Day 293 - Thursday, October 20th, 2011

This evening Doolan's simply witnessed a feast of athleticism, with no less than 14 competitors deciding to tog out for TNDC 103, the highest number since April of this year. John "The Equaliser" Delaney proved that his recently brush with the professinal ranks in Killarney has done him the power of good, with a 2nd title in a row, and another maximum 180 score, matched by Dean "The Dinosaur" Brennan. There were exciting scoring debuts for young Italian talent Daniele "Cornetto" Olmetto and the Pride of Kilnaleck, Garda Martin "G-Force" Donohoe.

The evening also saw the return of Austin "The Iceman" McEvoy after extensive paternity leave, and he brushed off the tungsten cobwebs with ease to gain 4th place on the night.

Contentment : 15 / 25
Excitement :    3 / 10
Memorability : 4 / 15

Overall Score : 44% (99th out of 293)

Day 286 - Thursday, October 13th, 2011

High excitement during lunchtime where I came across a galaxy of famous and semi-famours people, including Presidential Candidate and Eurovision Song Contest winner Dana, out campaigning on Grafton Street. Then whilst browsing in Top Shop, who should also be present but Chatty Man TV show host and comedian Alan Carr, relaxing ahead of his sell-out show at the O2 this evening. We exchanged "Hello"s but I spared him having to engage in any further small-talk or photography sessions. Completing the gala list of stars (snigger) was Aongus McAnally,  former TV snooker and Saturday youth programme host, now working as a DJ on Lyric FM methinks. He was outside the Gaiety Theatre hosting a live open broadcast.

At Thursday Night Darts Club 102, a moderate attendance of six athletes battled it out, with John "The Equaliser" Delaney notching up another title, scoring a maximum 180 in the process.

Contentment : 14.5 / 25
Excitement :    2.5 / 10
Memorability : 3 / 15

Overall Score : 40% (142nd out of 365)

Day 258 - Thursday, September 15th, 2011

'Twas the 99th edition of Thursday Night Darts Club tonight, when only the 10th ever champion was crowned, in the guise of Anto "The Anto-Christ" Macken who deservedly won, throwing solid splendid arrows all night. There was a magnificent turn-out of no less than 13 athletes. I scored one of three 140 scores, whilst an ever-recovering Jimmy "The Peach" Leach registered the high finish of the night with a 116.

Proving immensely popular was the newly-installed Tuborg tap, offering pints of cold frothy Danish lager for just €3.30 - bargain! And the pizzas delivered from next door's Italian restaurant proved as delicious as ever - mine with chicken, peppers and lashings and lashings of chilli flakes proved to be utterly divine.

  The Peach and The Anto-Christ - a deliciously Satanic combination!
Contentment : 15 / 25
Excitement :    2.5 / 10
Memorability : 3.5 / 15

Overall Score : 42% (95th out of 258)

Day 250 - Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

Another blogging milestone - 250 days - and after flagging somewhat in the past couple of months I sense that I may be getting a 2nd (or 3rd/4th/5th) wind to bring me to the finish line that is a mere 115 days away! I have already decided that next year's blog will be a leaner, more direct affair - no harm, sez you.

Lunch was taken at the Clarendon for the first time in a while, and its soup and pepper chicken offering for a tenner (including tip) went down a treat.

Thursday Night Darts Club took place a day early this week, in its regular Doolan's haunt, but its taking place looked in danger until 7.15pm when the necessary 4th athlete arrived. Everyone is obviously saving themselves for the double-ranking event next Thursday, but all present tonight profited well, with Lara "Tryples" Della Volpe making a triumphant return to soar up the World Rankings from 15th to the crucial 12th position, which offers the final berth for the World Championships in December. After a slow start, Conch-Shell "The Conqueror" O'Keeffe ironically slowed his throw to reap his highest points dividend since April, whilst I pipped John "The Equaliser" Delaney by 2 points to lift my first title since May - great success!

Contentment : 16 / 25
Excitement :    3 / 10
Memorability : 3.5 / 15

Overall Score : 45% (74th out of 250)

Day 244 - Thursday, September 1st, 2011

September 1st, and two-thirds of the year have elapsed already - amazing stuff. The event was celebrated with a Deal Lunch with Gillian Hugh and Ruaraidh from work, in nearby Bia Bar, where a starter, a burger and chips and a glass of vino set each of us back a mere tenner.

At Thursday Night Darts Club 97, six athletes went to post, where John "The Equaliser" Delaney won his 2nd title in succession, with a relatively comfortable win. Jimmy "The Dark Destroyer" Leach took 2nd and 30+ precious TNDC World Chanmpionship ranking points.

                                                  The Night's Silver and Gold Medallists

Contentment : 12 / 25
Excitement :    2 / 10
Memorability : 2.5 / 15

Overall Score : 33% (140th out of 244)

Day 237 - Thursday, August 25th, 2011

The 97th - 97th!!! - staging of Thursday Night Darts Club took place at Doolan's this evening, and it was the most dramatic for quite some time, with John "The Equaliser" Delaney edging out reigning champion Gar "Milky Bay" Kiernan by a single point to win his 36th title. He scored a 180 in the process, only the 9th in the history of TNDC, which makes darts professionals and officials laugh whenever I tell them but hey!, everyone starts from somewhere! Nine athletes attended in all, including Sweden's very own Daniel "Son Of Hoon" Sjunnesson, who notched up the high finish of the night - a 101, in a game of 101. I came in 3rd of the 9 places available on the night, registering a very slight return to form. Pizza was forsaken in lieu of the pork stir-fry that awaited in the Lighthouse, and was wolfed down gleefully for the 4TH day in succession - a new personal culinary record!

Milky Bar & The Equaliser

                                              The Equaliser's 180 - the 9th in TNDC History!

Contentment : 14.5 / 25
Excitement :    3 / 10
Memorability : 3.5 / 15

Overall Score : 42% (94th out of 237)