Clarke’s are Cup champions for the fourth time

After a superb day's darts, Clarke’s of Mullingar secured back-to-back Westmeath Cup titles courtesy of an impressive victory over the Maypole Inn, Collinstown.

It was a noteworthy achievement for the Mullingar side, who have now won the title on four occasions.

In the quarter-final, Clarke’s overcame the hosts, McHugh’s of Raharney, 6-3. The Maypole Inn beat Bagnall’s in a last leg shootout to secure their place in the semi-final. Elsewhere, Mullingar Shamrocks beat the Western gem and they too were through.

In the semi-finals, Clarke’s beat Shamrocks (6-3) in what was an all-Mullingar affair. Terry Kelly produced a 102 checkout in his trebles match, while Killian Kelly impressed with a 124 finish (20, T18, bull) a doubles game alongside Davey Gilgan.

The Maypole beat the Bridge Bar, Mullingar in other semi-final, playing some fine darts in the process.

In the final Clarke’s found an extra gear to win 6-3 against the Collinstown side. Clarke’s established a 2-0 lead with both trebles secured, and then the maypole hit back winning two of the three doubles games. Crucially, Killian and Terry Kelly and Davey Gilgan each won single games for Clarke’s, who had good momentum.

Davey Gilgan eventually hit the winning double after a few nervy attempts to secure the cup title once more for Clarke’s. There were five 180s for the victors on the day between Terry Kelly, Killian Kelly and Allen Gilgan, showing just how well they played in the competition.

The format was a six-man team, with two games of trebles, three games of doubles and six games of singles in every match.