Two major events on darting calendar

Due to take place this Saturday and Sunday, January 30 and 31, the Charlie Gaile Memorial is now a major event on the darting calendar and organiser Joe Donnelly believes the paring with the Charlie Wright match will make this tournament one of the biggest in Northern Ireland. The competition moved to the Drummond Hotel after the closing of the Gorteen with Joe describing the support he has received from the proprietor and staff of the hotel as “first class”. The organiser Joe tells says both Charlie Gaile and Charlie Wright were great players “very popular in the darting world” where they competed at the top level.

“I believe a lot of the players have great memories of these two legends and field honoured to support there memorial event. In past years players from as far a field as England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland with all the top players from Northern Ireland have toed the oche leading to a treat of great darts.”

Local talent Daryl Gurney will be returning from the Lakeside where he put up a great performance against the best in the world. Daryl eventually lost out to Martin Adams who went on to become world champion. The Northern Ireland team, who put up a very good show in Las Vegas this year, will also be in attendance. Previous years players like Eric Bristow ,Tony O’Shea and Peter Manley have travelled to the event.

Joe adds: “Unfortunately with so many top events for the professional players we do not have as many world class players dropping in. But the event has got bigger and better each year with so many players travelling to take part in this tournament, which is the most popular darts event in Northern Ireland.”

The weekend will bring top players and fun players together, who will tour the town to meet old faces from previous years.

Joe concluded: “This is a great opportunity for the local players of the town to not only take part but learn from the more experience players.”

There will also be something there for the ladies who can look forward competing with top players from around the province. There will also be a youth tournament on the Sunday where under 18 youths play in an individual. All youths must have a parent or relative who will take responsibility on the day. The organiser would like to thank the local council and all local businesses for the support in staging this very popular event

Saturday will stage Mens Pairs, Ladies Pairs and Mixed Pairs. Sunday - Open Individual Event for Men, Women and Youths.. Large crowds are expected so every one are asked to come early with doors opening each day at 10am. Registration will close sharp 12 noon on both days

Friday night will launch the event with Texas hold 'em. For more information contact Joe on: 07719280870.