDC pro tour ! .

But it is Brendan Dolan who takes this years title and has his name well in front as an outright winner of this tournament along with names such as the late great Tom Kirby , Joe Byrne , Aodhagen o Neill and Mickey Mansell . Well played Brendan. And well done to Jimmy McGrath , Martin and Colin and Tony and the team at Fitzpatricks for a great tournament.