Offaly darts teams compete in Leinster championships

Offaly A sent 15 players to the Leinster Championships Saturday January 17^th in Tulfarris House in Wicklow.

We were drawn in a group of three alongside Dublin B and Kildare C. Our campaign got off to a tough start with an 8–5 loss to Dublin B, but the team responded in style with a convincing 12–1 win over Kildare C. That result saw us finish second in the group and progress to the Cup competition.

In the last 16 we faced familiar rivals Meath A, a team we’ve shared many hard-fought battles with over the years. Meath sped into a 5–1 lead in a race to 7, but Offaly showed great character and determination, winning the next six games in a row to record a dramatic comeback victory.

The quarter-final saw us take on Kildare . Despite a strong effort, Kildare proved too strong on the day, running out 7–4 winners and bringing Offaly’s Leinster campaign to an end.

Offaly B 

Our B team also travelled to Blessington to compete in the Leinsters. Unfortunately the draw was slightly against us from the beginning but our lads never gave up throughout the day. Our first encounter was Kildare A and our men gave an exhibition of darts in all legs and it could of went any way but in the end Kildare came out on top 8-5. We faced a very strong Wexford A team next and again our lads fought to the end with huge support been shown for each player by all the other players. Unfortunately Wexford had the power and won that game 11-2.

Our last game of the round saw us take on a strong Wexford B team also. This was a must win game for both teams but unfortunately we fell short with Wexford coming out on top 9-4. The lads showed great support and encouragement for each other throughout day and that's what teams are about. This was a great experience for our lads and a great taster for the B All Irelands in April.

SEE NEXT: Offaly man called into Irish Six Nations Rugby squad

Offaly Youths

Offaly Youths Darts enjoyed a very successful outing at the Leinster Youth Championships, sending four teamsand 26 players to the competition.
Both Offaly A and Offaly B topped their respective groups to qualify for the Cup competition. Offaly A defeated Laois A in the last 16 before losing narrowly to Kilkenny A in a thrilling last-leg decider. Offaly B overcame Meath A in a dramatic encounter, with William Buckley hitting the bull to secure victory, before a competitive quarter-final loss to Kildare A.
Offaly C and Offaly D both qualified for the Shield competition after strong group performances. Offaly C defeated Laois C before losing narrowly to Westmeath B, while a very young Offaly D side were unlucky to lose a deciding leg against Kilkenny C.
Overall, it was an excellent weekend for Offaly Youths Darts, with all teams showing great skill, determination, and sportsmanship.