Sport

Gillespie ‘tops’ in John Harkin Singles League Final

written by Staff Writer March 30, 2022

Andrew Gillespie defeated Adrian Byrne 6-3 taking out 140 in style to win the 2020 John Harkin Singles League title.

Conor O’Donoghue won the shield final coming from 3-1 down to defeat David Gallagher 4-3, it was finally an end to a tournament that started in 2019 with 16 players taking part but was hit with restrictions weeks before the finals meaning the tournament resumed last month, this meant some players were not able to commit to the resumption due to changes in circumstances.

2020 John Harkin winner Andrew Gillespie with John McHugh and Evelyn Byrne

On the finals night itself held on Wednesday 16th March in Evelyn’s, the above, coupled with some players working and others unable to attend both tournaments were ran in a round robin format.

2020 John Harkin Shield winner Conor O’Donoghue with John McHugh and Evelyn Byrne

In the cup tournament, Andrew was a deserving winner as he topped the league ahead of Kenneth Kennedy, also having 22 180s and three 12 dart finishes over the course of the league campaign (Kenneth Kennedy also had a 12 dart leg). The only trophy he didn’t win was the highest checkout which was a 170 check out by James Byrne away back in the opening night of fixtures.

2020 John Harkin highest checkout James Byrne with Evelyn Byrne

Thanks to all players who entered, it was disappointing that it could not finish with all players available but no night was going to suite and it needed to be played off, thanks to Evelyn’s, Kilcar House and O’Donnell’s for hosting the matches, to the Harkin family for the trophies and to LMC Fire Safety for sponsoring the finals night. Thanks to all who marked the games, we will be back in September/October with the same league format also players who played in this league have first option of entering.

John Harkin Cup

Final

Andrew Gillespie 6 Adrian Byrne 3