Maypole to face Shamrocks in darts league decider
The Maypole Bar, Collinstown, are on the cusp of a remarkable achievement in the world of Westmeath darts, having secured their place in both the league and cup finals. It marks the first time the Collinstown outfit has reached both showpieces in a single season, and with silverware now within reach on two fronts, the dream of a historic double remains very much alive.
In the Westmeath Darts League, Maypole booked their spot in the decider following a hard-fought semi-final clash with Bagnall’s of Rochfortbridge. The first leg, played away from home, saw Maypole produce a strong display to run out 6-3 winners on the night. The visitors flew out of the blocks, taking an early 3-0 lead after the doubles. However, Bagnall’s responded with determination, claiming the next three singles matches to level proceedings at 3-3.
With the tie finely poised, it was Maypole who held their nerve when it mattered most. Barry Kiernan, Derek Delaney and Gerry Devro stepped up in style, each delivering composed performances to take the final three games and give their side a crucial first-leg cushion heading into the return fixture.
Last Friday’s second leg, played in front of a lively home crowd in Collinstown, saw Maypole needing just four wins to progress, and they duly delivered. With consistency and calm under pressure, they closed out the tie 10-7 on aggregate. There were standout performances on the night from Stephen O’Farrell, Dan Beegan and Paul Radford, whose accuracy and finishing helped steer Maypole over the line.
Awaiting them in the league final are Mullingar Shamrocks, who themselves booked a return to the decider by defeating the Wagon Wheel, Ballynacargy. The clash between Maypole and Shamrocks promises to be a fascinating contest, with both sides boasting quality throwers and strong form heading into the final.
Maypole’s cup campaign has also been full of drama. In the recent semi-final, they found themselves trailing 5-3 against Beechtree, Streamstown in what proved to be one of the most thrilling encounters of the season. Refusing to panic, the Collinstown men mounted a stunning comeback, winning the final three games to edge the match 6-5 in nailbiting fashion. The tie was settled by the ever-reliable Gerry Devro, who threw superb darts in the final leg to seal victory and send Maypole into the cup final, where they will now meet Bridge Bar, Mullingar.
The significance of reaching both finals is not lost on the players or the community that supports them. Speaking after Friday’s league triumph, team captain Barry Kiernan expressed the pride felt throughout the camp. “We’re delighted to be in both finals; it’s a fantastic achievement for the team and the town,” he said.
Kiernan also paid tribute to Des and Breda McManus, owners of the Maypole Bar, whose backing has been instrumental throughout the season. “Their support and generosity towards the darts team has been incredible; we honestly couldn’t ask for any more. If we’re being truthful, they’re probably too generous. Everyone on the team is so grateful for what they do for us all year round,” he added.
With both finals on the horizon, Maypole Collinstown know the hard work isn’t over yet. But there is belief in the camp, and rightly so.
“As for the finals, who knows? We’re in them, so we’ve got a chance,” said Kiernan.
“Hopefully we can bring some silverware back to the Maypole. It would mean the world to everyone involved.”
The stage is set. Two finals. One club. The double dream is still alive in Collinstown.
Shamrocks in relentless form
Meanwhile, in the other semi-final, it was first-placed Mullingar Shamrocks against the side which finished fourth in the league, The Wagon Wheel, Ballynacargy. The Mullingar men came into Friday's second leg with a commanding lead and there was never any doubt about the outcome as a clinical and composed Shamrocks side progressed to a third successive league final with plenty in hand. The first leg, held in Ballynacargy the previous week, proved crucial. While describing it as a “disaster” might be overstating it, the 8-1 home defeat left the Wagon Wheel facing the proverbial mountain and realistically, there was only pride to play for in the return leg; there was a sense that the damage had already been done.
Any lingering hopes of a comeback were swiftly dashed as Brandon Gilsenan and Keith Mahon landed the crucial match-winning darts with cool assurance, slotting in the necessary checkouts to wrap up the tie. The Shamrocks’ march to the final was sealed with ruthless efficiency and there were a couple of maximums from Gilsenan and Sylvester Keane.
The Wagon Wheel needed to win the first three doubles matches to turn this tie around, but the home side took nothing for granted and applied pressure from the very start.
In fairness, even members of the victorious Shamrocks outfit acknowledged the scoreline in Ballynacargy may have flattered them. “Could’ve been a lost closer; definitely, 8-1, doesn't reflect the match,” noted one thrower. And he may have had a point; the Wagon Wheel missed their opportunities, and in darts, those narrow margins are often the difference between triumph and elimination. A missed double, a stray dart at a key checkout, and suddenly, a campaign unravels faster than a loose flight in mid-air.
Nonetheless, Ballynacargy can take pride in a commendable league season. They finished fourth overall with a tally of 103 points, no small achievement in a competitive field. For the Wagon Wheel, it’s back to the drawing board. They’ll regroup, refocus, and come again next season, of that there is little doubt. But a semi-final is no place for sentiment. Mullingar Shamrocks, still smarting from defeat in last year’s decider, now look every inch a side on a mission to right past wrongs.
Awaiting Shamrocks in the final is The Maypole of Collinstown, a fixture that promises to be as tense as any final dart thrown at double 16 with the league title on the line. An intriguing finish awaits in a few weeks' time, with McHugh's of Raharney the venue for the showdown.