POWER TO THE PEOPLE

LOCAL darts fans were served up a real treat, as sixteen times world darts champion Phil “The Power” Taylor and two times world champion Dennis “The Menace” Priestly, roared into town for a one-off spectacular at the Magherabuoy House Hotel.

The intimate event, organised by local company NI Live Events and sponsored by Domino’s Coleraine, was a first of its kind for the area.

Around 480 fans travelled from all over Ireland, and some had even come by ferry from the UK mainland for this special occasion.

The hotel was bursting with excitement as 36 local amateurs luckily had the chance to test their skills against two of the best players in the world.

Joggy Dhillon franchisee of Domino’s Coleraine, the headline sponsor for the event, said: “It was fantastic to be involved in this right from the word off.

“The atmosphere on the night was electric and we are proud that everyone who came from near and far managed to see these greats of the game.”

The showpiece evening featured a full stage set-up accompanied by a live five camera mix projected onto huge screens around the hotel and the venue was decked out with tonnes of Domino’s goodies, six foot darts, and special 180 Domino’s signs.

Stuart Cullen, an NI Live Events representative said: “Every one of our previous events has been a sell-out and this was no exception. Phil and Dennis were great to work with and took on the 16 games of doubles, each playing with an amateur in a match play-off.”

The spectators had to wait until after the interval for the first 180 to be thrown, but when it did the room exploded with cheers, singing and waving of the Domino’s 180 signs.

It was all set to be a night that Portrush would remember for a very long time.

Stuart added: “Domino’s staff provided the half-time entertainment with competitions going on the stage and prizes of signed dart-boards and free pizza getting dished out.

“After the last dart was thrown there was a huge line of people trying to get back stage to get pictures, dart boards and anything else they had with them signed. As the fans left the venue you could still hear chants of “There’s only one Phil Taylor!”

Stuart thanked The Magherabuoy House Hotel and their staff; JKC Specialist Cars, Coleraine, for supplying a car and driver for the Pros; Domino’s Coleraine, the headline sponsor and LSFX, Ground Espresso Bars and the DOJO Gym for their help with selling tickets.

“Without continued support from companies like these we would not be able to put on such world class events on the North Coast,” said Stuart.

He also had a special thank you to the media and production arts students from NRC in Ballymoney for their hard work and effort on the show.

If you would like more information on NI Live Events up-coming spectacular shows please find them on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

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