Kilkenny plays host to special night with A-list darts players

Kilkenny darts fans were in heaven on Sunday, July 7, as professional players Jonny 'The Ferret' Clayton and Willie 'The Magpie' O’Connor took part in a very special Darts Exhibition at the Ormonde Hotel.

Organised by Ann Nolan and Tom Keogh and held in conjunction with Community Radio Kilkenny City (CRKC) a huge support base flocked to the city hotel to see some of their heroes in action, with some even getting the opportunity to try their luck against the well-known pair.

O’Connor and Clayton, from Llanelli in Wales and Limerick respectively, were in their element on the night, mixing with the crowd and enjoying the jovial atmosphere.

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"It’s always a great buzz to be honest, I appreciate the invite over to Ireland and to Kilkenny and I look forward to these kind of things because we don’t usually meet our fans, it’s usually on to the big stage, you play a game and you disappear but it’s great to meet the public and fantastic to be here in Ireland," Clayton told the Kilkenny People.

"Great banter, great people and a great welcome so I can’t fault it one little bit," he added.

"It’s great to be here and involved with the crowd," O’Connor commented.

"We love coming down here and mingling with the crowd and having a bit of craic here with everyone," he said.

O’Connor shot to prominence at the UK Open in 2010 and has remained in the professional ranks ever since.

"It’s been like a rollercoaster, up and down, sideways and upways but sure look it’s all part of it," O’Connor claimed when reflecting on 2024 to date where, amongst other tournaments, he reached the last 32 of the World Darts Championship. But the Cappamore native, who has steadily held his own in major competitions, promised there are plenty more highlights to come.

Clayton arrived in the Marble City in jolly form on Sunday evening after a good week in the front of the board in the professional ranks.

Earlier in the week, 'The Ferrett' took home the Players Championship 14, and claimed he’s got his 'mojo' back as a result.

"You pick up any major, any floor tournament, they all mean the same because to win a tournament you have to play well. So far, I’m starting to pick up more confidence, relaxing a bit."

But whether reaching major events or going on to become a winner of some of the sport’s most recognisable darts tournaments, it’s the dream of many. But how realistic is it?

"It’s very difficult but once young lads are willing to put in a bit of time and effort and travel, I mean it’s possible for anybody, Luke Littler showed that, he went on and done great things and brought eyes to the sport. Looking at the young lads here and other events the last couple of nights at exhibitions it’s great and it can only boost and it’s great for everybody," O’Connor stated.

"All the young kids, all around every county in Ireland, it has quadrupled more even, kids have just come flying out of the blocks after the world championships and there’s going to be another few great darts players coming in the future, there’s so many young guys there now it has to happen and Kilkenny darts is flying at the moment, "O’Connor commented, with Clayton adding “it’s a breath of fresh air" to see youth interest and participation grow.

Despite a great night, it wasn’t all smiles for O’Connor whose beloved Limerick’s ‘Drive for Five’ hopes were dashed mid-interview. Hear his reaction on this week’s Kilkenny People Sport Podcast on Thursday!

Hear more on this week's Kilkenny People Sport Podcast which drops on Thursday!