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HOME!!! March 24th TOM HENRY IN DRUGS ALLEGATIONS An item was forwarded to us this morning from an anonymous source 'It is no coincidence that Tom Henry works for a chemical/pharmaceutical company, this coincided with his Triumph in Darts 97/98 ( whichever ). We do not like to throw aspertions on his 'good' character; but there was a feeling at the time that he may have used 'Performance enhancing' drugs to aid his hollow victory. Conor Guinan, an expert in this field, did state at the time, in the strictest confidence I might add, that he could observe the telltale signs of drug misuse in Henry's performances. Guinan pronounced 'there was a glint in his eye, that glazed over look that you can only get by taking quite a large dose of Angel Dust'. Guinan added 'whether he got it from the company he was working for or from a local 30 acre farmer back home in Mayo, has nothing to do with it, it's an ethical matter'. Tom Henry was not available for comment, but his brother James, stated late last night that he believed that his brother was at this very moment in Cherbourg France awaiting the latest shipment of Angel Dust. This, Henry hopes will give him the edge at the battle of Trimleston Road this Sunday.' The story has yet to be confirmed by either Conor Guinan or James Henry but the Committee are treating the matter as seriously and pointing out that the event will not be taking place in Trimleston Road. NEILSEN IN DRUGS ROW Another star, albeit a rank outsider has stated he will be using drugs on Sunday to relieve flu symptoms. This has created a situation where under the controversial units rule, he will have to degenerate into a drug crazed animal as the cocktail of antibiotics and alcohol take affect. Neilsen said 'it will be shuch fun to take all doshe drugsh and play dartsh.' STYLES TIPS GUINAN AS MAJOR CONTENDER Jimmy Styles believes his old mate Conor Guinan will be the surprise of the tournament this year. Jimmy said 'Guinan could be the dark horse of the tournament this year. He feels that after the mammoth battle he had with Jimmy Styles in '97, nothing can stand in his way. Guinan stated 'Jimmy was a worthy adversary and that match will long live in my memory, I came thru in the end by a whisker; it has helped me to form a steely determination this year to crush all opponents; he left O'Reilly's in Tara Street shouting defiantly ' I will not be denied'. The Battle cry of the high-king of Offaly - the rest beware.' However experts have pointed out that the encounter between Guinan and Styles was the darkest moment in tournament history and still leaves a foul taste in many players' memories. Styles on the other hand has claimed he will be vindicated. CONROY IN WILD FATFINGERED BOAST Fat fingered slob Barry Conroy has boasted in an appalling manner about his chances of winning. 'Quite simply I will win,' he said, 'there is no question about it.' Opponents have been appalled by Conroy's vain claims and have retorted 'it's disgusting that a debutante behave like this. Conroy should show a bit of modesty and respect coming into the competition,' said one compeditor. One wise head said 'Conroy should be wary with bragging like that. He should note what happened to Oakley in 1997.' However an anonymous source was even more hard hitting. 'It's another disgusting manifestation of the ugly corruption of Corporate Ireland.' STYLES' ILL-INFORMED RAMBLINGS ON THE HENRY WITHDRAWAL Jimmy Styles has published a piece on his views on the James Henry debacle 'Recent reports in the 'Tipperary Star' that James Henry lost heavy at the great Cheltenham Festival, remain unconfirmed; but it is believed that he put on a Yankee, which nearly came off, until Nick Dundee fell at the third last. This has led to a situation in which James Henry has been unable to raise the necessary Finance to enter this year's Darts Extravaganza. Close friends of James (they asked that their names not be disclosed) said 'He is a broken man, he had put his confirmation money on Nick Dundee coming thru for him, now he is left with massive debts. The good news is that close friends of his have gathered round, and have suggested a charity racing night to be held in Westport on April 19th on his behalf. Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster or the local branch of the Irish Country Womens Association ( which James has had close links with for many years ). Our roving reporter ran into him as he left Paddy Power's bookmakers (he had a Dunnes Stores bag over his head to hide the shame), he was asked him for a comment or two; James refused to give a statement, referring the reporter to his publicity agent 'Colm Lynch'. We contacted, Colm Lynch 'the propaganda machine of the North midlands' at his penthouse office in Downtown Ringsend. He has issued the following statement on behalf of James "James would like to thank his close friends who have stood by him in this very difficult time in his life. He hopes to recuperate his losses at the Grand National. At the moment he is penniless and the Darts Tournament seems so far away, he is now returning to the simple things of life, meditation, clean living and strolls by the sea. His years of living to excess are over, his darts career just never really took off; for far too long he has lived in the shadow of his big brother Tom, Tom's triumph is Darts '97 was particularly hard to take (he did use Angel Dust to improve his failing eyesight and shaky hands, but this is off the record!)". Media Speculation has suggested that the once great Mayo man may still turn up for the big event wearing his infamous 'Big Jock Wilson' t-Shirt. The man who coined the phrase '180 or nothing' may still have the last laugh come Sunday Evening.' We are waiting for confirmation from Colm Lynch to determine if any of the above is true. March 26th WIDESPREAD ANGER OVER LYNCH GAY SLUR A number of the tournament's top stars have complained in the strongest possible language about an item circulated in an external medium by Colm Lynch. The item from Lynch was claimed to be James Henry's withdrawal statement from Darts 99. The statement said that Henry was withdrawing for a number of reasons, one reason being that Henry said 'for the last few years that there has been a 100% male attentance. It has just dawned on me that l am not of the homosexual persuasion.' Henry has since vigourously denied making the statement and dismissed Lynch's report. Now organisers are facing widespread demands for Lynch's expulsion for his slur on Henry and the tournament. Lynch was unavailable for comment last night however a number of quotes were taken. Karl Heaney said 'Lynch's actions are a disgrace. James has his problems and I hope he gets over his breakdown but for Lynch to suggest that Henry would be approaching the tournament in such a way is nothing short of scandalous. Lynch should apologise now to James and all the compeditors.' Gary Corcoran said 'it's certainly disappointing that Colm made these remarks. James needs our support and this isn't helping. Hopefully he will be back for the millenium event.' Al Heaney was pulling no punches 'Lench de hoor wid beddy Jems boody verry engry. Jems bulls menny wimmen, de derts is metty crek!' However organisers have stated that Lynch will not be expelled for his remarks. **** IN BRIEF **** POWER LASHES STYLES' THEORIES Paddy power has rubbished Jimmy Styles' claims that James Henry has gambling problem. GUINAN REFUSES TO COMMENT ON HENRY DRUGS CLAIMS Conor Guinan has refused to comment on yesterday's story that Tom Henry used Angel Dust in 1997 citing proffessional reasons. MURTAGH WITHDRAWS Mick Murtagh has pulled out of Darts 99 citing a number of feeble reasons. No information on whether Jason would compete was given. WISHING ALL COMPETITORS THE BEST OF ORDER, TAKE YOUR TIME, NICE 'N' EASY AND ENJOY THE EXTRAVAGANZA OF DARTS. Odds March 26th Dan Grennan 5/2F Tom Henry 3/1 Al Heaney 7/2 John Heaney 4/1 Pat Ryan 6/1 Barry Conroy 7/1 Barney Johnson 8/1 Pat Kelly 9/1 Declan Tighe 10/1 Karl Heaney 10/1 Paul McGettrick 12/1 Vince Meyler 16/1 Paul Dunne 16/1 Gary Corcoran 20/1 Conor Guinan 22/1 Colm Lynch 25/1 Neil Corcoran 28/1 Jimmy Styles 33/1 Mulvey 33/1 Jason Murtagh 50/1 Soren Neilsen 66/1 Steve Steamer 100/1 Others - avaliable at venue TOURNAMENT PREVIEW - by the man on the oche A tournament of this size to be run off in one day presents a massive task to predict a winner. Given that on top of the present list of entrants, nine more are expected to enter on the day and taking into account there are always a few dropping out on the day, Darts 99 could have very close to the magic number of compeditors of 32. The winning player could have to win as much as ten legs of darts so aswell as skill, stamina will be a massive factor this year. With the withdrawal of Dave Heaney, the field is said to wide open. Given that Dave had not played for years and the stamina factor could have affected him, I am amazed people regarded it as a foregone conclusion. The winners in 1997 and 1998 were not regarded as favourites and on reflection, the massive excitement in the arena creates a cauldron of frenzied pressure at which only the strongest remain uncracked. The draw is loose and open so any pairings are possible. For those reasons, I assess the field loosely in alphabetical order. Barry Conroy A skilled player who is capable of beating the best. Barry is well capable of beating any player but come the latter stages the question remains of whether he can step up his game. Gary Corcoran Corcoran plays well in practice before each tournament and performs dreadfully on the day. This year he has practiced less and stepped up matters on the organisational level. Expect a first round defeat. Neil Corcoran An unknown quantity squeezing in Darts99 in the middle of a hectic schedule, fatigue may take its toll. Unlikely to figure in the later stages. Paul Dunne Dunne has cleaned up his lifestyle since 1997 where he was impressive and Darts has taken a backseat. Unlikely to progress far. Dan Grennan. The madman has the winning attitude and correct mental approach. Will take some beating if he gets going and is fully capable of taking the trophy. Conor Guinan Guinan has won games in the event in 1997 and 1998 but against weak opposotion. Has progressed little from 1998. Al Heaney Undoubtedly one of the tournament's most gifted players and is trying to take the trophy he longs for. Al's limitation is raising his game when the pressure is on and if he has overcome that failing he can win the event. John Heaney The cat has lived it up for the year as champion and enjoyed the glory. It's safe to say he may lack the hunger this year and will find it hard to raise his game. However he will prove a hairy opponent to anyone intent on removing his crown. Quarter finals at least. Karl Heaney Karl has oodles of ability but is laid back and unmotivated. Will beat any lesser player but will have to find hunger and motivation to go those extra steps. Quarter finals Tom Henry Henry is massively fired up for the darts and out to prove his critics that 1997 was no fluke. It is unlikely any player will match his passion but in a field of 30 players it is likely Henry will face a player with just that bit if extra ability. Semis, maybe. Barney Johnson Johnson will be matched by nobody for stamina and if he gets through the first couple of rounds after a favourable draw will do well. Has a dodgy arm however, and also memories remain of his self distruct in a fun slalom race in 1998. Pat Kelly Kelly is a hardhitter and if he adopts a no-nonsense approach could well reach the latter stages. A debutante this year but has impressed in practice. Potential quarter finalist. Colm Lynch The plucky youngster lacks nothing in heart and effort and is chomping at the bit to get going. However Lynch has produced very little real form and is unlikely to be picking up the trophy at the end. Vince Meyler Meyler has improved each year and is still fired up after being beaten and goaded by Oakley in 1997. Meyler's preparation is quiet and reportedly sound and he will be a very hard player to beat. Quarters. Paul McGettrick If he turns up, he could do well but unlikely to reach the semis again. Mulvey His stamina levels are second to none and given a good draw could go far but may lack what it takes at this level first time off. Jason Murtagh JMurtagh has similar credentials to previous winners but he might find 1999 too tough a year to debut in. First round. Mick Murtagh Mick is determined to appear for the tournament and claimed he would do well. The derision that his statement was met with gives a good indication of his chances. Soren Neilsen The eagle eyed Dane is well capable of some good scores but lacks consistency. Early exit on the cards. Pat Ryan Ryan is well capable of winning the tournament. He is dangerous, durable and a psychologically tough opponent from the George Graham mould. A true winner who is a good each way bet. Steve Steamer Steamer will be entering for the enjoyment and is one to make up the numbers. Jimmy Styles Styles has tired of making up the numbers and is eager to progress further this year. Question marks over his composure will be answered either way on Sunday. The memories that still linger from his 1997 match with Guinan will either hinder Jimmy or spur him on. Declan Tighe Tighe will not be taken lightly in the event but must maintain concentration to progress past the early rounds. |