Darts News Jan to 13th March 2002

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31 January 2002

DARTS TO FIND NEW HOME
In a hastily convened press conference in Graingers, Amien St, an announcement was made that will change the face of darts forever. The minister, looking gaunt and frail was helped to his seat by two assistants. In a short statement he confirmed that the committee and their darts franchise had ended their six year association with the Trimleston venue. The split had been amicable he claimed and that the franchise would now be seeking a new home for the 2002 event. Answering questions from the floor, when asked how the competition could survive following the loss of such a great venue, the Minister replied "the show must go on".

DOLAN SLAMMED FOR INSENSITIVE "BADGERING" OF MINISTER
Former darts champ Paul Dolan has been slammed by a number of commentators for his persistent and insensitive badgering of the Minster. It is alleged that Dolan has been constantly issuing ultimata to the Minister demanding a date for when darts 2002 will take place. "It is grossly insensitive," said former player Johnny Walsh. "The minister has had a lot to deal with and it is very difficult to see where the franchise will go from here. He has assured us that the show must go on, and that is good enough for me. Dolan should sit and wait like the rest of the darts fraternity".
However The minster has leapt to the defence of his old friend. "Paul is right to ask. After his failure last year he is keen to prepare well this year. That is understandable. Unfortunately I am not is a position to say how things will develop. However the show must go on".

CAT ON ROAD AGAIN
Darts 98 champ Johnny "The Cat" Heaney is back on the darts scene however speculation is rife he will go on the international circuit again, this time to South America. However, Heaney, the hero of darts 98 is not likely to head abroad till the Summer. Other stars back from foreign tours are Cavan hardman Colm Lynch, the High Priest Conor Guinan and wasted talent Big Dave Heaney. The committee is faced with the prospect of having the strongest field ever available for the tournament but confusion and speculation over the venue. When pressed by reporters for whether the minister could accomodate the Cat and other stars, the minister replied that the show must go on.

MORE NEWS TO FOLLOW

13 February

MARSHALL AND JOHNSON THROW DARTS LIFELINE
The beleagured Darts franchise has been thrown an invaluable lifeline by Louth legend, Denis "Der Field Marshall" Reilly and ultra hardman Barney "Bad News" Johnson. Reilly and Johnson have offered to host the Darts 2002 ending speculation that the tournament would be cancelled. The proposed venue will be confirmed following an inspection by the committee and a health and safety audit, but reports indicate that the green light will be given. Reilly and Johnson have been hailed by all in the darts community for their magnanimity and foresight. See below for reaction.

REACTION
The Minister is reported to be delighted at the turn of events, hailing the two men as "lifesavers" and "heroes". He said the committee will visit the venue to confirm it is logistically feasible, but was sure the green light would be given. Denis Reilly told of the night he got the idea for this venue. Here he picks up the tale. "I met the Minister in a pub one night. He was somewhat worse for wear. He said that the show must go on, so it was then I decided that Mr. Johnson and I should help try to secure a venue. I had a venue in mind, but needed the help of Mr. Johnson to deal with objectors. Once any objections were dealt with the venue could be proposed." Johnson confirmed Reilly's story adding "there won't be any problems with objectors in the area".

MINISTER ACCUSED OVER ARROW RETENTION
The Minister Gary Corcoran has been criticised for retaining the arrows of two of the Darts 2001 competitors. It is alleged that the Minister has kept the personal arrows of Ciaran "The Great Bear" Bryan and former King of Darts Paul Dolan. Dolan confirmed the allegation. "I left my arrows in his car last year and he had failed to return them to me, despite numerous oppurtunities to do so. It is a ridiculous situation which is severely hampering my preparations for Darts 2002, for which we also have no set date". Ciaran Bryan was unscathing "I left the darts at the Trimleston venue last year, but I'm not too bothered about them for this year. I'll get them again if the Minister still has them". When asked about the whereabouts of the players' darts, Corcoran had mixed news for the players. "I have Dolan's darts and I will return them to him. I was unable to find them when I last saw him, but I know where they are now. However I'm afraid Ciaran's darts are no longer with us. They were lost when Trimleston descended into chaos last May." (see previous darts news)

SUPER ROBOT A MODEL KING OF DARTS
Darts bad boy James Henry has hailed Neil "Super Robot" as a model king of darts, saying his approach and conduct have been an example to us all. James, "The Druid" said "All the darts champions, with the exception of my brother have been great champions in their own way. But I think Super Robot has been an example to us all. He came back from being a joke contestant in 99 to being the marvellous champion who played blistering darts. I hope he can make it to the 2002 event to defend his title. I'd love to have a pop at him. It would be a great learning experience for me. It would take a great player to beat him.

OAKLEY LINKED TO DARTS RETURN
Richard Oakley, defeated in the final of Darts 97 has been linked with a return to the game. He expressed a strong interest in a return to the game. Oakley has not played in any event since his defeat in Darts 97 when he became a target of the boo-boys.

20 February

JOHNSON AND REILLY HEAD FOR DOWN UNDER
Darts heroes Barney "Bad News" Johnson and Denis "Der Field Marshall" Reilly are commencing a one month tour of Australia. The trip has a dual function as the lads hope to get in shape for Darts 2002 and raise some funds for the hosting of the event. "We've had our shots and we are ready for the off," said Reilly. Gary "The Minister for posts and telegraphs" Corcoran has confirmed that Darts 2002 will definitely not take place till the heroes return. "It's looking like an April date now, possibly any of the last three Saturdays".

GUINAN SLAMMED FOR SNUBBING LOCALS
Conor "The high priest" Guinan has been slammed by his town's enterprise and development group for staging his campaign launch in Tullamore, and not his home town of Ferbane. Guinan, launched his campaign last Sunday night and a large crowd had gathered in a venie in Ferbane to get behind the High Priest. However the enthusiasm of the fans turned to disgust and scorn when it became known that Guinan would in fact be launching his campaign in Tullamore. A spokesman for the enterprise and development group was quick to give Guinan a lashing. "We supported Guinan when he let us down in 97 and 98 and the last three years when he was fluting about. We he can get stuffed". However a spokesman for Guinan dismissed the situation as a misunderstanding.

DOLAN TELLS RYAN TO BULK UP
Pa Ryan, who is looking for a change of fortune in darts has been advised by 2000 King of Darts Paul Dolan to bulk up for 2002. The big man from Tipp had been seeking coaching and general advice on his technique and looking to enter a training programme. Paul Dolan however said publicly "I have seen Pa play and although he is a gifted technician, he needs to bulk up by two or three stone to be able to compete at Darts 2002. It is alright him beating Dick Hanratty every year but you'll notice he always falls down against bigger men." Most neutrals have questioned Dolan's comments but it seems Ryan is intent on following Dolan's advice.

CAT SET FOR DARTS RETURN
Johnny "The Cat" Heaney confirmed he plans to return to darts this year announced his intention to enter Darts 2002. The 1998 King of Darts has been out of the game since his victory of Mad Al Heaney, but neutrals are excited by his decision to return to the game. John Heaney said today "I won the darts in 1998, and although i have been out of the game since, I am still unbeaten in darts history. In fact I believe I am the only such player". The tournament is keen to have the Cat return and the major contenders would be eager to avoid meeting him.


SHORTS
Dolan in knee agony - Former King of Darts Paul Dolan is doubtful for darts 2002 as he has injured his left knee.

Link - Super Robot endorses darts web technology

25 February

KELLY, JOYCE AND LYNCH CONFIRM ENTRIES
Darts 2002 was given a major boost with the entry confirmation of 1999 King of Darts Pat "Double Top" Kelly, current number 1 John "Dart Vader" Joyce and Cavan hardman Colm Lynch. The three have been regulars on the circuit since the 99 event and insiders are delighted at having the three men at Darts 2002. Both Kelly and Joyce are serious title contenders and Lynch is regarded as a durable opponent.

MASSIVE TURNOUT AT CAT FUNCTION
A galaxy of stars were in attendance for a function in central Dublin last Saturday to celebrate the birthday of 98 King of Darts Johnny "The cat" Heaney. Heaney, the only man never to have lost a match in darts history was joined by a host of names from the world of darts including Pat "The sander" Ryan, Dave "the monk" Doheny, Barry "The Baz" Conroy", Dick "the rep" Hanratty and the minister for posts and telegraphs Gary Corcoran.
The Cat commented at the end of the night that the night was a massive success and looked forward to hopefully more success later in the spring.

SECRETS BLOWN ON SUPER ROBOT PREPARATIONS
The massive turnaround in form of Neil "Super Robot" Corcoran from being a hopeless flop in 99 to being a serious contender in 2000 to being a champion of grit, flair and steel in 2001 has puzzled many darters keen to emulate his success. However information has emerged following a visit by Liam Corcoran, younger brother of Neil and Gary, to Super Robot's base in East London has shed some light on the mystery. Liam, speaking before a marathon strippers and WWF binge last week says "it's down to practice. He has a board in the house and i saw him practicing. This was in September, completely out of darts season." Some observers have expressed concern at the amount of training going on for amateur players but Liam Corcoran had some words of hope for rivals. "I think he might retain his title but it will be very difficult. I was starving when I was over there for the week."

BYRAN IN CANADA ON TRAINING MISSION
Ciaran "The bear" Bryan has based himself in Canada for the next month in preparation for Darts 2002. Byran, who flopped alarmingly against the fugitive Johnny Walsh in Darts 2001 conceded that his soft tips preparations for Darts 2001 were hopelessly inadequate and has gone to North America for this years regime. However, insiders in his camp have pointed out that there is still too much soft tips in the Canadian environment and fear another dismal failure.

IN SHORT

JOHNSON AND REILLY ARRIVE IN THAILAND FOR FIRST LEG OF TOUR

DOLAN KNEE INJURY NOT AS BAD AS EXPECTED - The 2000 champ hopes to appear at the 2002 event.

COMING SOON > JOHN MCNAB EVERY PROFILES TWO CONTENDERS FOR DARTS 2002

26 February
John Joyce 11-4f - Favourite, has the hunger and ability
Paul Dolan 7-2 - Will be determined to bounce back from last year
Neil Corcoran 4-1 - Will be difficult to retain title but still a great champ
Pat Kelly 11-2 - Will be determined to avenge last year's humiliation by Joyce
John Heaney 8-1 - A dangerous threat after years in wilderness
Denis Reilly 10-1 - Home venue should help the dangerous Marshall
Barney Johnson 12-1 - Will do well to repeat last year but also playing at home
Gary Corcoran 12-1 - Showed good form last year which will be difficult to repeat
Dave Doheny 14-1 - Needs an improvement to return to his 2000 showing
Colm O'Donnell 16-1 - Dark horse mad dog could cause an upset
Colm Lynch 20-1 - An outside chance here, Lynch is returning fresh and hungry
Barry Conroy 25-1 - No longer regarded as a serious contender
Pa Ryan 25-1 - Has flattered to deceive in recent years
James Henry 33-1 - A shadow of the man he used to be
Tom Henry 33-1 - Regarded as too long out of the game to be a threat at all
John McNab 40-1 - Unlikely to figure past the early rounds
Conor Guinan 40-1 - Has shown little to suggest he will improve on poor early years
Ciaran Bryan 50-1 - Disappointed greatly last year, no signs of improvement
Dick Hanratty 66-1 - Has yet to show any form or ability
Jimmy Styles 200-1 - Odds tell their own story.

8 March

DATE DECISION DELAYED BY MINISTER
The Minister for Posts and Telegraphs has announced that no decision will be made on the date of Darts 2002 till Barney Johnson and Denis Reilly return from their world tour. Speaking yesterday, Corcoran said "the decision will be made after consultation with Johnson and the Marshall when they return. As they are hosting the event, it is imperative we do not proceed without confirming with the men". Corcoran confirmed that he has inspected the venue and it is suitable for the event. "I would say it is potentially better than the Trimleston venue. There is a fine room for the arena which extends back into a large viewing area. It is a very exciting move for darts."
The decision to delay the date announcement means that the date will not be set until the end of March, when Johnson and Reilly return. With the possible dates being the 13th, 20th or 27th of April, it will mean the time between the announcement being possibly quite short. Most players have accepted the announcement as the best deal for darts under the difficult circumstances, however Kerry based former champion Paul Dolan has slammed the announcement as "very poor planning". Dolan said to local press "It's alright for them based in Dublin, but the likes of Super Robot and myself need to know dates well in advance, for booking travel and the like. It's a shambles and serious questions must be raised".

BYRAN CANADIAN TOUR A MAJOR DISASTER
Ciaran Bryan's "return to darts" tour of Canada was reported to be a major disaster by a member of his entourage. Bryan, who had been out of the game since his humiliation by Johnny "The Fugitive" Walsh last year, had arranged a two week tour of venues in Canada to get himself "back in the frame of mind for the game" and to "clean up his hard living lifestyle". A Boston based reporter, Ms A, who travelled with the entourage allows an insight into the tour. Ms A spoke to Darts News stating, "Ciaran hardly lifted a dart at all for the entire trip. He would make his way to a venue where some locals would be lined up to play him. The locals would end up seeing no darting while Ciaran got tooled up. The night would invariably end in some sleazy Karaoke bar or a kebab house". Byran was tracked down to the Harbourmaster bar in Dublin last night where he was surrounded by a squad of "hardnuts". When asked for a comment Byran gesticulated angrily and was restrained by his "goons".

MCNAB JOURNALISM DEFENDED BY MINISTER
John McNab, who has taken over the Darts webpage and reports has come under fire from a number of players who claim he is too out of touch with the Darts scene to be able to produce accurate reports and journalism. Gary Corcoran defended McNab, a colleague of Barney Johnson, who agreed to take over the web page and reports. The Minister said "John is doing a great job considering his lack of familiarity with the scene. The reports are incisive and well researched and his player profiles have been very popular; a massive success."

IN SHORT
CAT SET TO HEAD BACK ON TOUR AFTER DARTS 2002 - Johnny The Cat Heaney has announced he will go back on world tour following Darts 2002.

REILLY AND JOHNSON REACH AUSTRALIA AFTER BANGKOK AND SINGAPORE DATES

RYAN REPORTED JADED AFTER ARDUOUS SANDER TRAINING REGIME

13 March

HENRY BACK FOR DARTS 2002
Inaugaral King of Darts Tom Henry has rocked the darts world by announcing he will be back for the 2002 event. Henry, the 97 King of Darts and general Darts hero was thought to have drifted away from the game following the ugly scenes of Darts 99 which disgusted him. However, in a public letter to the Minister last week, he announced he would return to the game and was ready to take on all comers. "This is very exciting news," said Minister Gary Corcoran, "Tom's return means will could all the Darts kings on the one oche. The event has been doing great but Tom's return will send it into orbit". Most of the darts world have agreed Henry's return is a massive boost, except for bitter rival James Henry who lashed the move as "a pathetic attention seeking stunt".

CALLS FOR SEEDED DRAW REJECTED
A call for the first and second round draw for Darts 2002 to be seeded has been rejected by the Committee. The proposal, thought to have been submitted by two of the game's leading stars, suggested that the draw be seeded to avoid high ranking players from playing in the early rounds. However, the Committee in response said "the open draw has been one of the most exciting features of the competitions. In some cases highly ranked players have been drawn together in the early rounds. Far from detracting from the competition, this has spiced up early games and added extra pressure and excitement". Further calls to reduce the units rule were also rejected.

DOHENY TAUNTED OVER CAR BREAKDOWN
Darts star Dave "The Monk" Doheny's preparation for Darts 2002 were hit by a setback when his car broke down unexpectedly this week. Doheny, who recently purchased the car suffered the humilitation of having to get the bus to Templeogue to collect it, and was roundly taunted by his closest rivals in the sport. However, Doheny has vowed to silence the critics on the oche in April.

LOW-KEY BUILDUPS A SIGN OF THE TIMES - FEATURE BY JOHN MCNAB
In every year of the Darts, players have had build ups of varying degrees of press exposure. In 1997, Tom Henry's build up was of a very low key as various members of the Trimleston club and Jimmy Welsh grabbed the headlines. Henry turned up on the day and upset the odds. The following year Henry was the centre of attention in the build up and Johnny "The Cat" Heaney turned up as a virtual unknown to blow away the field.
In Darts 99, a massive field entered and despite the ugly scenes, it was Pat Kelly who emerged victorious. The event had seen some high profile stars either withdraw or flop badly on the day. Kelly who had a low key build up used his strong prescence to give him the edge. The following year, Kelly was favourite to repeat his success and had a high profile as king of darts. It was another virtual unknown Paul Dolan who raised the bar and set a standard of darts that few can ever emulate. The tables were turned on Dolan in 2001. Dolan was seldom out of the news last year and it was Neil Super Robot Corcoran who was the champion.
This year Neil Corcoran has had a very low key build up. It is a massive advantage for him to be based overseas and he seems intent of being unheard of till the day. Others with a similar approach are Dolan, the Ringsend duo of Joyce and Kelly. Colm Lynch, who was a headline writer's dream in previous years has been virtually silent. Similarly James Henry, Gary Corcoran, Colm O'Donnell, Doheny, Conroy, Ryan, Hanratty are all enjoying a low key approach. The only exceptions are Ciaran Bryan, who indulged on a disastrous Canadian tour, Reilly and Johnson, who are making remarkable progress down under and Tom Henry, who announced his return last week in spectacular style. Whether these players have a massive impact on the tournament remains to be seen, but history suggests they may not. I conclude, it is a sign of the times that players are keen to keep out of the news.