Rooney hits target to claim darts crown

Keith Rooney (Carranstown) produced a high-quality performance to get the better of Paul Madden (Lantern) in the Duleek & District Dart League final at the Westcourt Hotel, Drogheda on Sunday. 
Rooney held his nerve to out-gun a gallant Madden 5-2 which included a 10-dart finish in the sixth leg. 
Both players provided great entertainment for the large crowd with the highest check out of 160 achieved by Damen Grimes (Matthews). 
The competition started on the final day at 2pm and by 6pm it was down to the last eight with Rooney, Madden, Damien Doyle (Lantern), Anthony Goodman (Valley Inn), Mark Clinton (Lantern), Robert Smith (Mariner), Richie Timmons (Lantern) and Gary Flaherty (Carranstown) all involved. 
Rooney, Madden, Clinton and Timmons made it through to the semi-finals. In the last four Rooney defeated Clinton 4-3 and Madden edged out Timmons 4-1. 
In the showdown Rooney continued to show a high level of consistency and skill to get the better of Madden. 
In the plate final Karl Fox Matthews pulled out all the stops to to defeat Conor Campbell. 
The Youths competition was won by  Aidan Keogh (Ashbourne)  who beat  Conor Doggett  in an entertaining youth final.
The Committee would like to thank all League sponsors for the three-days of competition, also various individuals who supplied spot-prizes for charity raffle, which raised just over €400 on day. 
This will go towards what is collected at the doubles competition, and will then be distributed to various local charities within the region. Last year €1,000 was donated. 
Big thanks also from the organisers to the management and staff of the Westcourt Hotel, Drogheda, for all their help, assistance, and sponsorship of this year’s events. The Duleek & District League also extend a big 'thank you' to the league sponsors Fosters, who also had a promotion on the day. 
After all the action was over the Committee presented all winning  players with their trophies and prize-money. Prize-money was given to the last 16 overall, in the main competition and last four in plate competition.
The doubles competition will take place  on Sunday 25th February in the Westcourt Hotel with lower divisional singles competition for Div 2 and Div 3 players only. Deadline is Thursday 22nd February, draw same night in Carranstown Lodge, Duleek, 8.30pm.
Those looking to take part are encouraged to enter in time. No later entries accepted. Registration deadline on day is 1.30 pm – start of competition at 2pm.