Concannon shows top form to win John Kearney Cup
Winner of the John Kearney Cup, David Concannon, with tournament organiser Padraig Kearney.
The annual John Kearney Cup took place in Flanagan’s of Castleplunkett.
Over 40 players took part in a competition where the standard didn’t disappoint. Top class darts and clinical finishing were in evidence throughout the day, but, in the end, it came down to a final between two top players, David and Gary Concannon.
The best of nine final saw both players hitting 140s, but David edged the first leg. David piled on the pressure with scores of 100, 96, 140 and 104 to hit a 17-dart leg and extend his advantage.
Gary responded with steady scoring in the third leg (97, 90), but David went up another gear. Scores of 135 and 140 made the difference in another 17-dart leg as he took a 3-0 lead.
The next leg was an even one. Both players hit steady scores, but a score of 140 at the tail end was enough for David to take an 18-dart leg and a 4-0 lead. The fifth leg was also an even affair. Once again, it was one big score that made the difference — this time a 180 for David sealing the deal, as he confirmed a 5-0 win in a game that was closer than the scoreline suggested.
Well done to David, and hard luck to Gary. Many thanks to all the players who supported the event — it truly is one of the highlights of the Roscommon Darts calendar.
As always, special thanks also to Flanagan’s for the hospitality on the day. Finally, thanks to all those who supported the raffle, where just over €515 was raised for the very worthwhile cause of Croí.
Roscommon teams continued their preparations for the upcoming West Coast Challenge with a game against Galway, which took place in Clonberne, last weekend.
Both the county’s men’s A and B teams competed, while, for the first time in many years, the ladies’ team took to the oche. There were closely contested games played across the day, with valuable experience gained by all the players.
Practice will continue over the Christmas period as attention will turn to the West Coast Challenge in the Abbey Hotel between January 19th and 21st. Roscommon Darts wishes to extend its thanks to the main sponsor and host of the event, the Abbey Hotel. Thanks also to county team sponsors — main sponsors Hannon’s Hotel, alongside co-sponsors ROSS Engineering and Naughton's Kitchens.
Each member of the panel also has an individual shirt sponsor which will be detailed over the coming weeks, both in print and on social media. For more information on the West Coast Challenge or Roscommon Darts, please check out the Roscommon County Darts Facebook page.
