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HOME!!! Darts news, 1st March 2000 FIRST ROUND DRAW SET FOR THURSDAY NIGHT The draw for the preliminary and first round of Darts 2000 will take place in the 'Olde Punchbowl' in Booterstown at 10pm. Nineteen names will go into the hat and the draw will consist of three preliminary round matches and the eight first round matches. Excitement is at a frenzy as the big names and favourites hope to avoid each other and the draw could pair together some interesting grudge matches. See our special draw preview. LYNCH TO QUIT AFTER DARTS 2000. Cavan hardman Colm Lynch will quit Darts after Darts 2000. The shock announcement came last night as it was made public that Lynch will be heading to Australia in the footsteps of Johnny 'the cat' Heaney and other big names after the event. 'This adds extra spice to Darts 2000. Lynch will be extra determined now after his capitulation last year,' said an insider. 'Hopefully I can put the bastard out in the first round,' said Digger Matthews. DAVE HEANEY RECOVERS IN HOSPITAL AFTER CAR SMASH  Darts News 2nd March DRAW BUILDUP GUINAN LAUNCHES VICIOUS ATTACK ON DOLAN Quietly spoken Ferbane man Conor Guinan launched a vicious tirade of abuse at rival Paul Dolan in an amazing attack last night. 'Dolan is a sham and a crook, and the competition is demeaned letting him into it. I'd say the committee will be doing well to get the entrance money off him,' seethed Guinan last night. 'Let's just say I've a score to settle with him and if I get to play against him at any stage, the pressure will be intense for him'. Guinan is believed to still be bitter over Dolan pulling out of a business deal with Guinan at the start of the 1990s. Guinan was sure at the time that Dolan would commit to the deal however it emerged after that Dolan had no intention of ever going through with the deal. Dolan has sinced dismissed his scheme as 'merely business' but Guinan is reluctant to bury the hatchet. 'If I can smash that smug grin of his at Darts 2000 then maybe I'll consider letting it rest,' Guinan added ominously. CONROY MOST FEARED NAME IN DRAW A straw poll of darts 2000 competitors has revealed Barry Conroy is the name most feared in the hat for the opening round draws in Booterstown tonight. Of the 19 players surveyed, 6 replied they feared Conroy most, with 3 opting for John Joyce, 2 each for Pat Kelly, AJ Heaney and Colm Lynch. Paul McGettrick and James Henry were also named as most feared and two players refused to answer. Conroy is a skilled durable competitor who delights in taunting and goading. However dreadful concentration lapses and bouts of day-dreaming and dribbling have seen Conroy dismissed by many as a real title contender. STYLES SAYS - BRING ON STYLES v GUINAN 2 Jimmy Styles has called on the organisers to draw himself and Conor Guinan together in the first round to enable a rematch of their Darts 97 clash. 'It's what the people want,' Styles told press last night. 'When Conor and I locked horns in Darts 86 it was a momentous occasion. I remember the excitement and atmosphere, with the crowds chanting out our names. James Henry said once that he's pay to look at that match again. Although Conor came out on top, I believe subsequent great preformances have been inspired by our battle.' A host of top stars came out to rubbish Styles' plea. Al Heaney said 'heh heh - Jimmy Stells buddedd Guinen peh-peh-gu. Stells is nuh nuh bed men! heh heh berredebbedeh!' Gary Corcoran said 'I was present for this game and it was no classic. Only the Lynch Mulvey clash in Darts 99 was worse in my opinion. It would certainly be nice for Conor and Jimmy to clash again but there's no question of anyone else wanting this.' James Henry was quick to clarify - 'I said I'd pay not to see that rubbish.' IN BRIEF KING OF DARTS KELLY IN MENTAL MOTORCYCLE MAYHEM Pat Kelly has purchased a large intimidating motorcycle as he aims to retain his King of Darts title. This allows Kelly to get home quicker after work to practice and swiftly power about the darts venues of the cities. However there is reported confusion over whether he would attend the draw tonight due to the stiff drink driving regulations. TOM HENRY WASTING AWAY ON THE STREETS OF PHILADELHIA (reports unconfirmed) DRAW PREVIEW DRAW PREVIEW The committee have broken with tradition this year and are staging the Darts 2000 draw in the 'Olde Punchbowl' public house in Booterstown, Co Dublin, nine days before the event. The names of nineteen stars will go into the draw, and here we preview each player, and who they would prefer to meet or avoid in the draw. JOHN JOYCE Previous appearances: Darts 99 - QF. Overall record P2 W1 L1 John Joyce carries the favourite's tag prior to the draw due to reports of superb play in warm up. Joyce is arguably the finest thrower in the tournement, and each of his games in 1999 were classics. A favourable draw for Joyce would be to avoid other big guns in the first round, but he is well equipped to face all comers. PAT KELLY Previous appearances: Darts 99 - Winner. Overall record P4 W4 (incl 1 walkover) The King of Darts enters the tournament better equipped to defend his title than previous champions. Much is being made of a possible showdown with John Joyce and Kelly is believed to be reluctant to avoid drawing Joyce. It is well known that players raise their game when playing defending champions, however the jovial Ringsend man is well geared to face any challenge. PAUL McGETTRICK Previous appearances: Darts 99 2R, Darts 98 SF. Overall record P4 W2 L2 The highly regarded Paul McGettrick shines every year with high qulity darts but seems to struggle killing off games. Can provide stiff opposition for the top players, but also struggles to get on top of inferior opposition. McGettrick would do well to avoid any talented opposition until his own momentum is up. Would also like to avoid the likes of Guinan and Meyler who would relish a chance to end his aspirations. DAVE DOHENY Previous appearances: Debut Dave Doheny posesses oodles of talent but is a laid back individual for whom 'it will be alright on the night'. Debutants always do well in Trimleston Darts and Doheny's complete unawareness of pressure should see him feature strongly. A tough draw could favour Doheny, however the likes of Ryan, Johnson and particularly Barry Conroy would be delirious at the prospect of getting a shot at him. AJ 'Al' HEANEY Previous appearances: Darts 98 Runner-up, Darts 97 QF. Overall record P4 W2 L2 'Mad Al' Heaney is viewed by some as the great entertainer of darts, by others as the pitiful flop. The buzz that enlivens the arena when Al is at the oche is palpable. Fresh from a one year break and with his personal life in order, the midget showman is well poised to take his first title. However, recent throwing form is reported to be poor and word is that Heaney missed his chance in 98. Al would do well to avoid the likes of Doheny and Reilly, and would relish a match against bitter rival James Henry, or Colm Lynch. PA RYAN Previous appearances: Darts 99 QF. Overall record P2 W1 L1. Pa Ryan fared well against eventual champion Pat Kelly last year and with a bit of luck could have turned the result around. Fresh from an extensive US tour, Ryan is in top spirits and roaring to go for Darts 2000. Fearing nobody in the draw, Ryan would relish another shot at Pat Kelly and would also love to lock horns with Dave Doheny. Lurking in the background, eager to 'get at' Ryan reportedly are Barry Conroy and Barney Johnson. DENIS REILLY Previous appearances: Debut Denis 'Der Field Marshall' Reilly is set to explode onto the darts scene come March 11th. Questions remain about his darting ability however the pace and stamina aspects hold no fears for his camp given his hard living lifestyle. Reilly will be a major threat should he reach the latter stages. The Field Marshall is hoping to avoid all major guns and pick up an easy first round draw. Eager to 'get at' Reilly are Barry Conroy and Barney Johnson. A plum derby tie with Doheny would also be a major seller. PAUL DOLAN Previous appearances: Debut Paul Dolan was a prodiguous schoolboy talent at darts and is no greenhorn coming in the tournament. He hopes to answer critics who have raised questions over his fitness and stamina. Capable of high scores, Dolan is a tangible threat to any opponent. Dolan would relish a clash with any of the Offaly boys. There still remains lingering doubts whether he can last till the latter stages. COLM LYNCH Previous appearances: Darts 99 QF. Overall record P2 W1 L1 Lynch is the form player going into Darts 2000 and arguably the tournament's biggest attraction. Recent form has seen him re-emerge as a credible contender following his shameful humiliation by Brian Mulvey last year. Lynch would relish a shot at the Ringsend pair of Joyce and Kelly however a host of players are aiming to make his involvement in Darts 2000 including James Henry, Digger Matthews and Liam Sheridan. JAMES HENRY Previous appearances: Darts 98 QF, Darts 97 SF. Overall record P4 W2 L2 The high-profile cad, despite a low-profile build up remains one of the most controversial figures in Trimleston darts. With the withdrawal of his bitter rival and brother Tom, James enters the draw with no monkey on his back. A plum derby draw against any of his Trimleston team-mates would be a major attraction. With the pressure off James Henry this could be the year for him to come good. NEIL CORCORAN Previous appearances: Darts 99 1R. Overall record P1 W0 L1 Super Robot suffered the ignominy of being the first man to be knocked out of darts 99. While many left the arena during the disgraceful scenes last year, Corcoran remained and used it as an incentive to return for the millenium event. Some suggest he still lacks the killer instinct to compete at this level, he remains a threat to all in the draw with his pledge to uphold law and order and smash fascism. DIGGER MATTHEWS Previous appearances: Debut The jovial JCB driver is determined not be be merely making up the numbers while at the same time looking to entertain the masses. Digger will not be affected by the pressure however will have to watch his etiquette on the day as his jovial antics may offend some purists on the day. Matthews and Colm Lynch have been fiercely critical of each other in the build up, and there could be no greater grudge match pulled out of the hat on 2nd March. BARRY CONROY Previous appearances: Darts 99 QF. Overall record P3 W2 L1 Conroy seems to have set no aspirations or ambitions this year of winning but has concentrated on aiming to knock out a number of bitter rival. These include Doheny, Reilly, Ryan, G Corcoran and above all Barney Johnson who he destroyed last year. Conroy is not without skill and stamina and is one of the most feared names going into the hat. BARNEY JOHNSON Previous appearances Darts 99 2R. Overall record P2 W1 L1 Darts 99 was not a happy event for Johnson as he was dumped out mercilessly by bitter rival Barry Conroy. This year revenge has dominated Johnson's mindset and there is no other draw he wants. Suggestions that if Johnson were to win darts 2000 without beating Conroy on the way it would be a hollow victory were dismissed by Johnson. GARY CORCORAN Previous appearances: Darts 99 SF, Darts 98 1R, Darts 97 1R. Overall record P5 W2 L3 Despite reaching the semi finals (from the weak quarter of the draw) last year, the Minister is again seen as an outsider. A scalp for many, Corcoran found it difficult in previous years to combine running the tournament and playing his own game. His form has improved recently, and is looking forward to the event however there should be too much talent in the draw for a repeat showing. LIAM SHERIDAN Previous appearances: Darts 99 2R. Overall record P1 W0 L1 Liam played well last year before his lack of experience cost him dear. Eager for a return this year and a shot at Gary Corcoran or Colm Lynch. CONOR GUINAN Previous appearances: Darts 98 QF Darts 97 QF. Overall record P4 W2 L2 Guinan has been written off this year, which may be harsh considering he has more experience of winning legs than most competitors in the field. Guinan would relish a shot at Paul Dolan, as there has been a feud lingering between the two for the last ten years as Dolan is alleged to have 'tricked' Guinan into thinking he would buy a drumkit off Guinan. Guinan's long odds belie his competitive nature and could easily be taken too lightly by complacent opponents. JIMMY STYLES Previous appearances: Darts 98 QF, Darts 97 1R. Overall record P2 W0 L2 Styles is the archtypal entertainer, with massive appeal to the common housewife. He lit up the first two tournaments not through darting ability but through confusion and general lack of awareness. Jimmy is due a good performance, however he remains the man most players view as an easy passage into the next round. VINCE MEYLER Previous appearances Darts 99 1R, Darts 98 QF, Darts 97 QF. Overall record P4 W1 L3 Meyler is a rock of Trimleston darts having appeared in all three previous tournaments. A tough and durable competitor who lacks nothing in stamina, his darting has deteriorated of late. Darts 99 represented his lowest point to date as he was cruelly dumped out by Barry Conroy. Meyler is due a good run and is eager to restore creidiblity. A derby match against Guinan or McGettrick would be a fine draw for him. News 3rd March DRAW BONANZA IN PUNCHBOWL The draw for the early rounds of darts 2000 took place last night in the Olde Punchbowl Booterstown in front of a full house. The draw is as follows FIRST ROUND Match A - LIAM SHERIDAN v PAUL MCGETTRICK Match B - BARNEY JOHNSON v DAVE DOHENY Match C - VINCE MEYLER v GARY CORCORAN SECOND ROUND JIMMY STYLES v Winner Match B PAT KELLY v CONOR GUINAN DENIS REILLY v JAMES HENRY NEIL CORCORAN v COLM LYNCH DIGGER MATTHEWS v BARRY CONROY AJ HEANEY v PAUL DOLAN JOHN JOYCE v Winner Match C PA RYAN v Winner Match A DRAW REACTION A bulging crowd gathered in the Olde Punchbowl in Booterstown for the darts 2000 draw. The draw was performed by King of Darts Pat Kelly, the Committee and guest Dan the Madman Grennan. The Minister for Posts and Telegraphs was the independent observer. Here follows reaction for each game. First Round. Match A Liam Sheridan v Paul McGettrick Both Sheridan and McGettrick were unavailable for comment, but were reported to be quietly confident. This is an intruiging opening match. Sheridan will be keen to improve on his 99 showing and McGettrick will be looking for a good win to enhance his championship credentials. Match B. Barney Johnson v Dave Doheny A huge derby match between two bitter rivals and one of the ties of the round. Doheny is a promising debutant who is touted as one to look out for. The elder statesman Johnson meanwhile has gone somewhat off the rails descending into an exceedingly unhealthy lifestyle. However he issues this menacing statement 'I look forward to putting an end to Doheny's darts debut in the first round.' Denis Reilly has also tipped Johnson to come through here. 'He's mentally tougher than Doheny. He should come through and leave Doheny moping for the rest of the day.' He will be well up for this one however. Neither player have commented yet but this match will be well hyped over the coming week. Match C. Vince Meyler v Gary Corcoran Two dinosaurs of Trimleston darts clash in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Meyler and Corcoran are set to be the only men to have played in all four tournaments. Corcoran said last night after the draw 'it's great to get to lock horns with an old warrior like Vinnie. I'm sure he's looking forward to it just as much as I am.' Second Round Jimmy Styles v Winner Match B Jimmy Styles was quick to rant about the draw. 'I resent having to play thugs like Brendan Johnson or that Donnelly fella. I've read about them in the papers and I don't like what I read. These sort of characters lower the tone of the event. What they should have done was put me and Guinan in the hat together. I'd say there's a good chance we'll meet in the semi finals.' Pat Kelly v Conor Guinan Pat Kelly remarked after the draw that he didn't know who Guinan was but was sure he would beat him. 'Is he any good?' asked Pat, adding 'I'd say he's useless.' Guinan was pleased with the draw. 'It's time Kelly is taken down a peg or two. Remember the defending champion has never gotten past the first round.' Denis Reilly v James Henry James Henry was philospohical after landing a tough draw. 'The Field Marshall was one of the names to avoid. He has a good pub and drinking pedigree. It will be a tough match.' Denis was ecstatic at his bye into the second round, laughing manically when asked for a quote. 'The younger Henry is a tough draw. I'd have to play extremely well to have a chance here,' said Reilly. Controversially, Tom Henry, the 1997 King of Darts is backing the Field Marshall. Taunting his brother he declared 'Glory to the Field Marshall.' The interferences of Tom Henry have certainly spiced up this match. Neil Corcoran v Colm Lynch Lynch was pleased with this draw. As the fixture had been drawn Lynch said ''No offence to Super Robotl but I am pleased with that draw.' Lynch is being tipped to win this one as his recent form has been superb, beating the King of Darts Pat Kelly in recent warmups. Corcoran however has a different agenda. Entering the tournament under his 'Smash fascism' banner, he faces a man well known for his right-wing extremist views. This nicely spices up the contest as a fascist v anti fascist grudge match. Digger Matthews v Barry Conroy The battle of the short attention spans should be an intruiging contest. Matthews is one man who will cope well with Conroy's taunts, sledging and mocking. On the other hand, Conroy is the type of character who will not be fazed by Matthews lack of darts etiquette and jovial roaring. This game could be decided purely on darting ability, which is a rarity in this era. Al Heaney v Paul Dolan One of the ties of the rounds. Al was looking for an easy draw to get his career back on track and in Dolan he certainly didn't get it. As has been well documented Dolan was a keen player in his teens and if he rediscovers his form he will cause major problems for the midget. Heaney however is one of the most naturally gifted players on the circuit and this bout should contain massive entertainment. John Joyce v Winner Match C Joyce was pleased to advance straight to the second round. He will face either Corcoran or Meyler, regarded by most as rank outsiders. However the winner of the first round match will have a bout under their belts which could stand to them against the tournament favourite. Pa Ryan v Winner A Whether it is Sheridan or McGettrick it will be a tough match for Ryan. Ryan was unavailable for comment also. Last year Ryan was poor in his first game but improved as the tournament progressed. That could be a key factor here. ODDS As the bookies watched the names emerge from the draw drum with interest, the odds of certain players have been adjusted. See latest odds. John Joyce 5/1 9/4 2/1 JF Pat Kelly 5/2 3/1 2/1 JF Colm Lynch 50/1 16/1 6/1 Al Heaney 8/1 5/1 13/2 Paul McGettrick 10/1 5/1 8/1 Pat Ryan 10/1 8/1 Denis Reilly 7/1 9/1 Dave Doheny 6/1 12/1 Paul Dolan 12/1 10/1 12/1 Barry Conroy 25/1 16/1 Barney Johnson 33/1 16/1 James Henry 16/1 25/1 20/1 Gary Corcoran 20/1 40/1 33/1 25/1 Digger Matthews 25/1 33/1 Liam Sheridan 40/1 Superobot 50/1 20/1 25/1 50/1 Conor Guinan 80/1 66/1 Vince Meyler 150/1 66/1 Jimmy Styles 80/1 100/1 150/1 80/1 |