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HOME!!! 2 March 2001 MAD DOG VICTIM OF COWARDLY ATTACK The Trimleston Darts community was left in shock the other night when Colm 'Mad Dog' O'Donnell was attacked by a drunken fanatic at a publicity function in Booterstown last Sunday night. O'Donnell was attending a 'Q&A' session in Booterstown taking questions from his fan base. When asked 'can Paul Dolan be stopped in 2001?' O'Donnell replied 'he certainly seems to have taken darts to a new level but the rest of us won't be there to make up the numbers. I would certainly relish a chance to pit myself against the number one.' At this point an unknown man lunged at O'Donnell and knocked him to the floor. O'Donnell was unhurt by the incedent and magnaminously continued the event without making a fuss. The perpetrator of the attack escaped amidst the chaotic scenes. It is now believed the attacker was hired by a rival to shake up O'Donnell in the final buildup to the event. O'Donnell is reported to be suffering no ill-effects from the attack but insiders report his form has dipped alarmingly. EVENT WILL GO AHEAD DESPITE FOOT AND MOUTH SCARE The Minister for Posts and Telegraphs has confirmed that Darts 2001 will go ahead on March 10th despite fears that it would fall victim to the foot and mouth restrictions like other sporting events. The Minister announced, 'Darts 2001 will go ahead. I am confident that restrictive measures in place by the department of agriculture are adequate for competitors to travel to the venue on March 10th. Overseas competitors will be treated at the airport and there are a few rural based competitors who are aware of the measures required. There are concerns over the attendance of Al Heaney due to his involvement in the agricultural profession but the decision over whether he will compete will be left to his best judgement.' The decision of the Committee has been hailed as 'a triumph for common sense' WALSH CONFIRMED AS ENTRANT FOR 2001 Johnny 'The Fugitive' Walsh has confirmed his entry for Darts 2001 bringing the list of confirmed entrants to 15. Walsh who was listed as a wildcard for the event will now enter the draw next week for the first round. Walsh, who is now also a member of the home club said 'I am delighted to enter the darts and will give it my best shot. I have heard much about it from Guinan, Vinnie and others.' 2000 semi-finalist Dave Doheny is a late worry, despite have confirmed before. The star is in the USA on a training tour and my be hindered by foot and mouth travel restrictions. Also, the participation of 98 champ Johnny 'The Cat' Heaney is reported to be 'extremely unlikely.' Final entries will close on Monday next, March 5th. Players who have not confirmed their entry by then will not be included in the draw, which is set to take place on Wednesday, 7th March in a venue to be confirmed. TOM HENRY 'THE PAT CASH' OF DARTS James Henry has claimed his brother has bottled out of Darts 2001 and that his 97 victory was a massive fluke. Henry said 'My brother's absence from Darts 2001 has been put down to the noble excuse of not wanting to endanger any livestock in Ireland, my feeling is he's bottled it as he did last year. He got lucky with his Championship win and has lived off that since. In fact he's failed to win a single game since that day. Every sport has fools like that who get a lucky string of results. Thomas Henry is the Pat Cash of Darts.' Tom Henry has been unavailable for comment on the attack but is believed will respond to the allegations furiously. NEXT WEEK Draw preview, and player by player assessments. 6 March STYLES DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN DARTS 2000 Housewives' favourite Jimmy 'The Vindicator' Styles denied any involvement in Darts 2000 at a press conference in Trinity College on Friday. Jimmy was answering questions from journalists prior to his final preparations for the big event. When asked if the pain of his defeat to Paul Dolan in Darts 2000 was softened by the knowledge that Dolan went on to claim the title, Jimmy replied, 'I didn't play in Darts 2000, in fact I wasn't there at all. You must be confusing it with another tournament.' Most observers agree that Jimmy was the victim of a 2-0 defeat to the current King of Darts which saw the latter play some of his most explosive darts of the event. His denial of any involvement in that match is seen by some as a shrewd psychological move but by others as alarming. BYRAN CONFIRMS CAT 'NON-SIGHTING' Ciaran 'The Bear' Bryan who is struggling with his preparation for Darts 2001 in his Southern German training camp has confirmed that he has not seen Johnny 'The Cat' Heaney anywhere in Bavaria. Ciaran stated 'I was excited to hear reports that Johnny the Cat was presently about Munich or somewhere in Bavaria. I had seen the pictures of him and was keen to hook up with him prior to the event for some sparring sessions. Unfortunately I have not seen the Cat anywhere so the rumours must be untrue.' However, associates of the Cat hit back at Bryan, 'John is in Munich and is unlikely to be back for Darts 2001. As Byran spends most of his time with drunken down and outs we would not take his reports seriously. WALSH A REAL THREAT - DOLAN King of Darts Paul Dolan has warned that Johnny 'The Fugitive' Walsh is a real threat to any contenders for Darts 2001. 'I've seen Walsh's style for years,' said Dolan, 'and he certainly will be difficult to beat. I would not relish the thoughts of crossing arrows with him in the first round.' Dolan remains the clear favourite for Darts 2001 despite little being known about his present form and a possibly stronger field than last year. His desire to be both the first man to retain Trimleston darts and the first married man to lift the title have been well documented. Walsh was involved in some recent sessions at the Trimleston club and Gary Corcoran was impressed with what he saw. 'Johnny combines good scoring with an entertaining style. His weakness may be in finishing but I am confident he will do well.' MAD DOG AND MADMAN CLASHES CONTINUE Dan 'the Madman' Grennan and Colm 'Mad Dog' O'Donnell continued their stamina and endurance sparring with a weekend of destructive mayhem. Following a booze-fuelled challenge session that involved some darting, Grennan and O'Donnell brought their sideshow of calamity to a city venue before moving to a public house in Booterstown. Onlookers were shocked as the pair displayed their endurance to a packed house. Incedentally, the darting was Grennan's first session since Darts 2000 as he had previously refused to be involved in any other sessions. Grennan defeated O'Donnell in all the games, which were not under tournament rules. Experts are baffled at Grennan's approach to Darts 2001. IN BRIEF Dave Doheny has re-confirmed for Darts 2001. The full field looks set to close at 15 players with Al Heaney's participation unknown due to foot and mouth. The closing date for entries was today. The draw will take place on Wednesday 7th March. A full player by player preview will be posted here on Wednesday. DRAW PREVIEW Further intruigue is added to the Draw for Darts 2001 by the fact that only three players are new to Trimleston Darts. This results in greater familiarity of other players styles and abilities. Amazingly no two players have met more than once in Trimleston Darts. Darts 2001 must surely see this statistic end. Here follows a synopsis of each player competing in Trimleston Darts. Name - CIARAN BRYAN, Rank - 9, Form - DEBUT. Byran is an unknown quantity having left Ireland for the tranquil setting of Lake Constance in the Bavarian Alps. Here he defied experts who believed he would tone down his chaotic lifestyle and reports indicate he will not lack on the stamina front. He debuts in Darts 2001 with nothing known about his darting ability. His huge frame will intimidate at the oche. One to be avoided in the draw. Name - BARRY CONROY, Rank 6, Form - WWLWL, Last Four Tournaments --QQ, Record - P5 W3 L2. Despite reaching the quarter finals last year, Barry Conroy disappointed in Darts 2000. He was unimpressive against Digger Matthews and despite some good moments was annhilated by Paul Dolan. Conroy's motivation in recent tournaments has been to antagonise and goad his closest rivals. A lot depends this year on whether he has bigger tournament ambitions than before. Remains a feared draw for all players and would relish a match against Ryan, Johnson, G Corcoran, Hanratty but especially Doheny. Name - NEIL CORCORAN, Rank 8, Form - LWWL, Last Four Tournaments --0S, Record - P4 W2 L2 Super Robot reached the semi finals last year by playing to his strengths in an unorthodox strategy. With his strategy well known this year he has lost the surprise element but will be difficult to beat with his intellegent scoring methods. Not playing under a political banner this year it will be interesting to see his approach. Will provide tough and interesting opposition for any player. Dangerous. Name - GARY CORCORAN, Rank 19, Form - LWWLL, Last Four Tournaments 00S0, Record - P6 W2 L4 Much has been alleged about the Minister's improved form as he plays in his 5th Trimleston Darts. He is determined to prove he is better than his low rankings suggest but it remains difficult to see him threaten at a later stage. Gave John Joyce a scare in the first round last year and could be a tricky draw for the top players. Would relish a draw against the King Of Darts Paul Dolan. Name - DAVE DOHENY, Rank 5, Form - WWL, Last Four Tournaments ---S, Record P3 W2 L1 Doheny impressed last year beating Pat Kelly in a great game and perhaps should have beaten John Joyce in a thrilling semi. It may be hard for him to repeat his heroics but remains one of the quality players in the hat. A clash against any of his main rivals, Conroy etc would be a massive crowd puller. Name - PAUL DOLAN, Rank 1, Form - WWWW, Last Four Tournaments ---1, Record P4 W4 Paul Dolan won Darts 2000 in convincing style and remains the favourite for 2001. The only question marks remain over whether he was given a 'handy' title with poor performances by Styles and Conroy and jaded performances by N Corcoran and Joyce after their previous epics. The truth remains he never dropped a leg in any match last year and finishes impeccably. Dolan will be keen to avoid a tough draw and most players hope to avoid him in the first round draw. Name - DAN GRENNAN, Rank 17, Form - L, Last Four Tournaments ---0, Record P1 L1 Grennan gave Pat Kelly a tough game in Darts 2000 without any preparation or effort. This year his preparation remains at nil but he is still capable of good performances. Will lack nothing in any stamina or endurance tests. A draw against any of his Trimleston teammates, espcially Walsh would be a major attraction. Name - DICK HANRATTY, Rank 16, Form - L, Last Four Tournaments ---0, Record P1 L1 Hanratty's late decision to enter Darts 2001 has been welcomed by all. Despite his defeat in Darts 2001 he was one of the best entertainers. With stamina a concern many players would relish a crack at Hanratty who in turn would raise his game for the likes of Conroy, Johnson or a return clash with Ryan. Name - JAMES HENRY, Rank 13, Form - WLWLL Last Four Tournaments SQ-0, Record P5 W2 L3 Once a contender for the darts crowns, it is painful a man with so much talent written off by so many. Returned for Darts 2000 but surrendered meekly to the Field Marshall Denis Reilly. Further alarm bells rang for fans when his buildup preparations consisted only of what concoction he would use to comply with the units rule. Henry is no fool however and is very dangerous when written off. Playing in his fourth tournament much has been made of his capitulations but little of his talents. We could see a return display of his gifts and a dangerous opponent for the so called favourites. Name - BARNEY JOHNSON, Rank 14, Form - WLL, Last Four Tournaments --00, Record P3 W1 L2 Johnson is a hurt man. Having been destroyed by Barry Conroy in Darts 99 he returned to Darts 2000 with Conroy's taunts still ringing in his ears. There he was cruelly whitewashed by Dave Doheny, another keen rival. The only way is up for Johnson who has shown little of his ultra competitiveness in Trimleston Darts. Johnson may prefer to avoid his rivals in the draw and make some progress in the tournament for his own self respect. Name - JOHN JOYCE, Rank 3, Form LWWWL, Last Four Tournaments --Q2, Record P6 W4 L2 John Joyce is regarded as the most difficult man to beat on the circuit. In his games last year he stared at defeat against G Corcoran, Ryan and Doheny before brilliantly pulling out victories. In the final he gave a jaded performance against Dolan who relentlessly grabbed the title. Being so close last year will spur Joyce on again. He remains one of the true naturals on the tour. Darts still awaits a mammoth clash between him and Kelly. Name - PAT KELLY, Rank 2, Form WWWLW, Last Four Tournaments --1Q, Record P6 W5 L1 Pat Kelly is back and will be determined that Darts 2000 was a blemish and normal service should be resumed. Kelly had a fine year as King of Darts and did not much wrong in his defeat by Doheny. He will be more focussed this year, concentrating on the tournament itself as opposed to hustling for tenners in the kitchen. Expect Kelly to be more dangerous than before and to be involved in the closing stages. Name - COLM O'DONNELL, Rank 9, Form - Debut Colm 'Mad Dog' O'Donnell is the new exciting face of darts and is touted as a star to watch in Darts 2001. He is a purist from the old school who is well capable of good play and should be a tough draw for old and new alike. Fears remain over O'Donnell's concentration however and major doubts abound over his stamina in a day long event such as Trimleston Darts. A draw against G Corcoran, Grennan or Walsh would provide mammoth excitement. Name - PAT RYAN, Rank 12, Form WLWL, Last Four Tournaments --QQ, Record P4 W2 L2 Ryan has played well in his previous appearances and has been beaten by quality each time (Kelly in 99 and Joyce in 2000). Some argue he has been unlucky with tough draws but others say it is time his darts do the talking. Much of his success in Darts 2001 hinges on how relaxed he is on the day. A dangerous dark horse again. Name - JIMMY STYLES, Rank 20, Form LLL, Last Four Tournaments 0Q-0, Record P3 L3 Styles remains one of the few links with the old days of Trimleston darts (pre 99) and is still the greatest entertainer in the game. Smarting so much from defeat by Dolan in 2000 he has denied taking part in the event. Styles has yet to win a match and is taken lightly by many despite having some good darting skills. A win by Styles in Trimleston Darts would raise the roof and stranger things have happened. Name - JOHNNY WALSH, Rank 9, Form - Debut Johnny is a late comer to the home club and has impressed with his dogged style and occasional good scores. Indeed the diminuitive star has been highlighted by Paul Dolan as a dangerous threat. Little can be said about how he will perform on the day but will provide a stiff test for all players and may feature in the latter stages. A draw against G Corcoran, O'Donnell or Grennan would provide much excitement. |