Singles darts title for Ross Kelly

The Westmeath singles darts competition was won by Mullingar Shamrocks player, Ross Kelly after a wonderful afternoon of darts at Shamrocks club House in Springfield.

A total of 24 players competed and after some great games, Ross Kelly overcame Regan Maher (Wagon Wheel, Ballynacargy) in the final. Kelly, who only dropped two leg of darts throughout the competition, won the final 4-0. The Westmeath captain was simply in superb form on the day and his scoring power really impressed.

Kelly overcame Barry Kiernan in one semi-final, while Maher defeated Ray Enright in the other. Kiernan and Enright both play for the Maypole Inn, Collinstown in the Westmeath league and are members of the county side.

"The standard was good; I got on top against Barry (semi-final) and in the previous game I hit form against Alan Gilgan. I just seemed to find a bit of momentum and it worked out well for me," said Kelly.

"Playing at county level is a huge help. It has brought my game on; I missed county darts last year and it's great to be back playing."

Kelly is a Mullingar native and darts is his chosen sport. He went on to produce a high standard (100+ average) in the All-Ireland championships for the Lake County.

Westmeath league continues

A very entertaining game took place at Mullingar Shamrocks club house on Friday evening as the home side took on The Wagon Wheel, Ballynacargy.

After the doubles it was 2-1 to Ballynacargy. Regan Maher produced the most impressive darts of the doubles set, finding double 16 and double 4 in successive games alongside Jack Doran. Even a 180 from Sylvester Keane (the home side's second of the night after Ross Kelly's in the opener) couldn't stop the visitors.

Maher took the opening game of singles on double six, denying Keith Mahon as Bal' led 3-1.

Jack Doran had shots at tops and double 18 at pretty impressive 125 and 72 threats, but came up short against Sylvester Keane. It was 3-2 now.

Joe Crotty made it 4-2 and it was on to Derek Maguire versus Mickey McKnight. Maguire was clinical in the first and steady in the second, making it 5-2 on double 10.

Brandon Gilsenan lit up the match with a 110 checkout against Gerry Keon, double five proving a welcome last resort. Double 10 completed the win: 5-3. Ross Kelly took the last and it ended 5-4. The sides will meet again in the semi-final.

Elsewhere, Clarke's overcame Bagnall's (5-4) and The Western Gem beat McHugh's (7-2).

The Maypole Inn denied The Bridge House bar, Mullingar (5-4).