Darts news January 2004

HOME!!! 12 December THE SUPER ROBOT COLUMN Now it's time to catch up with retired former champ Neil "Super Robot" Corcoran for his popular regular column. "Hi folks, Neil here! Well I got a lot of feedback on my previous column, where I outlined the main contenders for Darts 2004, and here are some of the letters. John from Ashbourne writes "John Heaney cannot be defeated! He is undefeated in eight years of darts and you were wrong to write him off". Well John, unless our eyes were deceiving all of, John the Cat went down badly in the semis to Denis Reilly last year. In fact he was barely able to stand. So while John's a great player, he would really need to improve on the form he showed in that match. Here's a query from Dermot in Rathfarnham - "Neil, does Brian Mulvey's non appearance for the semi final in Darts 99 count as a defeat or is he darts' only undefeated player?" Well it's a good question Dermot. The record books show that Pat Kelly advanced to the final defeating Mulvey without having to throw a dart. Some apologists claim that this should not count as a defeat against Mulvey, but I say otherwise! Mulvey defeated himself with his disgraceful behaviour in failing to arrive at the oche for his match. In fact the Committee were soft on Mulvey as he should have been banned, along with Karl Heaney! Here's another letter from Martin from Louth! - "Well hye! I see where you rate Barry Conroy more highly than Reilly for the darts this year. You're some clown! Conroy's only a feckin eejit." Well thanks for the letter Martin, but it looks like Barry is one of the form players in the world of darts at the minute. Denis Reilly's obviously a great player too. Which brings me to my next letter regarding the hard man of darts, Barney Johnson. "Hello Super Robot, congrats on the column. What do you reckon on the prospects of that great Limerick man, Barney Johnson?" from Liam in Rathkeale. Well Liam, the whispers I'm hearing today are the form player in Walsh Road is Barney Johnson. Word is he's racking up the big scores and unstoppable on the checkout. Barney's a lovely player, he's got a sharp eye and a fluid throwing action. I remember playing Barney in 2001, and it was one of the best matches I ever played in. I think if Barney has a weakness, it's that he tends to let the head drop after a couple of bad scores. Look at his record in the last two years. In 2001 he whimpered out against Dave Doheny, and last year he went out without a fight against Reilly. But it's obvious he has the ability and is preparing well for the January event. I'd watch Barney Johnson for a big impact this year Liam! That's all for this week folks, shoot well! Super Robot. 8 January EXCITEMENT MOUNTS AS DARTS 2004 DATE ANNOUNCED Excitement in the darts world hit fever pitch this week as the confirmed date for Darts 2004 was set. The event will take place on Saturday, January 31st at the brilliant Walsh Road venue. Competitors will proceed with their final preparations in the 23 coming days. The event will be boosted by the return of the inaugural King of Darts, Tom Henry, arguably one of the biggest crowd pullers in Darts. Henry has confirmed he will return for the 2004 event after his absence in 2003. Another great boost for fans is the confirmation of Brendan Fay that he will compete on the 31st. Cavan hardman Fay missed the 2003 event due to work commitments but fans still talk of his brilliant entertaining display at the 2002 event. The current champ Colm "Mad Dog" O'Donnell is looking forward to the event. O'Donnell told Darts News "it's been a brilliant year for me as King of Darts. I've been flat out and still on a high. I hope to complete my term as champ with my title defence at Walsh Road and fingers crossed I can do myself justice." Whatever the 23 days hold, you can be sure the excitement will be massive, and darts news will be on hand to cover some of the frenzied build up. BRYAN PULLS OUT OF DARTS 2004 Darts giant Ciaran Bryan, the Darts 2002 runner up has withdrawn from Darts 2004 citing that he needs a break from the sport. Bryan, one of the most popular figures on the Darts scene was hoping to get his title challenge back on track after a disappointing 2003 showing. But he explained to Darts News that he is taking the year out. "I had hoped to take the title this year, but I am not ready. A poor showing would set back my ambitions quite a bit, so I have decided to withdraw and take a holiday." Bryan added, "I've noticed that the scene has become more competitive this season and the event will be more fiercely contested. I will return in 2005 to collect an easy title. Also, players don't want to beat each other any more, they want to destroy their opponents. It's 'destroy this' and 'destroy that'. I will be ready in 2005 to destroy them all!" THE PAUL DOLAN INTERVIEW This week this reporter set out to the heart of the Kingdom, to Killorglin, Co Kerry to catch up with the 2000 King of Darts. Waiting in Clifford's bar in the busy town, I saw the great man's seven-man people carrier pull up outside. After lumbering into the bar, he shot out a hand, "Hoa! Howaye getting on there, savage wet outside altogether!" Once the refreshments were ordered, talk turned to more pressing matters. REPORTER - Paul, you've been out of the game for three years now. Do you still have what it takes to win back the Darts title? DOLAN - Jaysus, it's hard to know, I hear Mad Dog and Denis are savage altogether, lads picking the arrows out of the doubles! But I'd give it a good shot anyways! REPORTER - Critics would say you've been away from the scene for too long now to make a meaningful impression when you return. You've too many distractions with the golf and that to be a force. DOLAN - Hmm, yea, well I was always playing the auld golf now in fairness. But Jaysus there wasn't much that could stop me on my day when I was playing in the darts, the game was often over before lads had 10 darts thrown! AHH haa haa ha! (wild guffaws) REPORTER - But Paul, that wasn't always true - you were destroyed by John Joyce in your last appearance in Trimleston! DOLAN - Well to be honest, John Joyce was a good player who played the game of his life that day. I guarantee if you gave him 80 other chances to play his living best against me, I guarantee I'd win all 80. I'm tellin ya now. REPORTER - Tell us about your Darts title win in 2000. DOLAN - When I got to the arena, I sussed out that there was only 2 or 3 lads who had turned up with any intention of trying to win the event. It was just a case then of keeping the head and beating lads as I went along. When I got to the final, John Joyce could hardly stand up! So it was a case of keeping the scores going. That's not to say it was easy but it was simple enough. (More guffaws) REPORTER - It must have grieved you then not to have retained your crown the following year, given your obvious dominance over the rest of the darts world back then. DOLAN - Well as John Michael Keegan used to say "what's done is done, and what's gone is lost forever," but I was fairly sickened alright. REPORTER - Turning to 2004 Paul, what are the biggest challenges you face in attempting to win back the crown? DOLAN - You see there's a lot of lads in to win now. Years ago you could get all the way to near the final before you'ld meet someone who was interested in more than swilling drink into him. Nowadays a lot of lads have title aspirations, so every game would be harder. REPORTER - That's a fair analysis Paul. Finally, will the fans see you back on the oche on the 31st. DOLAN - Fingers crossed, Jaysus, I hope so, (loud guffaws) REPORTER - Paul, I've heard enough, good luck! DOLAN - Always a pleasure, (guffaws) 16 January IN BRIEF RYAN JETS INTO LONDON FOR WARMUPS WITH TOM HENRY The Templemore express is in London for a vigourous warmup program with the 1997 King of Darts. MAD DOG O'DONNELL AWARE OF TASK The King of Darts told press he will have no chance in Darts 2004 if he shows "signs of weakness". SUPER ROBOT SLAMS "SHAM RETIREMENT" RUMOURS HIGH PRIEST PULLS OUT OF DARTS 2004, BUT SAYS HE WILL BE BACK MINISTER IN ZAGREB ON ENDURANCE TRAINING REILLY BRANDS CAT "A NASTY MAN" LATEST ODDS Denis Reilly 5-2 Colm O'Donnell 5-2 Gregor Hall 4-1 Barry Conroy 5-1 Paul Dolan 6-1 John Heaney 7-1 Gary Corcoran 10-1 Barney Johnson 12-1 Dave Doheny 14-1 Tom Henry 16-1 James Henry 16-1 Brendan Fay 20-1 Sean Laphen 20-1 Pa Ryan 25-1 Colm Reilly 28-1 Serguei Semikhatov 50-1 Chris Plockelman 66-1 Jimmy Styles 100-1 Brendan Hanratty 200-1 TWO WEEKS TO THE MAMMOTH EVENT!!! 19 January THE BARRY CONROY INTERVIEW This year, the star name on everyone's lips is Barry "The Baz" Conroy. The question people are whispering is "can he do it?" This reporter decided it was time to find out and tracked Conroy down in the AOL canteen, Citywest. After crawling out the M50 and the famous Red Cow roundabout, I was eventually directed to Barry Conroy's offices in this massive complex. A few enquiries were made to helpful staff, they said I'd most likely find him in the canteen. True enough, as the cleaners were switching out the lights and locking up for the day, I spotted the star finishing off a plate of salami and bacon estruvals. "What about ye?" he roared, as I pulled up a seat. Following the pleasantries of tea and biscuits, it was time to get down to more pressing matters. REPORTER - Barry, there's a lot of talk this year that you will make 2004 the year you take the King of Darts title. This would be a major transformation from previous years where you were just a bit player. BARRY - Not at tall!! I've been knocking on that door for years now, very unlucky not to have won it by now before. REPORTER - What has been your greatest darts moment to date? BARRY - Well there's been so many there hye. There was the time out in Trimleston I beat yer man Digger, and then scored 150 on three darts against Dolan, which is still a tournament record, if I'm not mistaken? (Reporter nods) And last year I gave Serguei a good beating, (roaring guffaws), he was sickened, (more guffaws), but the best ever would have been my first ever event, Darts 99 I think. I was just a young raw lad off the farm and I stormed the event, hammering Barney "Old Man" Johnson, I destroyed him! (uncontrollable taunting laughs) REPORTER - What has given you that bit extra this year, which will make you a genuine contender? BARRY - One word - hard work. And shovelling! See these hands? Ha, see them? That's from hard work, shovelling and the like. You don't see the other fairies with hands like that. REPORTER - Talk to us about your main rivals, Johnson and Reilly. BARRY - Look, I'm not here to talk about them ladyboys, but I will say, they're just big fairies. Johnson's a massive big girl and Reilly wears a bra. There's no question of them coming near me. REPORTER - So they would be no threat to you on the big day? BARRY - Not at tall!! REPORTER - Barry, who has been the biggest influence on your darts career. BARRY - That's a good question John, there's been a few, but I would have to say Celine Dion. Celine Dion said that her heart would go on, or something and I think in terms of shovelling and playing darts, it's a good motto to have. REPORTER - Well, I've heard it all now. Barry, there's been much made of your new fitness regime, and it's fair to say you're looking great. How will this boost you on the big day? BARRY - I'd say John that it won't help me that much. I've always been in great shape, with the shovelling, but I'll be going like a panther near the end when all the fat lads are sitting about gasping. REPORTER - Well they're closing for the night here Barry, so it's time to wrap up. Have you any messages for your fans or for budding talent? BARRY - Ehh, no. REPORTER - Thanks and best of luck on the big day Barry! BARRY - Thanks hye, no bother! THE COLM O'DONNELL INTERVIEW This week, and due to popular demand, we realised we would be facing a mini-riot if we held off any longer in interviewing the number one draw in darts, Colm O'Donnell. This reporter decided it was time to track down the man known as "Mad Dog", to his raucous legion of fans. Wandering about the frenetic business sector of Dublin's plush Dublin 4 area, we hunted the King of Darts down to an upmarket coffee bar, frequented by the suits and fat cats of Dublin's "Walls St". Sitting down the back happily signing autographs for fans, was the man who did it all last year. "Hello there!" the Wexford legend greeted me and crushed my hand with a handshake. After the double latte-moccas were ordered, talk turned to more pressing matters. REPORTER - Colm, you are the King of darts. You have done it all. What personal quality of yours did you need to use most when winning the darts title? COLM - Well John, I would have to say it was my sharp mental focus which helped me above all. Getting to the event and having to face tough matches against Gregor Hall, John Looby, Super Robot and above all, the Marshall requires one to peak when at the top level, so above all, I needed to maintain my mental focus. REPORTER - But for the final, you had to be woken up from a virtual coma and helped up to the oche by Hanratty and Laphen! COLM - Well it meant the same to me. The mental focus I had was the same if i had just woken up with the bullfrogs on my mind, as I had when facing one of sport's all time greats, Denis Reilly. REPORTER - Tell us about how you changed your game from being just another face in the fall of Trimleston to having the eye of an assassin, blessed with cheetah like pace with the strength of a house. COLM - Well it was something the old stalwart Dan Grennan said to me one night. He said "Never show signs of weakness Colm." I had tried everything up to then but I decided I'd come back and give it one more go when the Minister rang me. REPORTER - You're at the top of the pile now Colm, do you fear it might be down hill from here? COLM - I cannot show fear, it would be a sign of weakness. True, I may not win back my crown, but no one can take my title away, or the great memories of the giants of men at the great events. Men like Pa Ryan, Sean Laphen, Brendan Hanratty. They helped me out of the armchair and I will always remember them. REPORTER - Colm, you're a high powered stockbroker, caught up in the frenetic financial world of shares. How do you bring yourself down from the pressure of this lifestyle to the poise you show on the oche? COLM - Well if anything John, it's a case of having to jolt myself even more up for the oche. Johnny the fugitive said once that they'd never find him. Well they did, but they'd have a tough job finding me in the jungle of stocks and share. REPORTER - Turning to the sport Colm, did you think you had lost your chance of winning the title when you were turned over by Super Robot in 2001? COLM - I did John. I played the game of my life that day, but Super Robot's display was out of this world. I trudged out to the kitchen to get a can and said to myself I would never win it. On the way back, I met Neil (Super Robot) and and he said "never give up the quest Colm, never!" I haven't forgotten those kind and inspirational words. REPORTER - A great anecdote there Colm. As you know no player has ever won two darts titles, something you will be aiming to correct in twelve days time. Who do you rate as the greatest threat to you on your defence? COLM - I have to say that everyone is a threat. If you keep your eye on the Marshall, you could be turned over by the Cat, or the Minister, or anyone. Any signs of weakness and it's all over. REPORTER - We'd better wrap up Colm, it's been a great interview. COLM - Thanks REPORTER - Finally, what do you say to up and coming darts contenders? COLM - Well Philo once said, that even on the darkest of nights, you could always hear the King call. I'd advise any young players to get a good dinner into them and bear that in mind. REPORTER - Colm, it's been a greatest interview, all the best. COLM - John, always a pleasure, Bruuu!! 20 January THE JOHN HEANEY INTERVIEW This reporter was fearful and wary about interviewing the 1998 King of Darts. Having heard from journalistic colleagues of Heaney's reputation as a difficult interviewee, I prepared for an hour of dealing with David Blaine style staring, and incessant unprovoked abuse. Instead I was pleasantly surprised when entering the Long Hall Bar in Dublin to have "The Cat" calling over cheerfully. Perched at the bar in his trademark black t-shirt, Heaney said "I'm John Heaney!" and ordered pints of "the black stuff" for us. As the pints settled before us on the bar, talk turned to more pressing matters. REPORTER - John, how do you rate your darts title win in 98 against the other great title victories? JOHN - Well to be honest big fella, it rates slightly behind my demolition of Denis Reilly in last year's event. REPORTER - But you were blitzed in that match by Reilly, as you staggered about in a "confused" state!! JOHN - Well that's some people's interpretation of it. But it meant the same to me, I got the same buzz from that match as when I nailed home the final double against Al Heaney in the darts 98 final! REPORTER - Talk to us about Darts 98. You came as something of an outsider into the event. JOHN - Yes, I was attracted to the event following the talk of my friend Tom Henry's victory the previous year, so decided I'd get up on my brilliant bike and head to Trimleston for the event. A brilliant bike it was. Brilliant! REPORTER - And ironically it was the defending champion Henry you faced in the first match of the event? JOHN - Yes! I couldn't ask for a tougher start, so I reckoned it was time to make my prescence felt and just throw some darts. REPORTER - Some observers say you went too far in that game, jostling Henry, blowing smoke in his face and hurling terrible insults at him. JOHN - (Sipping on his pint) Well after the match, Tom shook my hand and said best of luck in the rest of the event and go on and win it. That's the sort of man Tom is, an all time great. REPORTER - Was that the toughest match then? JOHN - Well after that it got even tougher. I had to play Vince Meyler, as tough a man that ever played darts, and then Karl Heaney. Karl was a master of mindgames, staring at me. I thought I had met my match there. REPORTER - And the final? JOHN - Al Heaney in his perfumed white shirt was the romantics' choice. But I was never one for romance. I thought Al was toying with me, but I just kept on playing, and I remembered Tom Henry's motivational words. REPORTER - You took a long break from Darts after your title win to return last year. How has the game changed in that time? JOHN - Well to be honest big fella, the sport itself hasn't changed. I got the same buzz stepping up on the oche to take on the High Priest last year as I did in 98. But players have changed, with mobile phones, computers and the like. I don't know if it's a good thing. REPORTER - Tell us about 2003. JOHN - Well the High Priest was the toughest opponent I ever faced. I thought he had me out; I was on the ropes. It mightn't have been a great spectacle, but it was a tense, affair. Then I took on Gary Corcoran in the quarter final. I don't remember much about that match to be honest. I destroyed him a few months later down in Portroe though, ha ha ha! (deep incessant booming laugh) REPORTER - Talk to us more about the semi final against Reilly. Some say you took mind games to a new level. JOHN - Well people are entitled to their opinion. I still say I have not been defeated on the oche. REPORTER - What are your hopes for 2004? JOHN - 2004 will be a defining year for darts. All the greats will be there. I have selected two bottles of my favourite Merlot for the event and will be in peak form to defeat any challengers! REPORTER - I've heard it all now John! Have you any regrets from taking such a long break from darts? JOHN - (pauses before gulping the rest of his pint in one mouthful) I think the years I was away from darts, the standard dropped. You had guys like Dolan and Super Robot winning titles, which just doesn't happen when I'm there. But as Francie said one night, "what's done is done, and what's gone is lost forever". REPORTER - Well after a statement like that, i think you've had enough to drink and it's time to head home John, JOHN - No! no!! REPORTER - What advice would you give to young up and coming darters? JOHN - Always have oil on the chain of your bike, put a good jumper on, and let your darts do the talking. REPORTER - John, I've heard enough, good luck! JOHN - Big fella, always a pleasure, Slan!! RYAN OUTLINES WINNING QUALITIES Pa Ryan, recently returned from a massively successful warm up weekend in London, outlined what he believes are the qualities required to become a darts champ. At a packed press conference in Sandyford, and flanked by his entourage from the London trip, Ryan was asked what qualities make a darts champion. Ryan replied to the hushed assembly, "He is free, free like the wind. He is free and he will win. Cause he's fighting for the honour To be free. Cause his heart is brave He's fighting for his life, for his life!!" The silence was broken by tumultuous applause and roaring from the Ryan entourage who held the star aloft on their shoulders chanting "Pa! Pa! Pa!" MINISTER PROMISES EXPLOSIVE DARTS BONANZA Gary Corcoran, recently returned for a further seven year term as Darts supremo, has said that Darts 2004 will be the among the greatest events yet. "The excitement is just huge", he told Darts News, "I haven't seen a build up like this in years. As soon as the date was announced lads were booking flights and hammering darts boards up to walls everywhere. It's pretty much the same line up as last year which means we'll have more grudge clashes and tension in the arena, it's brilliant", he said. When asked whether infighting in Walsh Road will destroy the event, Corcoran replied, "look, you guys are hyping up talk like this every year. The Darts is a massive event and any personal grievances will be sorted out on the oche on January 31st." THE SUPER ROBOT COLUMN Hi everybody and sorry I didn't manage to have my column ready sooner. I had a hectic Christmas and have been busy since with moving house and that. I am now living in a shed in the countryside, it's quiet and tranquil, a far cry from the explosive action of recent darts events! I will miss the darts this year but I'm enjoying my retirement now. I enjoyed the anecdotes from Colm O'Donnell in the darts interview in Darts News yesterday. I remember the match in Darts 2001 and indeed it was a true classic, I was very lucky to win and could see "Mad Dog" had what it took to be a champ. People have asked me when I was defeated in Darts 2000, was anything said by Paul Dolan to me which inspired me to come back and win it the following year. Well Paul beat me fairly comprehensively in that match so I was a bit sheepish when I approached him in the kitchen. I congratulated him and wished him all the best for the final. He said to me that he had "kicked my ass" and "wiped the floor with me". Only joking folks! Paul is a true gent and had only the kindest things to say. That's partof the brilliance of the event, no matter how heated things get, it always begins and ends with a handshake, even in Darts 99 when I thought I would be lucky to make it to the airport alive. The only time I can remember there not being a handshake after a match was the Johnny Walsh versus Ciaran Bryan clash in Darts 2001 (which I won). Johnny had taken the winning leg to clinch the match 2-0, and then stormed out of the arena! We thought there must have been some sort of psychological advantage he was trying to claim, but indeed there was a simple explanation. Johnny thought the match was best out of five, so returned a couple of minutes late to play what he thought was the third leg! Can you imagine his surprise when he was told he had won! It reallywas one of those incidents where you had to be there, and one of those which highlights the great sporting nature of the event. Well more from me next week folks, where I hope to preview the event, all the best, SR. 22 January THE TOM HENRY INTERVIEW Darts News decided it was time to seek out the views of one of the darts genre's greatest ever warriors. This reporter was sent on an international trip via bus from busaras to London. Excited, with plenty of time on the Dublin-Holyhead ferry to prepare to meet this legend I took in some heavy sleep before the bus driver woke me up at Victoria station, London. A taxi was on hand to pick me up and bring me to one of the plush executive bars in Richmond that the inaugaral King of Darts now frequents. Eyes open and awestruck, I wandered into a different world, till the woolly headed star shouted over from his favourite table "Pleased meet you Mr Reporter, I'm Tom Henry!" Once the crystal decanter of 15 year old single malt was brought to our table, talk turned to more pressing matters. REPORTER - Tom, life has been good to you since your darts title win seven years ago. TOM - (Pouring out the single malt) Worked hard - deserved it! REPORTER - You're away from the general darts scene a bit here Tom, people see you as an outsider now in 2004, a dark horse. Is that something that irks you? TOM - No, I agree 16/1 is fair odds, I haven't played a lot, missed last year even, but who's writing me off? People like that pissed soaked tipster Tommy I suppose and other such experts, like what in god's name does Kris Kristofferson know about darts? Well that suits me fine, cos that's what they said in 97. Headed up from Nenagh for the event that year, people weren't looking at me as a contender then really, suited me fine. Suits me fine now too. REPORTER - Tell us about 97 Tom, what was your mood entering the event. TOM - What I noticed was most people had written the event off as a contest between Al Heaney and Richard Oakley. The hype about these two was enormous, you can't imagine it. I seemed to be barely noticed at all when I was on the practice boards. It was surreal. REPORTER - And it was Al Heaney you faced first? TOM - (Sniffing the aroma of his single malt) Yes! I sat through the first few matches, when it dawned on me, I can win this. There was no reason why not. All I needed was to put in the performances. Get up on the oche and throw some darts. REPORTER - Most people were expecting Heaney to win? TOM - It's safe to say he was a firm favourite. Make no mistake, Al's a great player, nice man, but I put up the scores, got the finishes, beat him. REPORTER - Then it was a semi final clash against your brother, James. It's safe to say beating James gave you great satisfaction. TOM - Well there obviously was some rivalry there, but I approached it like any other game. The match was fair and square, shook hands after, done and dusted. REPORTER - The final then was the first of the great finals Tom. Richard Oakley was an unbackable favourite. TOM - (gulps his single malt down before pouring another) Once I found myself in the final, there was some pressure on me. But I knew the fans were behind me, ordinary decent fans, players like Jimmy Styles and the High Priest, brilliant atmosphere in the arena. Some incidents had occurred, said to myself, gotta win this, can't let him win. Got on with it, shot some scores, hit the doubles and won. REPORTER - I've heard people over the years sometimes denigrate your title success. They say that the 97 crown would have been Jimmy Welsh's had he travelled. TOM - Look, you've said it there yourself "had he travelled". What's the use someone sitting at home saying they would have won it? In the end I went there in 97 and won it. If anyone says that to me I say "show us your title, show us your title!" REPORTER - Was it difficult then to come back and try to peak again in 98. TOM - Some of it's about hunger. Hard to come back the following year and do the same. Said I'd give it a good go, but in the end the Cat was too strong, fair dues to him. REPORTER - Do you feel the Cat went too far in the match, with sledging and jostling? TOM - (Tells a photographer to "sling his hook"). Look, don't know where this came from, the Cat won fair and square. And I was delighted he went on and won it! The cat's great! Ha Ha Ha (laughs), John makes me laugh with his Merlot, he comes to London on the circuit every now and again, let me tell you its Stella all the way, you won't see any Merlot then! Its all part of the image, like him being rude. Nicest man you'll ever meet, just like Martin Johnson. REPORTER - Turning to 99 now Tom, this wasn't a happy tournament for you. TOM - Well no more so than anyone else. Got beat by Pat Kelly, good player, fair enough. Didn't perform, no arguments. Just felt a lot of the guys playing in 99 were only interested in winning the pot, the cash, the money! I think the committee did the right thing abolishing the prize money after that. Darts don't need it. REPORTER - But you were reported to have been sickened by some of the incidents there, for example, the paddling pool, the Lynch/Heaney incidents, face painting debacle? TOM - Look, if it was that bad I would have walked out and left. A lot of stupid stuff was going on, but there was still a great darts event there above all that. The Committee clamped down on messing after that, so it was never a problem. REPORTER - You took some time away then for a couple of years Tom. TOM - (Lights an enormous Cuban cigar) I turned my back on darts after that, yes. I sort of drifted away, and it was hard for me to get back into it, in a way. REPORTER - Did you feel the standard had improved when you returned in 2002 Tom? TOM - Well more so that it's a bigger event. A lot of people look down on the likes of the Cat and myself cos we won when less people were playing darts. But you see a lot of poor matches now in the last few years. Auld scutch. Works both ways. REPORTER - Tom, it was great for players and fans to see you back in 2002, were you happy with your performance? TOM - It was tough coming back after the time out. I was at my wits end, it was a tough struggle to rehabilitate myself after all those years away. The drink, the yips but I got myself together and got myself back on the oche for darts 2002. I had been away for 3 years since 1999. I hardly recognized anyone in the arena. Then I got drawn in a prelim round, "christ above" I thought, "not even going to make it to the first round proper!" Managed to make it through but got knocked out in the first round by the Minister. I was just glad to be back though, prove to myself I could still play, and the reception from the crowd, what can I say, magnificent, the best supporters in the sports world. It was great to be back on the oche. Brought back all the old memories. It was great. REPORTER - Then it was another break in 2003? TOM - Thats right I stayed away for the 2003 competition, but on the day I found myself sitting at home wondering what it would be like to be back on the oche, the crowd roaring and the sound of the darts hitting the board, I missed it, I wanted to get back to it. Thats why I'm here again. REPORTER - And the great news is you're back Saturday week for this year's event. Darts fans will be salivating at the prospect of you clashing on the oche with the likes of the Cat or your brother. TOM - Look, I don't want people seeing me coming back as some sort of novelty act, where they go "ahh look at him, isn't he great". Auld shite! I'm back to get in on the action on the oche and will not be letting the fans down. REPORTER - Tom, what is the greatest thing about the Darts genre, as you see it? TOM - It's the people. The great men of darts, the great men on the oche. John Heaney for instance, a brilliant man. And outside Darts aswell, brilliant men. I've played Vegas last year with the Marshall, Conroy and Johnson, lovely trip. Good fellas, yeah sure one of them could win it this year, why not. Its on the day isn't it. And yeah, the Minister, been there from the start. A true trailblazer, we wouldnt be talking now if it wasn't for him and his establishment of the darts tournament and genre, Great support to me, never let me forgot what I had accomplished back in 1997. REPORTER - Who was the greatest player you've seen Tom? TOM - I'd have to say the Field Marshall for that one. Saw him two years ago and he was superb. Great controlled displays. No one touched him that year. REPORTER - One final question Tom, can you win it? TOM - If I win it, it won't be for me I'll do it, it'll be for the ordinary honest punters like I did the first time round REPORTER - Tom, thanks a millions and best of luck Saturday week. TOM - No worries boss, a pleasure! 22 January THE BARNEY JOHNSON INTERVIEW With the darts season now looming towards the big date, the editor decided it was time for our final assignment - to catch up with the man regarded by many as "the hardest man in darts". Heading on a cross country trip we made our way to a point to point meeting in the heart of rural Munster, and found "Bad News" hanging around some horseboxes and running the eye over the local equine talent. After calling out the darts star's name, he responded with a loud "HA?" followed by "Oh jasus, the interview!" Retiring to the fireside of a nearby local hostelry with creamy pints and a tray of hot ones, talk soon turned to more pressing matters. REPORTER - Barney, another tough year on the road. How are you set for the big darts 2004 event? BARNEY - Well John it's hard to know, warm ups in Walsh Road have been fairly intense. You get the impression it will be a different story when the arena's packed with fans and players, but sure I'll give it my best shot anyways. REPORTER - But you've been written off for the big event as just a big clumsy brawler, inferior to the sharp-eyed talents of Conroy and Reilly. BARNEY - Who's been saying that ha? I think thumps might be in order! I might have not scaled the heights in recent years, but there's no way lummoxes like Conroy are better than me, no way!! REPORTER - Tell us about the recent years Barney, It was darts 99 you made your debut? BARNEY - Yes, the event was starting to grow and grow, and I was keen to get in on the action, in fact I was unfortunate not to have been there in 98. But I made my way along with the other lads to get on the oche. And I think I did fairly well over all. REPORTER - But in darts 99 you were destroyed by your bitter rival Conroy in a dour encounter!! BARNEY - No, no, no! He did win, alright, but the darts were rubbish! They were covered in grease from Conroy's fat hands. I had to keep wiping them with a towel, till even that was soaked. It was terrible! REPORTER - Things didn't get better the following year either Barney. BARNEY - (Slurping on his pint) I suppose not. I didn't get the breaks, but Dave did well that year, so good luck to him. REPORTER - Was losing to Doheny the toughest thing that year? BARNEY - (Shaking his head gingerly) No, it wasn't. REPORTER - Tell us more! BARNEY - It was having that oaf Conroy, laughing into my ear for hours on end after, I wouldn't mind, it wasn't as if he was any better! But I just bit my tongue, threatened him a bit and got on with it! REPORTER - Revenge was sweet in 2001 then I'd say. BARNEY - You'd say right. When the draw was made and I was paired with Conroy, I said to myself there was no way I was going to lose. No way! And he knew it. And in all fairness I destroyed him! REPORTER - You must have been delighted to rub it in at him. BARNEY - I'd be above all that carry on you see. I decided that I wasn't going to let my good form end there, as there was more than just beating Conroy at stake. I kept up my performances, beating fat Pa Ryan in the quarters. And I gave Super Robot a good rattle in the semis, I didn't let myself down at all! REPORTER - It was home turf for you the following year then Barney. BARNEY - Yeah, with the event moving to Walsh Road, I reckoned I might be able to go all the way in Darts 2002. Things didn't go my way though. Doheny the pox, damn it!! REPORTER - 2003 then; another disappointment. BARNEY - Ahh you could say that alright. I didn't want to get Reilly in the draw. He was going to be hard beaten as champ and with the form he was in. I gave it a good auld go, but (shaking his head sheepishly) he destroyed me! REPORTER - You're the old dog for the hard road Barney, this will be your sixth tournament. BARNEY - (Lashing his hot whiskey down his neck) It's tough going, but sure it's a great event and I'll do my best. No way I'll be beaten by Conroy, that's for sure, no way!! At this point in the interview we were interrupted as there was a telephone call at the bar for the darts star, and from what we overheard it was clear that the call was from a rival antagonist trying to spark off an ill-tempered reaction from Johnson. BARNEY - You what? No way! I'll bust your head! Listen here Buster, when I get back to Dublin, I'm gonna shut that fat mouth of yours for good! (slamming down phone). BARNEY - (Returning to the fireside) That was Conroy, (shaking his head), by jasus I'll bust him real good! Further questioning proved futile, as the taunting phone call from Conroy had pushed Johnson over the edge. For a while he sat seething silently in a rage before he got up and went to the bar. The evening continued with a tense Johnson drinking heavily, telling the Darts News crew that he could have been a contender and asking us did we think he was better than Conroy. After a while we made our excuses and left. Here's hoping Bad News Johnson gets back onto top form for Saturday 31st! Slan!! 29 January THE SUPER ROBOT COLUMN Hi Folks, Neil here! Well the hours really are ticking away in the run up to the big event and even from here in my shed in the English countryside the atmosphere is high voltage! This time the last few years I would have been packing my bags, sharpening my arrows and ironing my shirt. I have a confession to make now to you folks, I almost did sharpen my arrows and iron my shirt. Over the Christmas, over a creamy pint in the Cosy Bar, my brother (The Minister!) suggested to me that I should do a retirement U-turn. He said "Neil, give it one more go. You're in your prime and you've nothing to lose. Get yourself over for the darts, everyone would love it. You'll have long enough to be sitting in the shed retired." At first I thought it was a crazy idea, but the more I thought about it, the more I could see his point. But in the end, I said no, I have retired, I have done it all, and there's no going back, for this year anyways. As the crow once said, what's done is done, and what's gone is lost forever. Now, let's look at some of the letters that have come in. Ronald from Enschede writes, "Neil, in the excellent Darts interviews, Barry Conroy claimed he has the record of the highest ever score on three darts in the history of Darts. Surely this is not true!" Well it is true Ronald, Barry has the record of the highest ever score on three darts. It was in his quarter final clash against Paul Dolan in 2000. Barry was struggling against Dolan until he hit a treble 20, double tops and bull, giving him a massive 150! Sadly, on Barry's next visit to the oche, he scored zero on three darts, allow Dolan to canter home for an easy win!! Kees from Groningen writes "Hallo Super Robot, what is the record checkout from the darts genre?" Hi Kees, the record checkout is 88, also from Darts 2000. This was achieved by Paul Dolan in his destruction of Jimmy Styles in the first round. John from Scotland writes "Hello Corcoran, any tips for players competing at the weekend?" Well John, that's a nice question. Some useful tips which helped me in my time were to have your own arrows, that you are comfortable and happy with. Make sure they're good and sharp. When it's nice and quiet, get yourself up onto the oche and have a few throws, just to find your range. See what you're hitting and aim for that during the match. During the match, shake your opponents hand and just play your best. If things are getting rough, get your shoulder down good and low, and lift it up into his chest if you need to jostle him. Always your shoulder and not your arm. And lay it up into his chest. Buckle him. If you're watching a match, make everyone else stays quiet, then cough as the bies are throwing, ha ha, that's funny! Also, if someone scores 69, make sure you are cheering the first and the loudest, like this "yahayy!", a big loud one! If someone misses a double, do a big shout like your man out of winning streak "noooo! oooh ho ho ho!!" like that! The arena can be fairly crowded with lads going in and out. If you have a seat, stretch your legs out, you've more chance of tripping lads up. If someone is struggling to get past with drinks, don't take your legs in. Make them step over. And if they ask you to pull in your legs, just don't. Pretend you don't know what they're saying. I did this in mass for years. A nun came up and gave out to me one day, I just looked at her, ha ha ha!! All I can say is best of luck to everyone, enjoy the day and may the best man win - he always does!! All the best SR