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HOME!!! 3 Feb 2000 by James Henry Here are the latest odds for Darts 2000, sponsored by 'Druid's Cider - A dream to some, a nightmare to others'. With the shameful withdrawal of inter-county queer Big Poof Dave Heaney, Pat Kelly has been shortened to 5/2 favourite with Al Heaney also shortened and short for that matter at 5/1, 2JF with John Joyce. The rest of the pack are pretty much unchanged. But huge rumbling are happening in the home camp, Corcoran and Henry are flattering to decieve where Lynch and Matthews are getting rave reviews. Lynch is in blistering form and Matthews has shown he has the ability to maybe cause a few upsets early on. 2 new competitors have joined the fray Liam Sheridan can be got at 40/1 and Dave 'Pox' Doheny at a cheeky 6/1. Superobot after winning the poll gets cut to 20/1. Jimmy Styles who has entered a strict training regime is lenghtened to 100/1 as its felt he'll be all darted out by the 11th of March. Full list: Pat Kelly 5/2 F John Joyce 5/1 2JF Al Heaney 5/1 2JF Pox Doheny 6/1 Dom Henry 8/1 Paul McGettrick 10/1 Pa Ryan 10/1 Colm Lynch 16/1 Superobot 20/1 Digger Matthews 25/1 Barry Conroy 25/1 James Henry 25/1 Barney Johnson 33/1 Gary Corcoran 40/1 Liam Sheridan 40/1 Jimmy Styles 100/1 Conor Guinan 100/1 Vince Meyler 150/1 Jason Murtagh 150/1 Mick Murtagh 500/1 9 Feb 2000 DATE CONFIRMED March the 11th is the confirmed date for Darts 2000. Entries have closed. KEY RULE CHANGES Following an emergency meeting last night, the rules for Darts 2000 have seen some controversial changes. The main new rule is rule 9 dealing with slow play, and ungentlemanly conduct by players and spectators which may lead to expulsion and disqualification. Other changes include clarity on the scoring procedure (rule 4), Car parking ban (rule 10) and stronger definition of the encroachment rule (rule 8). The rules have been welcomed by players and officials. NEW BOARD A new darts board of unprecedented quality has been installed in the arena . The board is by the manafacturers 'unicorn'. CHANGE IN DRAW FORMAT The draw for the first round will be performed some days before the event to build up hype and that. JOYCE NEW FAVOURITE AFTER DOMINATING KELLY John Joyce has been installed as the news bookies favourite after annhilating King of Darts Pat Kelly in recent warmups. His form is said to be 'phenomonal' and the popular Ringsend man has replaced his clubmate as favourite. Completely off form is diminuitive farmer Al Heaney, who visited the venue at the weekend and was abysmal. Al was beaten soundly in his friendly matches and lost his temper in a petulant manner, kicking the tournament fridge. FINAL ENTRANTS The last two entries to be accepted before the closing date were Denis 'The Field Marshall' Reilly and Paul 'Stalked by an American proffessor over the internet' Dolan. Reilly is a hard living all-action type and is a cahrismatic player on the Dublin scene. He is tipped to do well. Dolan meanwhile was a good youths talent, but has plummetted into obscurity recently suffering from lack of units tolerance and fat fingers. The committee are reported to be pleased by the strong field. RYAN OUT OF DARTS 2000 Heavyweight Tipp man Pat Ryan has pulled out of Darts 2000 to tour on the lucrative American circuit instead. Ryan reached the last eight last year before succummbing to the eventual champion Pat Kelly citing extreme hunger as his reason for defeat.. He was expected to go one better this year but clearly all is not well in the Ryan camp. Ryan told press 'I am not ready this year and need more time and practice. The American tour is a great chance for me as I have a special affiliation with the American people and look forward to playing there.' However his withdrawal was slammed by rival Barry Conroy who told press 'AAHHH HAAA HAAA HAAAA HAAAAA'. LATEST ODDS John Joyce 5/1 9/4 Pat Kelly 5/2 3/1 Dave Doheny 6/1 Al Heaney 8/1 5/1 13/2 Denis Reilly 7/1 Dom Henry 8/1 Paul McGettrick 10/1 Paul Dolan 12/1 Colm Lynch 50/1 16/1 Superobot 50/1 20/1 Digger Matthews 25/1 Barry Conroy 25/1 James Henry 16/1 25/1 Barney Johnson 33/1 Gary Corcoran 20/1 40/1 Liam Sheridan 40/1 Jimmy Styles 80/1 100/1 Conor Guinan 100/1 Vince Meyler 150/1 11 Feb 2000 RYAN SCOTCHES WITHDRAWAL RUMOURS Larger than life Tipp star Pa Ryan has rubbished reports he has withdrawn from Darts 2000. 'They were complete lies, and it was probably Dave Doheny or Barry Conroy behind it. I am going to America to bulk up for the tournament, but I will be back for the 11th March in fighting shape,' Ryan told press. The news of Ryan's withdrawal came as a big blow to organisers, who were disturbed at losing the jovial entertainer. Ryan made a good impression in Darts 99, with some fine darts before his title hopes were crushed by Pat 'King of Darts' Kelly. This year Ryan hopes to do well again and with the bulk training in the states, should be in top shape. KELLY FIRES OUT CHAMPIONSHIP WARNING Pat Kelly has dismissed recent reports that he is out of form and warned he is fully intent on retaining his title. Reports suggest he has beaten tournament favourite John Joyce on a number of occasions recently and is hitting form at the right time. This weekend sees a number of stars, warming up on Saturday evening with some practice games and will give a good indication of current form. The stars include Kelly, Joyce, Colm Lynch and his newly appointed manager Dave Heaney. (See below for more on Heaney's appointment). LYNCH APPOINTS HEANEY IN CONTROVERSIAL ROLE Colm Lynch has appointed Dave Heaney as his coach and tactical manager in the run up to the event. Heaney withdrew from the tournament to concentrate on other sports but has agreed to coach Lynch until March 10th. Heaney told press 'I have ageed to coach Colm Lynch in preparation for Darts 2000 and aim to improve a number of aspects of his play. First I will work on his arrowing method and throwing technique. The second phase of training will involve psychology and mental toughness. Finally in the couple of weeks up to the event we will work on unit consumption and volume tolerance. I am confident the four weeks will be a big success and will pay dividends for Colm.' Lynch has been slammed from all quarters for this appointment with opponents claiming it is un-ethical and against the spirit of the tournament. Digger Matthews was first to lead the criticism, 'It disgusts me that this slob cannot enter the tournament like the rest of us and play within the spirit of the event. Lynch has brought Trimleston Darts to a new low. I am ashamed to be his clubmate.' Dave Heaney's brother Al was equally critical. 'In de old days we hed no need for cuthces end menegers. It was every man for himself.'. Jimmy Styles was said to inconsolable, 'I'm really disappointed. Next there will be Bosman rulings and decommisioning. What next? Hang your head in shame Colm Lynch!' Lynch responded to critics by countering that they could all shove it up their holes. NEWS IN BRIEF SUPER ROBOT DETAINED PRIOR TO TOURNAMENT. Super 'Neil Corcoran' Robot has been detained in custody in Vienna by Austrian police following a series of clashes with riot police as part of Anti-Nazi deomonstrations. It is expected the committee will be able to negociate his release for the tournament. STYLES SLAMMED Jimmy Styles' warmup tournament has been slammed by critics as being a sham and 'organisational catastrophe' following the second cancellation of the event. Jimmy is reported to be having 'fierce problems getting the board steady altogether.' RULE CHANGES GIVEN THUMBS UP The rule changes have been given an overwhelming seal of approval by players surveyed. 21 Feb 2000 RYAN'S AMERICAN TOUR DESCENDS INTO CHAOS Pa Ryan's pre-Darts 2000 American tour ended when promoters cancelled four dates on his tour due to Ryan having been refused access to the venues. Ryan had just fulfilled the first Seattle date of his tour when promoters received notice that he would not be allowed access to the final four venues. Ryan was reported to be livid and unavailable for comment other than some muffled obscenities hurled down the phone. Ryan's promoter, Mr B. Ormonde told us, 'the row erupted after the first venue tried to charge us for Pa's bar bill. We refused as there was an 'Eat as much as you like' buffet on and we paid the $7 charge for that, and for our drinks. They were looking for hundreds of dollars complaining Pa had eaten them out of business. Then when we were making arrangements for the next venue, we were told the hosts were no longer interested in having Pa appear.' A local punter who was at the first appearance said 'Pa didn't seem too interested in the darts. He played but was going through the motions. But boy, could he eat!' KARL HEANEY GIVEN FIVE YEAR BAN BY DISCPLINARY COMMITTEE Karl Heaney has been banned from Trimleston Darts for five years by the Discplinary committee dealing with the citations arising from Darts 99. There was an overwhelming case against Heaney as he was found guilty of throwing a dart into the leg of a fellow competitor and the act was witnessed by all present at darts 99. The committee also took into account Heaney bringing along a lad with a guitar and leaving a child's paddling pool and trolley full of bottles at the venue. Heaney failed to represent himself. The statement released by the committee said 'we are committed to providing a competitive and dignified atmosphere where players partake in a gentlemanly manner. As a result we must come down hard on those who contribute to the destruction of such an atmosphere and therefore had no option but to hit Karl Heaney with a rigid penalty.' The other citation (Neilsen v Lynch/A. Heaney) was rejected. DARTS 2000 NOT A TWO HORSE RACE - DAVE HEANEY Darts 2000 may be a more open race than people think, according to flop Dave Heaney. Dave told us, 'With most people are saying that the Darts title this year is a two horse race between Joyce and Kelly, I would not be inclined to agree. Although they'll be there or there abouts, I'd advise people back Colm Lynch as a genuine contender. He's not so far behind Joyce or Kelly as people think. Others to look out for would be Pa Ryan, Paul McGettrick and that fat lad who's coming up from Kerry for it, Paul Nolan is his name I think.' When asked who had little chance of winning, Dave replied 'the Henry brothers, Jimmy Styles and Barry Conroy are all useless.' HENRYS NEWS Tom Henry has shaved off his trademark Afro haircut for Darts 2000 in favour of a shorter, neater look. Henry has been slammed by fans who believe Henry has sold out on his Darts 97 winning principles. However Henry responded by dismissing these criticisms. 'Trimleston darts is an immensely complex event to win, and as a result I have recalled former coach Pat Harkins to the fold. Pat was my coach in 1997 and with his help I can draw nearer to my past glories.' Harkins' appointment was slammed and goaded by Tom's brother and arch-rival James Henry. 'He's desperate. What a joke!' Pat Harkins remained optimistic however. 'Tom. Tom. Thom. Ahh Tom. Tom has a lot of potential.' Ironically James Henry has spent time with mentor Jack Kelly recently to boost his own stamina and raise his game. The recent training was said to be a big success, according to James. 24 Feb 2000 TOM HENRY OUT OF DARTS 2000 SHOCK Tom Henry has withdrawn from Darts 2000 for personal reasons. The following statement was sent in by Tom's press office. 'It is with great sadness and regret that Tom Henry formally announces his withdrawal from Darts 2000. Our client feels he can not take part in the Trimleston competition due to disillusionment with himself and the game of darts. Tom feels his recent change of image was a mistake and that he has let down his fans by cutting his hair and trying to move his image to be more in line with the current darts players. Tom is currently taking steps to grow back his afro, and hopes to visit a top hair specialist on a visit to Philadelphia next week. Tom has not picked up a dart since the ugly scenes he was presented with at Trimleston 1999, when he witnessed Karl Heaney's outrageous attack on Colm Lynch and the general abuse of the the game of darts by some of the competitors present. While Tom applauds the efforts of The Minister and the rest of the committee with who are committed to providing a competitive and dignified atmosphere where players partake in a gentlemanly manner, and the subsequent outcome to come down hard on those who contribute to the destruction of such an atmosphere, he feels that the memories are still to fresh in his mind to go back to that venue and play darts for the forseeable future. In summary Tom is very tired and needs a break from the spotlight to come to terms with thses issues. The game of darts has changed radically from the days where Tom competed in the inaugaral event and he must take time to see if his future lies in darts or elsewhere. Thank you.' Henry was one of only three players who had played in all three Trimleston Darts tournaments, the others being Gary Corcoran, and Wexford hardman Vince Meyler. TOM HENRY OUT OF DARTS 2000 - REACTION Tom Henry's withdrawal from Darts 2000 was greeted with a mixture of sadness from some competitors and derision from other. Tournament organiser Gary Corcoran said 'I am terribly disappointed for Tom. Tom will always be a darts legend. I'll never forget the roar that went up from the crowd when Tom clinched Darts 97 with that 39 checkout. It still brings a tear to my eye.' Colm Lynch was equally downbeat. 'Jaysus, it's a fierce pity now, cos this year will be pure darts, and Tom would love it!' Dave Heaney observed 'dey say to win the darts, one must beat Tom Henry. I tink dat is true.' However Tom's brother and bitter rival James Henry had just two words. 'Bottling wimp,' was all the cad had to say. Pa Ryan said 'I think it's time Tom gets on with it. Fair enough there were some disgraceful scenes at darts 99, but this is Darts 2000 now.' However without a doubt, Tom's withdrawal is a major loss of a colourful character from Darts 2000. TOM HENRY FACTFILE 1997 - Tom Henry's explosive darts set Darts 97 alight as he clinches the title beating white hot favourite AJ Heaney, bitter rival and brother James Henry, and anti-hero Richard Oakley, while boozed up wearing a Leeds rugby league jersey. A massive cheer erupts as Tom hits the winning double 18, part of a 39 checkout. Tom establishes a Trimleston darts tradition by offering to buy drinks for all-comers with his winnings. 1998 - Tom Henry wearing a big woolly jumper, was dumped out in the first game of Darts 98 by newcomer and eventual champion Johnny 'The cat' Heaney. Henry played well but could not match the Cat's power darts. The Cat was seen to have jostled Henry at the oche and blown smoke in his face, but Henry magnaminously had no complaints. 1999 - Tom Henry was decimated by Pat Kelly who also went on to win the tournament. As the tournement descended into chaos, Tom cut a forlorn figure in the corner shaking his head, and staring wide eyed at the ugly scenes. Tom was later likened to the young lad looking at the Landsdowne Road riots in 1995, with the big sad head that was in all the papers (soccer's saddest face). 2000 Tom Henry withdraws from Darts 2000 citing disillusionment with himself and the game of darts. OTHER NEWS LYNCH BREAKS DOWN AFTER UNIT PRACTICE Colm Lynch suffered a major setback in his plans last night as he broke down after some units and volume practice last night with a hardcore of Cavan cohorts. Lynch was drinking in the Rathmines area with the men and it was a successful night where a fine volume was consumed. When Lynch retired to his residence, he was reported to be in fine spirits and jovial form. However, in the early hours of the morning, Lynch's housemates were awoken and heard wretching and vomiting noises coming from the upstairs lavatory. This represents a blow for Lynch as he will need to be able to tolerate similar volumes if he is to reach the latter stages, as is being predicted by many. DRAW TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK The draw for Darts 2000 will be held mid next week in a public house near the vicinity of the Trimleston arena. The venue and time are yet to be confirmed. The committee request that any competitors who are doubtful starters notify the organisers prior to the draw. All competitors are invited to attend the draw, and the results will be posted on this site after. GUINAN A NO-HOPER Locals from Conor Guinan's hometown of Ferbane have stated that he has no chance of winning Darts 2000. 'Not a prayer,' said an insider, 'he'll let us all down again, but I'd say he'll last the pace no problem from what I've seen recently.' LATEST ODDS 24th February John Joyce 5/1 9/4 Pat Kelly 5/2 3/1 Paul McGettrick 10/1 5/1 Dave Doheny 6/1 Al Heaney 8/1 5/1 13/2 Pat Ryan 10/1 8/1 Denis Reilly 7/1 9/1 Paul Dolan 12/1 10/1 Colm Lynch 50/1 16/1 James Henry 16/1 25/1 20/1 Superobot 50/1 20/1 25/1 Digger Matthews 25/1 Barry Conroy 25/1 Barney Johnson 33/1 Gary Corcoran 20/1 40/1 33/1 Liam Sheridan 40/1 Conor Guinan 80/1 Jimmy Styles 80/1 100/1 150/1 Vince Meyler 150/1 |