Leitrim's Ray Mulvey helps Ireland win Islands International

Another busy week for Leitrim Darts with Ray Mulvey helping Ireland to victory in the Islands International in the Isle of Mann while 13-year-old Sam Harkness caused a sensation when he won MIMO Series singles  last Sunday.

Ray  helped Ireland to victory in the Islands International, winning all three of his games and also reaching the semi-finals of the individual tournament. 

Sam impresses at Barrel Store MIMO Singles

Thirteen year old Sam Harkness captured the attention in the Barrel Store at the MIMO Singles when he prevailed in the final after a tight contest with Sean McGuire. With 51 entrants, a number of young and first time players also took part in the event after a challenge match between Leitrim’s A & B teams ahead of the forthcoming All Ireland Championships.

Played in four groups over seven boards, the singles produced some fantastic competition. In Group 1, Sam prevailed after a classic battle with Chris Ferguson while Brendan Mulvey took the honours in Group 2 ahead of David Reynolds. In group 3, Paul McGuire prevailed against Eugene McCusker while Sean McGuire got the verdict against James Hoban in Group 4.

The semi-finals pitted brothers Paul and Sean McGuire against each other with Sean taking the battle 4-3 while Sam Harkness just got the better of Brendan Mulvey by the narrowest of margins in the second game to set up a final clash with Sean.

That set up an intriguing final - could Sean stop Leitrim’s answer to Luke Littler and despite a brilliant effort by Sean, Sam won the day - what a debut for this unflappable young man and a vindication of these competitions as a new gem has been unearthed. If he continues playing as he did last Sunday, Sam has a bright future in the game.

Next up is the National Inter Counties in Trim, full details next week.

AGM

Chairman Brian Kelly gave a summary of the year gone by to a well attended AGM  in the Barrel Store and outlined plans for the year ahead. Secretary Paul O’Hara delivered a detailed report while Adrian O’Callaghan’s Treasurer’s report showed a surplus of €1,205 for the year.

PRO Robert Mulvey thanked the Leitrim Observer for the excellent coverage afforded to our sport over the year. 

When it came to the election of officers for the coming year, the first proposal from the floor was for the present committee to be returned en-block which the Committee accepted with just a few tweaks.

Paul O’Hara, after a very successful year in the position of secretary, wished to take a break due to personal commitments and Gavin Doyle was duly elected as Secretary for the coming year. Leitrim Darts also looked to the future as two young enthusiastic members in Emmet Forde and Ben Mulvey were elected to the committee.