DARTS: Charlie Gaile Memorial Open this Sunday

The individual tournament has now become a major event on the darting calendar and organiser Joe Donnelly believes adding the very popular Charlie Wright Pairs on Saturday followed by the Charlie Gaile Open on Sunday has made the tournament one of the biggest in Northern Ireland.

The event has moved to the Drummond Hotel after the closing of the Gorteen and Joe says the support he has received from the proprietor and staff of the hotel have been first class and that the popularity of the event is testament to just how popular these two former players were.

"Both Charlie Gaile and Charlie Wright were great players who where very popular in the darting world where they competed at the top level," said Joe.

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

"Local talent Daryl Gourney 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.

"In past years players like Eric Bristow,Tony O'Shea, Peter Manley all travelled to the event. Unfortunately with so many top events for the professional players we do not have as many world class players dropping in.

"The event has got bigger and better each year with so many players travelling to take part in the most popular darts event in Northern Ireland. The weekend brings so many people together for not only the top players but also the fun players, who tour the town to meet old faces from past years.

This is a great opportunity for the local players not only take part but learn from the more experience players .The ladies also look forward to the weekend as they get the chance to compete with top player from around the province. There is also a youth tournament on the Sunday. All youths must have a parent or relative who will take responsibility on the day.

"I would like to thank the local Council and all the local businesses for their support in staging this very popular event."

The Mens Pairs, Ladies Pairs and Mixed Pairs will be held on Saturday with the Open Individual for both men and women taking place on Sunday. Large crowds are expected so everyone is asked to come early with doors opening each day at 10am. Registation will close at 12noon sharp on both days.

Friday night will launch the event with a Texas Hold'em tournament, there is a 50 freeze out, all monies paid out. Everyone is welcome and the action will commence at 8.30pm sharp at the Drummond Hotel. Contact Joe on 07719280870 for more information.