Pic- Francis Hussey and Thomas Concannon
Francis Hussey claims Christmas Singles.
Francis Hussey- who plays his darts with Flanagan's of Castleplunkett, won the annual Roscommon County Darts Christmas Singles on Sunday. More than 30 players from across the County were in Hannon's Hotel in Roscommon on Sunday for the event which produced some top quality darts. Pick of the bunch was the tussle between last years Christmas Singles winner Mick Egan and last weeks Tommy Kenny Cup winner Sean Fleming in the last 8. Egan's next game in the Semi Final with Thomas Concannon is also worthy of mention. Egan's 160 checkout in the opening leg of that clash was highest of the day. Both players averaged near 90 for the first 4 legs before settling back into the mid 80's in what was a very entertaining game.
Wayne Harris and and Jimmy Reilly also produced notable performances. Hussey's route to victory included early wins over Luke Concannon (3-0) and Denis Coffey (3-1). A 4-0 win over David Concannon in the last 8 was followed with a 5-0 win over Padraig Kearney in the Semi-Final. A 6-4 win in the Final over Ballinaheglish's Thomas Concannon completed victory.
In the final both players had 29 ton pluses between them. 20 for Hussey- 9 for Concannon. Despite the obvious high scoring difference- Thomas Concannon did post alot of 80 and 90+ scores which kept him close right throughout. Concannon got a long opening leg out of the way with a 26 darter. But all legs thereafter were of high quality. Hussey took the next three in 19,18, and 19 darts before Concannon took a 20 darter to make it 3-2. Hussey with another 19 darter made it 4-2- before the quickest leg-a 17 darter- came from Concannon. Yet another 19 dart leg from Hussey left him one away from victory but an 18 dart reply from an improving Concannon made it 5-4. Hussey's winning 17 dart leg ended with a 60 checkout with Concannon sitting on a 80.
Results-

Last 16:- M.Egan 3 P.Tansey 0;S.Fleming 3 G.Murphy 1; P.Kearney 3 S.Corcoran 1;N.Ryan 3 R.Southam Jnr 0; W.Harris 3 M.Fleming 2; T.Concannon 3 M.Murphy 0; F.Hussey 3 D.Coffey 1; D.Concannon 3 R.Southam Snr 1.
Last 8:- M.Egan 4 S.Fleming 3;P.Kearney 4 N.Ryan 1;T.Concannon 4 W.Harris 1; F.Hussey 4 D.Concannon 0.
Semi-Finals:- T.Concannon 5 M.Egan 4; F.Hussey 5 P.Kearney 0.
Final:- F.Hussey 6 T.Concannon 4.
Highest Checkouts- M.Egan 160;W.Harris 125;P.Kearney 116; S.Fleming 105,104.
That winning 60 checkout from Francis Hussey included the last competitive dart thrown in the Roscommon County Darts year of 2009. It has been another fine year for Roscommon on the National darting front with some good successes and further improvements to the standard of play. Hopefully 2010 will see that furthered even more. It all begins again on the 8th of January with the resumption of the County Darts League. The A1 Roofing Singles is provisionally down for 9th of January. Further details on the A1 Roofing Singles will be available soon at http://www.501in9.blogspot.com/ . The League can be viewed in full at http://www.rosdarts.com/. And finally a very Happy Christmas to everyone from Roscommon County Darts. We hope Santa brings everyone shiny new darts and dart board this Christmas!!

Darts League Results- Round 10.
Round 10 Stats:
Legs Played:105.
180's:4.
100+ checkouts: 114- W.Harris; 105 M.Finneran.
Widow Pats, Knockcroghery 6-1 Timmy's, Elphin (19-6).
Tower Bar, Elphin 2-5 Creaton's, Loughlynn (8-17).
Kate's, Castlerea 3-4 Spell's,Ballaghaderreen (14-15).
The Hollywood, Roscommon 2-5 McDermott's, Ballinaheglish. (7-19).

League resumes on 8th January 2010. Enjoy the Christmas Break!!

Tommy Kenny Cup.

Sean and Martin Fleming after the 2009 Tommy Kenny Cup Final which Sean won on a 6-4 scoreline. A reversal of the 2006 Final in wehich Martin bet Sean. Well done to Sean. Congrats to Joe McElderry on winning the X Factor too!!.......

Tommy Kenny Cup win for Sean Fleming.
Ballaghaderreen's Sean Fleming won the 7th annual Tommy Kenny Cup which took place in Creaton's Bar Loughlynn on Sunday. It was a well supported event again as near 40 players from across took part on the day. In it's previous six runnings and has produced 5 different winners- visiting 4 different parts of the county. Now after losing the Finals of 2005,2006,and 2007, Sean Fleming has his name engraved on the Cup forever. And deservedly so. His route to the victory was tough with wins over Patrick Tansey (3-1),Padraig Doory (3-0), Thomas Concannon (3-2), Sean Finan (4-2), Pat Reid (5-1). And a 6-4 win in the Final against his brother Martin wrapped it up. Last years winner-Ballinaheglish player David Concannon had his run stopped by Spell's Sean Corcoran in the Last 8. Jimmy Reilly also beaten in the Last 8 by Martin Fleming. Sean Finan also went out in the Last 8 to the eventual winner. And Pat Reid wound up the Last 8 with a well fought win over Wayne Harris. The first Semi Final seen Creaton's favourite Pat Reid face Sean Fleming. Both players shared the first two legs but despite Reid staying close he could not get to a double in the remaining legs and Fleming ended up a 5-1 winner. A 106 checkout in leg 1 setting on his way with legs of 21,16,21,22,and 20 darts.. The second semi pitched Spell's teammates Sean Corcoran and Martin Fleming against each other. Like Reid- Corcoran stayed close but could not get a shot at a double and the elder of the Flemings's progressed to the Final with winning legs of 19,14,24,20 and 28 darts. In a repeat of the 2006 Final it was again of top quality with the longest leg being 22 darts and 34x100+ scores between them. 16 for the winner, 19 for the runner up. The first five legs all went with the darts. Legs 1,3 and 5 were took by Sean in 21,18,and 21 darts. Legs 2 and 4 by Martin in 21 and 15 darts. But the younger Fleming broke the throw in a 21 dart sixth leg to create a gap which was never threatened. Sean continued with a 20 dart- 7th leg before a mini revival seen Martin take the 8th and 9th legs and 22 and 19 darts. However the tenth leg was to be the last as the Sean Fleming became winner with a 16 dart leg that included scores of 68,85,140,140,36, and 32 checkout. Presentations were made by Sinead Kenny to Wayne Harris for highest checkout (130),Pat Reid, Sean Corcoran, Martin Fleming and to the winner himself. Ballaghaderreen's Aoife Doohan was lady of the tournament. Thanks to the Creaton family for hosting the event and for the refreshments which were excellent yet again.

Roscommon County Darts
Christmas Singles
Sunday, December 20th 2009.
In Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon Town.

Details-
*Open Singles- Confined to players affiliated to Roscommon County Darts.
*Prize fund is €550 minimum.
*Names In by 5pm.
*Entry is €10 per player.
*First Games 6pm
*One toss.
*Format is Best of 5x 501. Last 8- Best of 7x501.
Semi Final- Best of 9 x 501. Final- Best of 11x501.
*Prize fund covers Winner, R-up, Losing Semi finalists and Losing Quarter Finalists. Plus the Highest Checkout.
*5 Boards in play. (4 competition, 1 practice).

Darts League Results-Round 9.
League Stats.
Legs Played: 109.
180's: 7.
100+ Checkouts. 102,(D.Coffey);100,(P.Reid);100, (S.Fleming).
The Hollywood, Roscommon 3-4 Flanagan's, Castleplunkett. (14-16).
Kate's,Castlerea 3-4 McDermott's, Ballinaheglish. (15-17).
The Tower Bar, Elphin 0-7 Spell's, Ballaghaderreen. (2-21).
Widow Pat's, Knockcroghery 5-2 Creaton's, Loughlynn. (17-7).
Timmys, Elphin A BYE

Darts League Results- Round 8.
League Stats-
Legs Played:102.
180's:8.
100+ checkouts:2.-125(Daniel Connaughton);105 (F.Hussey).
Creaton's 2-5 Timmy's. (12-15).
Spell's 4-3 Widow Pat's. (13-12).
McDermott's 7-0 Tower Bar. (21-0).
Flanagan's 6-1 Kate's. (20-9).
The Hollywood A BYE

Results- Round 7.
Round 7 Stats.
Legs played:111.
180's:2,
100's+: 120 (JP Feeney),112 (W.Harris),110 (J.McIntyre).

Round 7. November 27th.
Kate's, Castlerea 4-3 The Hollywood, Roscommon. (15-14).
The Tower Bar, Elphin 0-7 Flanagan's, Castleplunkett.(2-21).
Widow Pats, Knockcroghery 5-2 McDermott's, Ballinaheglish. (17-10).
Timmy's, Elphin 3-4 Spells, Ballaghaderreen. (13-16).
Creaton's, Loughlynn A BYE

Round 6-
League Stats.
Legs played:112.
180's:10.
100+ checkouts:-
Spells, Ballaghaderreen 5-2 Creatons, Loughlynn (18-11).
McDermotts, Ballinaheglish 4-3 Timmy's, Elphin. (18-12).
Flanagans, Castleplunkett 2-5 Widow Pats, Knockcroghery (11-16).
The Hollywood, Roscommon 7-0 The Tower Bar, Elphin (21-5).
Kates, Castlerea A BYE

Darts League Results-Round 4.
Round 4 Stats-
Legs played: 109.
180’s:8.
100+ checkouts: 5.145 (N.Ryan),124 (M.Hynes),120 (P.Carton),116 (N.Ryan),116 (P.Finan).

McDermott's, Ballinaheglish 4-3 Spell's, Ballaghaderreen. (15-13).
Flanagan's, Castleplunkett 4-3 Creaton's, Loughlynn. (16-11).
The Hollywood, Roscommon 2-5 Timmy's, Elphin. (9-18).
Kate's, Castlerea 2-5 The Widow Pat's, Knockcroghery. (10-17).
The Tower Bar, Elphin A BYE.

Darts League Results-Round 3.
Round 3 Stats-
Legs played: 107.
180’s:3
100+ checkouts: 130.

The Tower Bar, Elphin 1-6 The Widow Pat's, Knockcroghery. (5-19).
Timmy's, Elphin 4-3 Kate's, Castlerea. (15-15).
Creaton's, Loughlynn 3-4 The Hollywood, Roscommon. (13-14).
Flanagan's, Castleplunkett 4-3 Spell's, Ballaghaderreen. (14-12).
McDermott's, Ballinaheglish A BYE

Darts League Results- Round 2.
Round 2 Stats-

Legs played: 105.

180’s:5

100+ checkouts: 134.

Darts League Result's- Round 2
Kate's, Castlerea 4-3 Creaton's, Loughlynn (15-11).
The Hollywood, Roscommon 2-5 Spell's Ballaghaderreen (12-18).
The Tower Bar, Elphin 0-7 Timmy's,Elphin (2-21).
Flanagan's, Castleplunkett 4-3 McDermott's, Balllinaheglish (13-13).
Widow Pat's Knockcroghery A BYE.

Power Surge In Killarney
Phil "The Power" Taylor completed the double over the weekend of October 16th to 18th, at the Killarney Darts Festival held in the INEC, with 56 PDC Pros over for the weekend of darts. On Saturday, he came through an entry of 333 players to defeat Wayne "The Wanderer" Jones 6-1 in the final of the Gleneagle Irish Masters. On Sunday, he came through an entry of 161 players to defeat Paul Nicholson 6-0 in the final of the John McEvoy Gold Dart Classic. The Power was in imperious form, dropping only 4 legs in 7 matches on Sunday.
Mick Egan got the draw that everyone wanted and nobody wanted, when he drew the 14 time world champion in the first round on Sunday. Egan put in a good effort, but went down 6-0, although he had chances to win 2 legs, and was close enough in a few others.

The Power lived up to his name on Sunday, averaging 115 in his second match against Pak O'Donovan (6-0), and then defeating Wayne Mardle (6-1), Michael van Gerwen (6-0), Andy Hamilton (6-1) and Wayne Jones (6-2), before taking out Paul Nicholson 6-0 in the final.

It was an unbelievable experience for Egan, playing Taylor in competition, and being up close to the Phil Taylor circus, it was easy to see why The Power is head and shoulders above everybody else.

Darts League Results- Round 1.
Round 1 Stats-

Legs played: 108.

180’s:6

100+ checkouts: 111,104.

Round 1- Friday 16th October 2009.

Timmy's, Elphin 1-6 The Widow Pat's, Knockcroghery (9-18 on legs).
Creatons, Loughlynn 7-0 The Tower Bar, Elphin (21-3 on legs).
McDermott's, Ballinaheglish 7-0 The Hollywood, Roscommon (21-5 on legs).
Spell's, Ballaghaderreen 5-2 Kate's, Castlerea (18-13 on legs).
Flanagan's, Castleplunkett - A BYE
Follow the League at http://www.rosdarts.blogspot.com/

More players, more games, more darts!!!!
The 11th Roscommon County Darts League will begin this week with over 100 players from across the county taking part over the next 5 months.
Round 1 on the 16th of October sees Timmy's of Elphin host the Widow Pat's of Knockcroghery. Timmy's (same team, same venue,different team name!)- were very competitive for most of last year and retain alot of their players. The Knockcroghery outfit rotate their home venue every third year and represent the Widow Pat's this time. Both sides are a good bet to make the last four as long as they dont drop easy points.
2005 Champions Creaton's of Loughlynn host first time entrants The Tower Bar of Elphin. Creaton's have a mixture of experience and youth. They struggled last year and will have to rely on the younger players to pick up more points this time to make the top 4. The Tower Bar (The Beauties and The Beasts!!!) have 9 ladies and 3 fellas on board. A couple of points from this fixture would be encouraging early on.
McDermott's of Ballinaheglish host The Hollywood of Roscommon Town. McDermott's have been involved on finals night for the past three years. In 2007 as Shield winners- and in 08 and 09 as losing Cup finalists. This may be their year. They took 7 from this fixture last year something the Roscommon boys will set out to overturn. The Hollywood is a new venue for the Roscommoners who were unlucky not to have picked up better results throughout last years league.
Spell's topped the table last year- but efforts were destroyed by McDermott's in the second semi final last year. Kate's of Castlerea travel to Ballaghaderreen having lost some good players over the summer. But a good game is expected all the same.
Reigning Champions Flanagan's of Castleplunkett have to wait until next week to open their campaign.
Best of luck to all teams.

Darts AGM in Hannon's
Next meeting of Roscommon County Darts is on Tuesday the 6th of October at 8:30pm in Hannon’s Hotel Roscommon.

Roscommon County Darts Committee chosen for the 2009/2010 season.
Presidents- Liam Kerins and Atty Hynes.
Chairperson- Joe Elliffe
Secretary- Mick Egan
Treasurer- Martina McKeon.
P.R.O. - Martin Fleming.
Mens Manager-Tommy Beirne.
Ladies Manager- Martina McKeon.
Youths Manager- Luke Concannon.

Roscommon County Darts League. Rules agreed at AGM.
The Roscommon County Darts League will remain almost the same format as last year.
*Team or Publicans fee is €200, to be paid before the draw is made.
*Player fee €20 per player. And €10 per Youth player to be paid before the draw is made.
*Fixtures are to be played on Friday nights.
*Fixtures which are not played on the schedueled night must be played within the week, before the following Friday.
*For the Final Week of Fixtures all Matches throughout the county will be played simultaneusly- no exceptions.
*Maximum of 12 players per panel-all of whom must be named and paid players fee before draw is made. No player can join any team thereafter.
*Games are to start at 10pm Sharp.
*Game Dartboards must be in playable condition throughout the league at correct height.
*Oche must be in place on game nights and be correctly fixed in place and measure correctly.
*Away team throw for the Bull first to decide which team wins the darts in Games 1, 3, 5, and 7 on the night.
*7 Games of Singles on the night, best of 5 legs per game. Maximum of 7 points available on the night.
*Team Captains will be required to maintain the scores on the night, so that points and leg count should be 100% accurate at the end of the League. At the end of each night both Captains will sign the scoresheet making sure all details are accurate. Scoresheets must be kept in good and readable condition.
*The League will be decided on points scored, with the top four to playoff for overall League title.*Should any number of teams be tied on points at the end of the League stages -positions will then be decided on legs scored.
*In the unlikely event teams are level on points and legs- a playoff will take place to decide who advances. The playoff shall take place at a neutral venue decided by a coin toss between team captains. Winning Captain has the choice of Venue which must be from within the League.
*The provisional start date for the 2009/2010 Hannon’s Hotel Roscommon County Darts League is the Friday, 16th of October.

New entries are more than welcome, and further information can be obtained from Martin on 0876736476.

No Silverware but super mixed grills!
Although Roscommon Darts players returned from The Winmau World Masters in Bridlington with no silverware, great experience was gained from playing in the World famous event. All the mixed grill dinners I ate in The Southcliff Hotel were bloody lovely too!!

Martin tucking into a mixed grill - click image for the supersize meal.

Thursday's Lakeside Qualifiers were kindest to Mick Egan who after a deserved 2-0 win over fellow countryman Damien O Driscoll was defeated 2-0 by England's Sean Greatbatch (3-2 both sets). Both Sean and Martin Fleming were beaten in their first round games. Sean losing 2-1 Martin losing 2-0. Both played decently. As Thursday's Qualifiers came to a close, Donegal's Martin McCloskey sealed his place in The Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships which take place next January.
Friday's Winmau World Masters seen similiar fortunes for Roscommon players. Martin Fleming won his first round match 3-0 and eased into round two where he was defeated 3-0 by Martin Atkins. Sean Fleming and Mick Egan were both beaten in their first encounters. Despite losing in the early stages of both events all three played well first time out. With high hopes of good progress prior to the tournament Thomas Concannon and Mark Finneran were both knocked out of the Youths Championship early on. Limerick's Connie Finnan was best of the Irish reaching the QF.
Lessons were learned at the qualifiers, and as has been said before, the difference is the quality of the finishing. Take your chances when you get them, and you will have every chance of a good run and appearing on the TV. Roll on next year!!

Roscommon Five for World Masters
Five Roscommon Darts players will make their way to England next week for the World's oldest and most famous darts tournament. The Winmau World Masters which is now in it's 36th year will bring together over 400 players from more than 50 countries.
Mick Egan, Martin Fleming, and Sean Fleming are the first Roscommon men to ever play in the Masters. Mark Finneran and Thomas Concannon will play in the Youths Masters which is a highly competitive piece in the four day event which will be broadcast live on BBC on Saturday and Sunday the 5th and 6th of September. All five have played for Roscommon for the past number of years and are regulars on the INDO's National Ranking System.
TV Coverage:
Saturday 5th September: 1300-1630, BBC One/online
Sunday 6th September: 1200-1530, BBC Red Button/online
Sunday 6th September: 1530-1800, BBC Two/online

Martin Kelly Cup Champion Qualifies for PDC World Championships
Cavan man Aodhagen O Neill who was winner of the Martin Kelly Cup Darts Tournament held in The Hollywood Bar in Roscommon last April has qualified for the preliminary round of the PDC World Darts Championship in December. He done so after winning the Tom Kirby Matchplay in Dublin last weekend. He is wished every success.

Ireland Players Championships Finals
Televised coverage of the Ireland Players Championships Grand Finals will be broadcast on the following dates and times. Roscommon's Mick Egan was a losing Quarter Finalist, while Mark Finneran and Thomas Concannon were respective winners in the Youth Cup and Plate competitions. Forget the soaps- watch the darts!!
Tuesday, September 8th., TG4 at 7.30pm. Tuesday, September 15th., TG4 at 7.30pm. Wednesday, September 16th., TG4 at 7.30pm. Repeat programmes will be transmitted on Sunday, September 13th., and Sunday, September 20th., between 10.00 am and 11.30am.

AGM
The Roscommon County Darts AGM will be taking place soon. Date, time and venue will be available soon.

Great day For Roscommon In Kilkenny.
Mark Finneran and Thomas Concannon returned home to Oran with titles under their belts, winning their respective youth competitions at the Ireland Players Championship Finals in Kilkenny. It proved to be a good day for Oran, as McDermotts team mate Gerry Fallon won the 2009 All Ireland Poc Fada competition (singles and pairs).
Finneran won the Youth Championship competition, beating pre-tournament favourite Paddy Meaney from Kilkenny 3-2, with all legs won against the throw.
Concannon, the pre-tournament favourite for the Youth Plate competition, won that out on the day, beating Dublin's Dylan Routledge 3-0.
The hat-trick was on for Roscommon, but Mick Egan's early form sadly deserted him, as he went down at the quarter final stage in the Mens competition, to a very good Peter Quinn effort.
Despite some good earlier performances, with 3 wins in the group stage against John Elder (Antrim) 5-1, Fred Holligan (Laois) 5-2, and Dominic Fenlon (Wexford) 5-0, and 5-4 win over an excellent James Broderick (Kerry) effort in the last 16, Egan's last ever effort for Roscommon fell short, as Quinn - in the best display at the last eight stage with a 90 average - gained a deserved 5-1 win.
Quinn won through to the final, beating Cavans Aodhagan O'Neill in his semi-final. John Elder from Antrim, defeated another Antrim player, Brian Cathcart in the quarter finals, and Dublin's Garrett Gray in his semi-final.
John Elder won out the cometition, beating Quinn 6-4 in the final. Elder managed to get on top of Quinn from the start. Despite a mini revival from Quinn, including a 157 checkout in leg 9, Elder held on for a deserved win.
It was ironic in the end, as Egan had beaten Elder 5-1 earlier in the day in the group stages, but Elder improved from his bad start, to finally win his first Ireland Player's Championship.
Grand Finals day also marked the re-appearance of Kerry's Sean Marshall, who has been battling serious illness for several months. It was a welcome return to a great dart player and a very popular member of the national darting fraternity We wish him well on the road to a full recovery.
Men's results:
Last 16:
Mick Egan 5 - 4 James Broderick
Mick Barry 4 - 5 Peter Quinn
William O'Connor 4 - 5 Aodhagan O'Neill
Ricky Dunlop 4 - 5 Damien O'Driscoll
Connie Finnan 5 - 3 Darren Clifford
Garrett Gray 5 - 4 Martin Murphy
Brian Cathcart 5 - 3 Anto McCracken
Sean Marshall 3 - 5 John Elder
Quarter-finals:
Mick Egan 1 - 5 Peter Quinn
Aodhagan O'Neill 5 - 4 Damien O'Driscoll
Connie Finnan 1 - 5 Garrett Gray
Brian Cathcart 2 - 5 John Elder
Semi-finals:
Peter Quinn 6 - 4 Aodhagan O'Neill
Garrett Gray 4 - 6 John Elder
Final:
Peter Quinn 4 - 6 John Elder
Men's Highest Check-out:
170 Peter Quinn

Youths' results:
Championship Quarter-finals:
Paddy Meaney 3 - 1 Ryan Maher
Ryan Courtney 0 - 3 Martin Heneghan
James Gearon 0 - 3 Mark Finneran
Jason Hahessy 3 - 0 Dean Forde
Semi-finals:
Paddy Meaney 3 - 1 Martin Heneghan
Mark Finneran 3 - 1 Jason Hahessy
Final:
Paddy Meaney 2 - 3 Mark Finneran

Plate Quarter-finals:
Ciaran Sullivan 0 - 3 Thomas Concannon
Cathal Murphy 3 - 1 Conor Walsh
Murty Brown 1 - 3 Paul Donovan
Craig Casey 1 - 3 Dylan Rutledge
Semi-finals:
Thomas Concannon 3 - 0 Cathal Murphy
Paul Donovan 1 - 3 Dylan Rutledge
Final:
Thomas Concannon 3 - 0 Dylan Rutledge
Youth's Highest Check-out:
118 Murty Brown

Ladies' results:
Semi-finals:
Sharon O'Brien 2 - 3 Caroline Breen
Maureen Kelly 0 - 3 Denise Cassidy
Final:
Caroline Breen 1 - 4 Denise Cassidy
Ladie's Highest Check-out:
118 Denise Cassidy

Ireland Players Championships Grand Finals.
The Ireland Players Championships Grand Finals take place next Saturday August 1st from 12 noon- in the Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny. Roscommon county player Mick Egan from Kilteevan is the only Roscommon man to qualify for the finals after six ranking events held over the past 9 months. A total of 32 players seperated into 8 groups battle it out for the mens title- with Egan in a group that consists of John Elder, Dominic Fenlon, and Fred Holligan. Top two in each group go forward to the knockout stages.
Mark Finneran will hope to continue his very good form as he aims to take top honours in the Youths Championship and takes on Tipperary's James Gearon in the 8 player shootout. Mark lost to Ballinaheglish's David Concannon in the Final last year but carries better form into this years event- form which almost landed him a 9-darter last weekend also in Kilkenny. Thomas Concannon will be defending his Youths Plate title in which 16 players take part. Best of luck to all three players. Full draw can be viewed at www.dartsinireland.com .

O'Connor Takes Park Inn Singles
Luke Concannon, Mark Finneran, Sean Fleming and Mick Egan travelled to Kilkenny, and joined a field of 54 for an open singles at the Park Inn, Kilkenny city.
Luke Concannon and Mark Finneran were first round casualties. Finneran was particularly unlucky when going down to Fermanagh's Brendan Dolan. Finneran was on for the perfect 9-darter at one stage, hitting seven treble 20's, but he missed the treble 19.
Sean Fleming reached the last 16, before losing to Egan. Egan had the best run on the day, beating Jacko Barry (Dublin), Mick Dwyer (Kilkenny), Fleming and John Boisclair (Mayo) to reach the semi-finals. Egan lost out at the semi-final stage to eventual winner William O'Connor (Limerick). O'Connor won out on the day, beating Steve McDonnell (Meath).
Last 16 results:
Johnny Digan 1 - 5 Steve McDonnell; Sean Fleming 1 - 5 Mick Egan; William O'Connor 5 - 3 Denis McCarthy; Johnny Hannon 3 - 5 Brendan Dolan; Mick Meaney Jr 5 - 2 Shane O'Connor; John Boisclair 5 - 0 Connie Finnan; Noel Redmond 5 - 2 Noel Reilly; Shane Nolan 5 - 3 James Dowling.
Quarter-final results:
William O'Connor 5 - 2 Mick Meaney Jr; Steve McDonnell 5 - 3 Shane Nolan; Noel Redmond 5 - 4 Brendan Dolan; Mick Egan 5 - 4 John Boisclair.
Semi-finals:
Mick Egan 3 - 6 William O'Connor;
Noel Redmond 5 - 6 Steve McDonnell.
Final:
William O'Connor 6 - 1 Steve McDonnell

Bronze for Irish at Europe Cup
Well done the Irish team who claimed an excellent third spot at the 2009 Europe Cup in Eindhoven, Holland at the weekend. Managed by Kilkenny's Tom Keogh- Mark Finneran, Thomas Concannon, Martin Heneghan from Mayo and Kilkenny's Paddy Meaney were all in excellent form at the weekend.
In the Boys Singles Mark Finneran lost to the eventual winner Oscar Lukasiak in the Semi-Final on stage on Saturday morning. Mark progressed with wins on Friday over opponents from Wales (3-0), Hungary (3-1), Sweden (3-2) and Russia (2-1). Mark's run was one of the best by an Irish player in the 20 year history of the event. Thomas Concannon was unlucky to be beaten 3-2 in legs by Swedish opponent Birk Kamp in the first round on Friday. Martin Heneghan was beaten 3-2 by Dutch opponent Gilbert Van Der Meyden in Round 2. Paddy Meaney also lost to the eventual winner Oscar Lukasiak in the QF.
In the Boys Pairs- after a 1st round win over an English pair Mark Finneran and Thomas Concannon exited after a last 16 loss to Finnish opponents on a 3-2 scoreline who were eventual runners up. Martin Heneghan and Paddy Meaney exited at the QF stage losing out to eventual winners Oscar Lukasiak and Edmund Torbjonsson from Sweden.
The good form showed by the Irish lads in the Singles and Pairs continued in the 4-a-side Boys Team event. A blistering team effort on Friday evening seen 9-2 wins over Finland and Scotland which were hard fought before they stuffed Turkey 9-0 to reach the QF. A 9-5 win in Friday nights QF against a fast emerging Czech Rep. side proved very tough. Saturday's stage semi final started well for the Irish taking a 3-1 lead. Sewden replied to take a 5-4 lead. Mark Finneran took the 10th game to level but Sewden took the next 3 needing only one more to prevail. Ireland did take one more leg- but Sweden done enough to win out 9-6. Sweden came runner up to The Netherlands.
Day 1 on Thursday last was a decent one for the Irish girls pair. Kilkenny's Jessie Keogh and Galway's Aoife Ryan were knocked out at the QF stage of the girls pairs on Thursday evening. However that result was not to be repeated on Friday as they both suffered early defeats in the girls singles bringing their involvement to an end.
Well done to all involved.
Complete results at www.ecydarts.eu

Superb support for Europe Cup pair.
McDermott's of Ballinaheglish was packed last Saturday night as over 40 regular, non regular darts players and non players took part in a fundraising challenge to support Mark Finneran and Thomas Concannon who will be two of Ireland's Europe Cup 4-a-side team that travel to Holland in early July. This was the second of two nights of fundraising which seen outstanding support come from their community and further afield over the two nights. Mark Finneran's team won the much coveted Bully's Charity Cup. After the scores were tied at 19 each Mark hammered Thomas in a play-off on a convincing scoreline of 1-0. The following are thanked for their contributions- Peter Owens, Padraig White, Flanagan's Pub Castleplunkett, Andy Fallon, Michael Fallon, Padraig Feely, Pauline Kenny, Spell's of Ballaghaderreen, Marty Concannon, Brian McCormack, Dermot Fallon, Shirley Fallon, Joe and Deirdre Elliffee, Sean Fleming, Martin and Sinead (for Bully!),Luke Concannon and the Finneran family. Thanks also to- Michael Earley's of Bushfield and Sean and Teresa McDermott's in Ballinaheglish for the use of their venues. A massive thank you goes out to everybody who have supported Mark and Thomas in any way- it is very much appreciated.
The Europe Cup takes place in Eindhoven, Holland between the 9th and 12 of July. Mark and Thomas will be joined by Mayo's Martin Heneghan and Kilkenny's Paddy Meaney on the 4-a-side team. Ireland's first attempt in this tournament in Amsterdam in July 2005 was the best effort to date from an Irish side with Ballaghaderreen's Sean Fleming and Noel Tuohy on the team that finished 2nd to the host nation. For those who want to follow live scores at this years event can go to http://www.ecydarts.eu

Darts Fundraiser for Roscommon's Irish youths
The first of two fundraising nights of darts took place in Earley's of Bushfield on Saturday night last. 38 regular and non regular darts players took part on the night to support Mark and Thomas who will be two of Ireland's Europe Cup 4-a-side team that travel to Holland in early July.
Mark and Thomas captained both teams on Saturday night drawing their team mates from the hat. Thomas's team emerged victorious with a 12-7 win. Mark will have the chance to get his own back as the return game takes place in McDermott's of Ballinaheglish next Saturday night the 27th of June beginning at 9:30pm. Again all darts players and non players are welcome. Mark and Thomas will captain both teams on the night drawing their team mates from the hat. There will also be a raffle on the night. All support welcome and very much appreciated. For further information contact Luke on 0872664326.

Darts Fundraiser
Mark Finneran and Thomas Concannon will represent Roscommon and Ireland as two of Ireland's Europe Cup 4-a-side team in Holland in early July. McDermott's of Ballinaheglish and Earley's of Bushfield will be the venues for two fundraising nights of darts. First game is on in Earley's of Bushfield this Saturday night the 20th of June beginning at 9:30pm. All darts players welcome. Mark and Thomas will captain both teams on the night drawing their teammates from the hat. There will also be a raffle on the night. All support welcome and appreciated. For further information contact Luke on 0872664326. The return game is on the 27th of June in McDermott's.

Recent Charity Cup Darts results
On the local scene Andy Fallon was winner of the Jimmy Kilroe Cup in Cattigan's of Castlecoote recently, beating Luke Concannon in the Final. The event was held in support of AWARE. Tommy Kenny Cup winner David Concannon was winner of the Tony Mickelson Cup in Gannon's in Cregg's which supported Bothar.

Monthly Darts Fixture
Cattigan's of Castlecoote host a darts tournament on the first Friday of every month, with all proceeds going to Bothar. For further information contact Pat Carton on 0906663537. All support is appreciated.

Full 2009 Youth Friendsip Trophy Results
The full results are available at the England (Northern youth) website.
http://www.nydo.co.uk/YFT%20Results.htm

Cork Festival Of Darts
Mick Egan was the sole representative in Cork at the INDO Cork Festival of Darts over the weekend of June 6th & 7th. On Saturday evening, Egan teamed up with Donegal's John Flood in the pairs, and had a good run, before eventually losing out 6-2 in the final, to Limerick's Connie Finnan and Meath's Steven McDonnell. The game was much tighter than the score suggests, with missed doubles from Egan and Flood at crucial times not helping their cause. On Sunday, Egan was unfortunate to draw the in form Finnan in the singles, and went down 4-1. Finnan won out on the day, his third singles victory of the season in INDO ranking tournaments.

Ireland Players Championship
No participants from Roscommon in the final qualifying round, Round 6, held on the 16th of May. Connie Finnan of Limerick defeated Gary Tipping of Down 6-4 in the final. Three Roscommon players will be participating in the Grand Finals in Kilkenny in August. In the Mens, Mick Egan qualified in 14th place in the rankings. In the Youths, Mark Finneran qualified in 7th place, and Thomas Concannon in 15th.

Roscommon players excel at Friendship Tournament.
Ballaghaderreen's Sean Fleming made his final appearance as an Irish U-21 at the 4 Nation Youth Friendship Trophy Tournament in Dublin at the weekend. It was Sean's seventh successive year involved in this 15-a-side event which seen the best young players England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Rep.of Ireland go head to head for the three day fest. The Republic of Ireland team fielded a very strong team with players from ten counties. Roscommon were well represented on the panel with four more representatives. Ballinaheglish's David Concannon, Mark Finneran, Thomas and Gary Concannon. In the end the Republic of Ireland team fell just short of the mark losing out to the English side by a single point.
A massive effort was put in by the fast improving Irish side over the weekend. Superb individual performances got them within sight of beating the well established English side- who now make it their 7th win on the trot in this event. The Roscommon players on the Irish panel did not dissappoint in any way and were responsible for 1/3 of the Irish points tally. Mark Finneran and Thomas Concannon were in excellent form winning all their games. Finneran's average of 83.34 was highest of the Irish averages in the Republic's 11-4 win over Scotland. Thomas Concannon's 12-dart winning leg against his English counterpart helped him along to an average of 90.68 which was highest Irish average against England. Scores of 134,140,180, were followed by a 47 checkout to seal that 12-darter. David Concannon also contributed well in the win over Scotland. But a couple of missed doubles in his next two games cost him dear. Sean Fleming saved his only win for the English clash. Missed doubles also costing him further wins. The youngest of the Roscommon's players Gary Concannon who has age on his side for years to come did not play this time round.
Thomas Concannon and Mark Finneran will represent the Republic of Ireland again in Holland this July for the Europe Cup. Their team mates for that trip to Holland are Mayo's Martin Heneghan and Kilkenny's Paddy Meaney. Both Heneghan and Meaney were also in top form at the weekend.

Youth Friendship Trophy 2009.
Saturday 23rd May
Round 1
Rep of Ireland 11 Scotland 4
England 12 Northern Ireland 3

Round 2
Rep of Ireland 7 England 8
Northern Ireland 3 Scotland 12

Sunday 24th
Round 3
Rep of Ireland 10 Northern Ireland 5
England 10 Scotland 5

Final standings:
Northern Youth England 31 points, Rep of Ireland 30, Scotland 22, N.Ireland 8.

Sunday's 4 Nations World Masters Qualifier was won by Wexford's Jason Cullen.

The Connaughts
Creaton's run in The Connaught Darts Championships came to an end with a semi final defeat to Reid's of Newport last Monday night in Walsh's, Charlestown. The Loughlynn team were last years runners up. Creaton's took the opening game and led 2-1 at the break. But Reid's- winners from 2002-2007- started the singles well and ended up 5-3 winners. Reid's of Newport took the title with a 5-3 win over The Ship Inn from Sligo on Sunday evening.

RTE Aertel has discontinued it's Darts Fixtures service on Page 426 RTE Two.

Notice received from RTE:-

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Ireland Players Championship Round 5
A total of 170 players competed in Round Five of the 2009 Ireland Players' Championships at the Springhill Court Hotel in Kilkenny on Sunday, April 19th. Mick Egan was again the sole Roscommon representative in an entry of 102 senior men. After some good early form in his first two games, an indifferent display saw him lose out at the last 32 stage to a very good effort by Jimmy Murphy from Limerick. Murphy went on win out the competition on the day, beating Mick Barry from Dublin. Egan picked up 2 points for his efforts, and should be safely into the last 32 for the grand finals in Kilkenny in August. Paddy Meaney of Kilkenny defeated James Gearon from Tipperary in the youths competition. Unfortunately, Roscommon had no youth entrants on the day. Full results to follow.

O' Neill wins Kelly Cup
Cavan's Aodhagen O'Neill won the Martin Kelly Memorial Cup in The Hollywood Bar in Roscommon on Sunday. The former Irish No. 1 won in 2007 and was Runner up in last years event. But this time round a string of classy performances saw him crowned worthy winner, out of a total of 45 players. Several Roscommon players featured well on the day with Jimmy Reilly, Sean Fleming, and last years winner Mick Egan knocked out in the last 8. However losing semi-finalists Mark Finneran and David Concannon were the pick of the Roscommon bunch. In what was game of the day, the O'Neill recorded a 5-2 semi-final win over David Concannon, with a three dart average of 92.86, finishing out with an 11-dart-leg. A 6-2 win over Mayo's PJ Kavanagh in the final began with O'Neill including a 180 in a first leg 20-darts. Kavanagh replied with a 21-darter in the second- before continuing to open up the third leg with a 180. Despite this O'Neill took it in 15 darts. A 14 darter from put the Cavan man 3-1 up. That was bettered to 5-1 with 20 and 17 dart legs and O'Neill missed three clear darts in the 7th leg to win it out but Kavanagh took out a superb 136 checkout to spark a mini revival. The 15-dart winning leg for O'Neill ended with a 101 checkout.
The family of the late Martin Kelly wish to thank all those who supported the Martin Kelly Memorial Cup today and since it started four years ago. A special thanks to those who gave spot prizes. Fleming's Supervalu, Moma's Restaurant,Castlemine Free Range Farm, Morelli's, Abbey Hotel, Walsh's Spar,and Ruby Oil, Also a special thanks to Tommy Beirne who without his help this event would not take place. Thanks to Gordon Feeley, Jason Hoare, Michael Kelly, Sean Fleming, Luke Concannon, and Lori Hoare who all contributed to the running of this event. Thanks to John Paul O'Gara, who hosted the event and for his generous sponsorship. Thanks to Martin Fleming for all his help and for calling the finals. Thanks to everybody who bought raffle tickets on the day. A total of €450 was raised for Cancer Research. We hope to have all your support again next year. Thank you.

Results
Quarter Finals:
PJ Kavanagh 4 Mick Egan 2;
David Concannon 4 Jimmy Reilly 1;
Aodhagen O'Neill 4 Eddie Gray 0;
Mark Finneran 4 Sean Fleming 1.
Semi-finals:
PJ Kavanagh 5 Mark Finneran 1;
Aodhagen O'Neill 5 David Concannon 2.
Final:
Aodhagen O'Neill 6 PJ Kavanagh 2.

Lady of the Tournament: Barbara Victory.
Highest Checkout: Richard Southam Snr. 144.
Other notable checkouts: M.Finneran 143, PJ Kavanagh 136, M.Finneran 112, M.Egan 108, A.O.Neill 101.

Martin Kelly Cup Roll Of Honour

Year	Winner	Runner-up
2006	Sean Finan (Roscommon)	Sean McGowan (Sligo)
2007	Aodhagen O Neill (Cavan)	Sean Fleming (Roscommon)
2008	Mick Egan (Roscommon)	Aodhagen O Neill (Cavan)
2007	Aodhagen O Neill (Cavan)	PJ Kavanagh (Mayo)

Hollywood to host Martin Kelly Cup
The 4th Annual Martin Kelly Memorial Cup Darts Tournament takes place on Sunday April 5th, in the Hollywood Bar, Roscommon Town, starting at 2pm. Prizefund is Money in-money out + €200 sponsored by the Hollywood Bar. Trophies for Winner,Runner-up, losing Semi finalists, best lady, and highest checkout. Closing date for entries 1pm on Sunday the 5th. Entry fee €15. Raffle on the day in aid of Cancer Research. Enquiries to Stephen on 0877426804 or Barbara on 0876362359. Last years winner was Knockcroghery player Mick Egan who beat Cavan's Aodhagen O' Neill in the final. Both are expected to take part next Sunday, along with the first champion, Loughglynn's Sean Finan, and a host of other top local, regional and National players. All are welcome. Details also available on RTE 2 Aertel page 426.

Flanagan's champions again
Flanagan's won their 6th title with a narrow win over neighbours McDermott's in a thrilling final. The Claypipe Bar won the Shield Final, as they defeated Spell's in a game that went to the last leg.
Cup Final result:
Flanagan's, Castleplunket 4 McDermott's, Ballinaheglish 3 (21-18).
Shield Final result:
The Claypipe Bar, Knockcroghery 4 Spell's, Ballaghaderreen 3 (14-16).
Roscommon County Darts League Cup Final for the Willie Tiernan Perpetual Cup.
Flanagan's of Castleplunkett were crowned the Overall Winners of the 2008/2009 Hannon's Hotel Roscommon County Darts League after a gripping 4-3 victory over McDermott's of Ballinaheglish. Flanagan's sixth title in nine attempts underlines their dominance on the local darts scene over the past decade- but this time they were made to work very hard having seen their 3-0 lead on the night obliterated by a stunning comeback by McDermott's. Kevin Kearney proved Flanagan's hero as he threw the winning arrow in front of a massive crowd on what was a great day for both Local and National Sport.
Game 1- Flanagan's 1 McDermott's 0
Flanagan's Gerry Owens and McDermott's Luke Concannon went head to head in game one. Concannon took the first leg- with both players well matched throughout. A 180 effort in his second last throw helped a battling Concannon but could not prevent Owens taking a 4-1 win.
Game 2- Flanagan's 2 McDermott's 0

Flanagan's Francis Hussey took a 4-3 win over the in form Mark Finneran in game two. Both players had put their teams into the final after respective semi final playoffs. Now pitched against each other they had 28 x 100+ scores between them- (18 for Hussey). Finneran took legs 1,3,and 6 in 23,19 and 20 darts. Hussey took legs legs 2,4,and 5 in 17,22 and 17 darts with 180's in legs legs 3 and 5. A 17-dart deciding leg from Hussey included scores of 137,100,121 and 60 taking out 83 in five darts with Finneran sitting on 90.

Game 3- Flanagan's 3 McDermott's 0.
Padraig Kearney increased the lead to 3-0 with a 4 leg to nil win over a double troubled Joe Elliffee. Kearney improved as the game wore on including a 180 in his 20-dart winning leg.
Game 4-Flanagan's 3 McDermott's 1.
McDermott's Thomas Concannon took a 2-0 lead over Martin Kearney with 26 and 21 dart legs. Kearney replied with 18 and 22 dart legs to level. Concannon took the fifth and Kearney had one dart to level it in the sixth but missed before a stunning 94 checkout on the bull by Concannon opened up McDermott's account on the night.
Game 5-Flanagan's 3 McDermott's 2.
David Conannon threw aside his recent under par form to produce an inspirational performance to beat a struggling Noel Ryan 4-0. Winning legs of 17 and 21 darts were followed by a sloppier 30-dart leg before he closed out with a winning leg of 19 darts.
Game 6- Flanagan's 3 McDermott's 3.
Brian McCormack and Andy Fallon felt the heat as their game went all the way to a deciding leg in what was a nervy encounter. McCormack had four darts to win it for Flanagan's but Fallon held on to send it to the last pairing.
Game 7- Flanagan's 4 McDermott's 3.
After six months of darts it was left to Flanagan's Kevin Kearney and McDermott's Michael Fallon to sort out the destination of the Willie Tiernan Perprtual Cup. Fallon gave McDermott's the lead for the first time in the Final in taking the first leg. Kearney responded to take the second. An 18 darter in leg three gave Kearney the lead before Fallon took the fourth. Kearney took leg five unhindered to set up a leg for the match. Fallon put in a massive effort to try and save the match with scores of 140,100,60,60 and 79- but failed to hit his double missing numerous darts to force a decider. Kearney with his fifth dart for the match made no mistake to wrap up the League for another year.
Scores:-(Gerry Owens 4 Luke Concannon 1;Francis Hussey 4 Mark Finneran 3;Padraig Kearney 4 Joe Elliffee 0;Martin Kearney 2 Thomas Concannon 4;Noel Ryan 0 David Concannon 4;Brian McCormack 3 Andy Fallon 4;Kevin Kearney 4 Michael Fallon 2).
Roscommon County Darts Shield Final
Preceeding the Cup Final was the Roscommon County Darts Shield Final. Last years Shield runners-up The Claypipe Bar of Knockcroghery got the better in this one with a fine 4-3 win over last years Cup Champions Spell's of Ballaghaderreen. Spell's won 16-14 on legs but The Claypipe done what mattered most. Sean Fleming gave Spell's the early lead with a blistering 3-0 win over Tony Lyons who did very little wrong. Mick Egan recovered from a slow start to close out with 19 and 16 dart legs in his 3-1 win over Denis Coffey. Jimmy Reilly gave The Claypipe the lead with a well worked 3-2 win over Martin Fleming. Fleming had 180's in his 20 and 17 dart winning legs while Reilly had winning legs of 24, 23 and a 15 darts. Spell's Aiden Tansey beat Danny Byrne 3-1 in game four before Pat Byrne restored The Claypipe's lead with a hard fought 3-2 win over Jimmy Finn. Patrick Tansey ensured a deciding game with his 3-1 win over Scobie Connaughton. In that decider Paul Carton enjoyed a 3-2 win over Benji Hayden. Both players put in very credible performances but Carton's winning legs of 23,16 and 23 darts were enough to take the Shield home to South Roscommon for the first time. Scores:-(S.Fleming 3 T.Lyons 0;D.Coffey 1 M.Egan 3; M.Fleming 2 J.Reilly 3;A.Tansey 3 D.Byrne 1;J,Finn 2 P.Byrne 3;P.Tansey 3 N.Connaughton 1;B.Hayden 2 P.Carton 3).
Acknowledgements
The 2008/09 league seen 8 teams involving 96 players play 1602 legs of darts between them. For the best part the standard was even across the county with the weaker teams improving on last year- and contributing to a closer and more unpredictable League. There were 63 x 180 scores of which 8 were from Mark Finneran's. 54 x 100+ checkouts were recorded- (16 more than last year)- with Murray's Matthew Hynes effort of 167 top of the pile. Mark Finneran topped the 180's list with a total of 8.
Although a small League compared to others across the country the Roscommon County Darts League is continuing to produce players that are capable of winning bigger things. The change in League format over the past two years along with trials and local competitions has given more players the chance to play more darts. Improvements are already visible and hopefully will be built on. Roscommon's quest for All-Ireland titles at Senior level is gathering pace. With the help and effort of players, organisers, supporters and sponsors all combined within the League can make it become reality.
Roscommon County Darts wishes to thank all the Publicans across the county who participated in the League, and for providing refreshements and good hospitality on a weekly basis. Thanks to all supporters who followed the League with interest, and who attended games each week and the finals in Roscommon last Saturday. Thanks also to Tommy Beirne and Martin Murphy for taking charge of the Shield Final. Thanks to Dermot Fallon for his on board camera at Saturday's finals and Hannon's Hotel for the use of their venue.

Waterford kind to Roscommon Darts.
Less than 24 hours after guiding McDermott's of Ballinaheglish to their second Roscommon Darts League Final- Mark Finneran was runner up in Saturday's I.N.D.O. half ranked Waterford County Singles event held in Lawlor's Hotel, Dungarvan. Beaten by Limerick's Connie Finnan- Finneran had checkouts of 156 and 157 in his 4-0 Round 1 win over Sean McGowan. A 108 checkout sealed his 4-3 win over Martin Fleming at the Quarter Final stage in what was a very good match. Knockroghery's Mick Egan also had an excellent run before Connie Finnan beat him at the Semi-Final stage. Sean Fleming was beaten in the Last 16- just short of the points.
Sunday's main event- The I.N.D.O. Lawlor's Singles was won by Connie Finnan who made it a Waterford double. Mark Finneran and Mick Egan were both beaten in the last 16 while Martin Fleming went out in the Quarter Final having missed numerous chances to go further. Sean Fleming was beaten by Mark Finneran in the last 32. Next I.N.D.O. Ranking event is the Cavan Open in Bailieborough on March 29th.

McDermott's reach Cup Final
Semi-Final 2nd leg. Friday 13th of March
McDermott's, Ballinaheglish 4 Spell's,Ballaghaderreen (7-7 aggregate)
Play-off: Mark Finneran (McDermott's) 3 Martin Fleming (Spell's) 0
McDermott's reached their 2nd Cup Final with a tight victory over defending champions Spell's, as the 2nd semi-final also went to a play-off. After McDermott's had overturned their first-leg deficit and took a 2 point lead, Spell's fought back to put the game into a play-off. In the play-off, Mark Finneran had too much for Martin Fleming, and McDermott's advance to the Cup Final.

Roscommon County Darts League Finals.
Saturday 21st March @ Hannon's Hotel, Roscommon Town.
Shield Final 7pm.
Spell's, Ballaghaderreen v The Claypipe Bar, Knockcroghery

Cup Final 9:30pm approx.
Flanagan's, Castleplunket v McDermott's, Ballinaheglish

Dubs Spring a shock in Kilkenny.
Roscommon's quest to land a fourth All-Ireland Youths crown ended in bitter dissappointment at the weekend as homeside Kilkenny dumped an unlucky Roscommon team out on a 3-2 scoreline in the last 8. Held in The Springhill Court Hotel in Kilkenny, 27 teams with over 150 youth players participated making it the biggest turnout at the Championships in many years. After a long and competitive days action it was Dublin who captured their first win with a surprising win over Kilkenny in the Final. Roscommon's day began on a positive note as they topped their group with wins over Mayo A (3-2), Tipperary B (5-0), and Dublin B (4-1). Shane McDonagh put Roscommon into the lead against Kilkenny before Thomas Concannon was beaten by Paddy Meaney. Mark Finneran continued his excellent recent form with a 2-0 win over David Coyne. Ray Finan had a chance to win through to the semi but was a fraction the wrong side of the wire. And Roscommon's involvement came to an end with when Kevin Fleming failed to win his game despite a decent effort.
Manager: Luke Concannon. Panel: Mark Finneran, Thomas Concannon, Gary Concannon, Shane McDonagh, Kevin Fleming, Ray Finan, and Richard Coffey.
Results:
Quarter-finals:
Mayo B 1 - 3 Mayo A
Dublin A 3 - 2 Cork A
Galway A 1 - 3 Tipperary A
Roscommon 2 - 3 Kilkenny A
Semi-finals:
Mayo A 2 - 3 Dublin A
Tipperary A 2 - 3 Kilkenny A
Final:
Dublin A 3-2 Kilkenny A

Finneran wins Kilkenny Open Youth Singles
Despite Saturday's dissappointment, Sunday saw consolation of a kind as Mark Finneran captured the Kilkenny Open Youth Singles Championships, with a well deserved 4-1 win in the final over talented Kilkenny player Paddy Meaney.
Results:
Quarter-finals:
Sean McArdle {Dublin} 4 - 3 John Seagrave {Dublin}
Paddy Meaney {Kilkenny} 4 - 0 Jason Hahessy {Tipperary}
Dylan Rutledge {Dublin} 4 - 2 Barry Keogh {Kilkenny}
Mark Finneran {Roscommon} 4 - 2 Cathal Philbin {Mayo}
Semi-finals:
Paddy Meaney 4 - 1 Sean McArdle
Mark Finneran 4 - 0 Dylan Rutledge
Final:
Mark Finneran 4 Paddy Meaney 1

Flanagan's reach Cup Final

Semi-Final 2nd leg. Friday 6th of March.
Claypipe Bar, Knockcroghery 4 Flanagan's, Castleplunket 3 (7-7 aggregate)

Play-off
Mick Egan (Claypipe) 0 Francis Hussey (Flanagan's) 3

Flanagan's reached their 6th Cup Final with a tight play-off victory. In a top-class game, with thirteen 100+ scores over the 3 legs played, Hussey's finishing proved the difference. Egan missed three in leg 2, bending the wire of double 16, and with it missed the chance to level at 1-1. Hussey took the leg with a 48 checkout, and took the match with an 80 checkout in leg 3. It finished of a tense and exciting evening of darts, and Flanagan's await the winners of the McDermott's and Spell's semi-final, the 2nd leg taking place next Friday.

Semi Finals all to play for
Spell's, Ballaghaderreen 4 McDermott's, Ballinaheglish 3 (14-11 on legs).
Flanagan's, Castleplunket 4 Claypipe Bar, Knockcroghery 3 (15-11 on legs).

Spell's and Flanagan's got the edge in the first leg of the semi-finals, but it is still all to play for in the return fixtures. The Claypipe and McDermott's have to use home advantage, otherwise it's the shield final for them.

Semi-Final 2nd leg. Friday 6th of March- 10pm.
Claypipe Bar, Knockcroghery v Flanagan's, Castleplunket

Semi-Final 2nd leg. Friday 13th of March- 10pm.
McDermott's, Ballinaheglish v Spell's, Ballaghaderreen

Roscommon Youths prepare to defend All Ireland
The Irish National Darts Organisations (I.N.D.O.) All Ireland Intercounty Youths Darts Championships take place in the Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny next Saturday the 7th of March from 10am. Last year- Roscommon were made to work hard for their third title in five years eventually beating Kilkenny on a 3-2 scoreline. This year sees a couple of additions with David Concannon being the most notable loss as he is now over-age. A good number of supporters will be travelling down to Kilkenny- more are welcome. Best of luck to Luke and the lads.

Martin Kelly Cup
Sunday April 5th- In the Hollywood Bar, Roscommon Town. Starting 2pm. Money in-money out + €200 sponsored by the Hollywood Bar. Trophies for Winner,R-up, losing Semi finalists, best dressed lady, and highest checkout. Closing date for entries 1pm on Sunday the 5th. Raffle on the day in aid of Cancer Research. Enquiries to Stephen on 0877426804 or Barbara on 0876362359. Check out www.501in9.blogspot.com for details- also on RTE 2 teletext page 426.

Ireland Players Championship Round 4 Results
Willie O'Connor defeated Radaslaw Szaganski in an all Limerick Final at the Clonmel Park Hotel on Sunday. Mick Egan was the sole representative from Roscommon in a field of 122 mens entries, but lost out 5-2 to Mayo's Padraig Hestor at the last 32 stage. He picked up 2 points for his efforts, and with 14 points should have secured a place in the grand finals in Kilkenny in August. Paddy Meaney won the youths event against Ryan Courtney.
Round 4 Men's results:
Last 16 (board-finals):
William O'Connor 5 - 4 Benny Grace
Jason Bolger 5 - 4 Mike O'Sullivan
Damian O'Driscoll 5 - 2 Jimmy Murphy
Martin Murphy 5 - 3 Dominic Fenlon
Radaslaw Szaganski 5 - 3 Chris Connery
Jason Kavanagh 5 - 3 Darren Clifford
Peter Quinn 5 - 0 James Broderick
Brian Cathcart 5 - 2 Padraig Hester
Quarter-finals:
William O'Connor 5 - 3 Jason Bolger
Damian O'Driscoll 5 - 1 Martin Murphy
Radaslaw Szaganski 5 - 3 Jason Kavanagh
Peter Quinn 5 - 1 Brian Cathcart
Semi-finals:
William O'Connor 6 - 4 Damian O'Driscoll
Radaslaw Szaganski 6 - 3 Peter Quinn
Final:
William O'Connor 6 - 4 Radaslaw Szaganski

Round Four Youths' Results :
Quarter-finals:
Paddy Meaney 3 - 0 Simon Smith
James Gearon 3 - 0 Donal O'Dwyer
Ryan Courtney 3 - 1 Dean Forde
Jason Hahessy 3 - 2 John Seagrave
Semi-finals:
Paddy Meaney 3 - 0 James Gearon
Ryan Courtney 3 - 2 Jason Hahessy
Final:
Paddy Meaney 3 - 0 Ryan Courtney

Round 11 results- Friday 20th February at 10pm.
Flanagan's, Castleplunket 4-3 McDermott's, Ballinaheglish (16-15)
Claypipe Bar, Knockcroghery 4-3 Spell's, Ballaghaderreen (15-14)
Murray's, Elphin 6-1 Church Street Station, Roscommon (20-12)
Creatons, Loughlynn 5-2 Kate's, Castlerea (15-11)

After 56 matches and 1520 legs of darts, the order of the final four teams who will make up the semi-finals was finally decided. Spell's, Flanagan's, The Claypipe Bar and McDermott's qualified for the semi-finals.

Follow the League at www.rosdarts.blogspot.com

Semi-final fixtures:
Friday 27th February at 10 p.m.
Spell's, Ballaghaderreen v McDermott's, Ballinaheglish
Flanagan's, Castleplunket v Claypipe Bar, Knockcroghery
Friday 6th March at 10 p.m.
Claypipe Bar, Knockcroghery v Flanagan's, Castleplunket
Friday 13th March at 10 p.m.
McDermott's, Ballinaheglish v Spell's, Ballaghaderreen

It's semi-final time in The Hannon's Hotel Roscommon County Darts League. Defending Champions and table toppers Spell's will host McDermott's of Ballinaheglish in their first leg tie in Ballaghaderreen on Friday night in a repeat of last years Cup Final. Spell's had 4-3 wins over McDermott's in Rounds 2 and 9 of the League stages, something Spell's will hope to replicate over the next two weeks if they are to come closer to retaining their title. In the other first leg tie The Claypipe will travel to Castleplunkett to take on Flanagan's. The Claypipe have beaten Flanagan's 4-3 in Rounds 6 and 13 of the league stages- the only team to beat Flanagan's twice this year. Two thrilling contests lay in store. Best of luck to all teams.
*Date for the Diary- The Shield and Cup Finals take place in Hannon's Hotel from 6pm on Saturday the 21st of March. Spread the word!!

March 6th - Roscommon Sports Partnership awards. Sean Fleming will be receiving an award for his contribution to darts at youth, senior, National and International level.

Match 7th - I.N.D.O Youths Inter-Counties. Roscommon will be defending their title. Hopefully, they will claim their 4th National title. Good luck to Luke Concannon and his team.

April 5th - Martin Kelly Cup, Roscommon Town. More Details to follow.

Round 14 results (played Friday, February 13th)
Spell's, Ballaghaderreen 6-1 Church Street Station, Roscommon (20-11)
McDermott's, Ballinaheglish 4-3 Creaton's, Loughlynn (16-15)
Flanagan's, Castleplunket 6-1 Murray's, Elphin (19-8)
Kate's, Castlerea 2-5 Claypipe, Knockcroghery (9-17)

Round 13 result (played February 11th)
Church Street Station, Roscommon 2-5 Kate's, Castlerea (14-17)

Round 9 result (played February 6th)
Murray's, Elphin 5-2 Kate's, Castlerea (18-11)

Follow the League at www.rosdarts.blogspot.com

Rebels make Roscommon pay dearly.
Cork are the Irish National Darts Organisation's (I.N.D.O's) Senior Mens and Ladies Inter-county Darts Champions for 2009, after a 7-4 final win over Mayo in the mens event, and a 4-0 win over Wexford in the ladies event.
When word filtered through Roscommon's darting circles on Sunday evening that Cork had won the mens championship, there was a massive sense of dissappointment of what might have been for Roscommon. Roscommon's under par start in Sunday mornings 7-4 quarter final defeat to the eventual champions brought to an end to Roscommon's ambitions in the Championships - at the same stage that Roscommon went out at last year. The fact Roscommon have made the last eight for two years in a row is further proof the county is heading in the right direction. But in 2009 all efforts ran just short.
Held in The Breaffy House Hotel in Castlebar on Saturday and Sunday last, twenty-four counties took part in the mens event - with Roscommon topping a group consisting of Carlow, Meath and Clare. The progress made on last years efforts in this years Championships by the mens county team has been yet again down to the massive effort put in by manager Tommy Beirne and all players from different areas of the county who over the past year have been dedicated to improving the standard within the county. Tommy Beirne wishes to thank all the Roscommon players and supporters for all their time and effort before and during the Intercounty season.
Group Results
Round 1: Meath 7 Carlow 5;Roscommon 9 Clare 3.
Round 2: Roscommon 6 Meath 6;Clare 7 Carlow 5.
Round 3: Roscommon 7 Carlow 5;Meath 8 Clare 4.
Group Standings: Roscommon 22;Meath 21;Clare 14;Carlow 14.

Saturday's Group games reports
Roscommon 9 Clare 3.
Roscommon have had the better of recent clashes with Clare. That continued as Roscommon took a convincing 9-3 win. Wins from Sean Finan, Mick Kilroe and Mick Egan put Roscommon 3-0 up. Thomas Concannon was beaten in game four before Sean Fleming made it 4-1. Clare pulled it back to 4-3 as Padraig Kearney and David Concannon suffered defeats. But five straight wins from Francis Hussey, Mark Finneran, Patrick Tansey, Martin Fleming and Jimmy Reilly sealed the win the put Roscommon in pole position in the group.
Scores:-(S.Finan 2 T.Fay 0;M.Kilroe 2 A.Fahy 0;M.Egan 2 M.Daly 1;T.Concannon 0 R.Fitzgerald 2;S.Fleming 2 M.Mullins 0;D.Concannon 1 A.Hanrahan 2;P.Kearney 1 N.Keane 2;F.Hussey 2 S.Lahiff 1;M.Finneran 2 P.McCarthy 0;P.Tansey 2 J.Fagan 0;M.Fleming 2 J.Fennel 1;J.Reilly 2 J.Dickenson 0).
Roscommon 6 Meath 6.
Meath, the recent winners of The Leinster Darts Championships, had their hopes of topping the group damaged slightly as they failed to build on a 5-1 lead. Roscommon beat Meath 7-5 in last years Intercounties but on this occasion Roscommon were very happy to settle for this hard fought draw. Francis Hussey and Sean Fleming took two of the first eight games followed by four successive wins from Padraig Kearney, Mark Finneran, Thomas Concannon and Martin Fleming.
Scores:-(S.Finan 1 R.Walsh 2;M.Kilroe 0 P.O'Rourke 2;F.Hussey 2 D.Gerahy 0;P.Tansey 0 M.Farrelly 2;M.Egan 0 D.McGuire 2;D.Concannon 0 A.Doherty 2; S.Fleming 2 C.O.Brien 0;M.Hynes 0 S.McDonald 2;P.Kearney 2 D.O.Connor 0;M.Finneran 2 S.Reid 1;T.Concannon 2 M.Murtagh 0;M.Fleming 2 J.Muldowney 1).
Roscommon 7 Carlow 5.
Carlow proved to be very stiff opposition despite not being in realistic contention to qualify having lost 7-5 to both Meath and Clare. A disasterous start seen Roscommon go 3-1 behind but three wins from Mick Egan, David Concannon, and Mark Finneran gained the lead. Patrick Tansey and Paul Carton were defeated in games eight and ten but Thomas Concannon, Padraig Kearney, Martin Fleming each won to secure the quarter final spot.
Scores:-(S.Fleming 0 A.Cox 2;F.Hussey 2 C.Brennan 1;S.Finan 0 H.Skefton 2;J.Finn 1 R.Abbot 2;M.Egan 2 J.Quinn 0;D.Concannon 2 N.Bowes 0;M.Finneran 2 B.Kelly 0;P.Tansey 0 S.Doran 2;T.Concannon 2 P.Cullen 0;P.Carton 0 P.Murtagh 2;P.Kearney 2 J.Brennan 0;M.Fleming 2 G.Byrne 1).
Sunday's quarter final report
Roscommon 4 Cork 7 (13-15 on legs).
Lessons will be learnt from Sunday's Quarter-Final with Cork. For the third time in the weekend Roscommon conceeded a considerable early lead- this time 4-0. But there was to be no recovery despite the effort. Five of the seven lost games were deciding legs. Mick Kilroe's win made it 4-1 but that could not be bettered until Padraig Kearney produced an outstanding performance to beat Peter Quinn 2-0 to make it 6-2. That win inspired Patrick Tansey and David Concannon to their wins as they made it 6-4. Martin Murphy's efforts deserved more and he had opportunities to win but Cork's J.P. Dowdall got there first, bringing Roscommon's involvement to an end.
Scores:-(S.Finan 1 J.O.Shea 2;S.Fleming 1 P.O.Donovan 2;T.Concannon 0 D.O.Driscoll 2;M.Egan 1 J.Kavanagh 2;M.Kilroe 2 S.O.Connor 0;M.Finneran 1 D.Hodgson 2;M.Hynes 0 J.Collins 2;P.Kearney 2 P.Quinn 0;P.Tansey 2 J.Harte 1;D.Concannon 2 S.Coveney 0;M.Murphy 1 J.P.Dowdall 2).
Roscommon Panel:
Manager Tommy Beirne, Captain Sean Finan (Creaton's), Mick Egan, Jimmy Reilly, Paul Carton (Claypipe). Patrick Tansey, Frank Duffy, Sean Fleming, Martin Fleming, Denis Coffey, Jimmy Finn (Spell's). Thomas Concannon, David Concannon, Mark Finneran (McDermott's). Mick Kilroe (Church Street Station). Matthew Hynes, Martin Murphy (Murray's). Padraig Kearney, Francis Hussey (Flanagan's).

Mens quarter finals:
Meath bt Kilkenny
Cork bt Roscommon
Donegal bt Sligo
Mayo bt Westmeath

Mens semi-finals
Mayo bt Meath
Cork bt Donegal

Mens Final
Cork bt Mayo (7-4)