Darts tournament hits double top!
Thursday, 9 October 2008
James Doone, Alan Whiteside, Sean Doone, organiser Tommy Moore and Gordon Letters pictured at Saturday’s Jimmy Letters Memorial darts competitiion at the Ramble Inn.
A NEW darts tournament held over the weekend in memory of the late Jimmy Letters, a local darting hero from Antrim, was so successful that there is already strong interest to repeat the competition next year.
The Jimmy Letters Memorial Trophy played host to 84 of the country's top dart players with the number one ranked player winning the £1,000 prize money.
The level of competition at the Ramble Inn on Saturday, October 4 brought out the best from competitors resulting in a very high standard of darts and a real spectacle for local fans.
In what seemed like an eight hour darting feast, Daryl Gurney, currently the number one player in Northern Ireland, eventually came out on top as he beat Geoffrey Matthews in a closely contested final.
Daryl, the strong favourite to lift the inaugural title, came out strong, no surprise to the travelling fans and took an early lead going 3 - 0 up in sets.
Geoffrey dug in his heels though and made Gurney work for the title as the final score finished 5 - 3.
The tournament also gave many local fans their first glimpse of 14-year-old darting sensation, James Doone who made it to the quarter-finals before losing a tight match.
James plays for McKenna's of Lough Shore in the Antrim League and looks set to become a star on the local circuit for years to come.
Jimmy Letters' life was tragically cut short five years ago this Boxing Day and the tournament, although in it's first year, has proved a fitting way to remember the darting maestro.
Tournament organiser, Thomas Moore described what he saw as a 'brilliant day' of darts.
“The standard of darts was exceptional and I really hope the tournament can become an annual event," he said. "We already have the money for it next year so I don't see why it can't get even bigger and better.
“It was great to see 84 of the best dart players in the country take part and put on a real show for everyone. I must extend our gratitude to Barry McNally who did all the hard work in getting the competition up and running and all the bar staff at the Ramble Inn."
Mr Moore would also like to thank tournament sponsors Spar on Bridge Street, Cova Bar, Galley Cafe, Martin Clarke Mortages, Top of the Town Bar, Island Bown Stores, Patterson's Butchers, The Comfort Hotel, Costcutter (at Junction One) and Will Freight Services Ltd who supplied the cup for all their support.
