06/04/2026
The 2026 Johnny Allen Tournament proved to be another outstanding success, attracting a strong field of 49 players and showcasing the incredible talent currently thriving in the local darts scene. With what many are calling the “Littler effect” inspiring a new wave of players, the standard across the board was exceptional.
As the tournament progressed into the quarter-finals, the competition intensified. Jamie O'Regan delivered a strong performance to overcome Shane Corkery, while Barry “Bristow” Fitzgerald showed his class with a convincing win over Alan Finn. Stephen Quinn impressed in his victory against Denis Lynch, and Joe Collins secured his semi-final place by defeating former teammate Declan O’Sullivan in a closely contested match.
The semi-finals brought even more drama. Joe Collins continued his fine form with a solid win over Stephen Quinn, while Barry Fitzgerald proved too strong for Jamie O'Regan, setting up a highly anticipated final between two top competitors.
The final lived up to expectations, delivering a tense and nail-biting encounter that had spectators on edge throughout. In the end, Barry “Bristow” Fitzgerald held his nerve to overcome Joe Collins and claim the title, adding his name to the cup for the second time—a remarkable achievement.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who participated and contributed to making the event such a success. Special thanks to Sharon, Claire, and Aisling for their excellent organisation and running of the tournament. Appreciation also goes to John Daly Chipper for providing top-class food on the day—it certainly did not disappoint.
Thanks to Brian Hemlock for presenting the cup, and to Gearoid and Yvonne for keeping refreshments flowing in a professional and efficient manner. A final word of thanks to all the volunteer markers whose efforts ensured the smooth running of matches throughout the day.
All in all, a very successful tournament—be sure to pencil in Easter Saturday 2027 for the next edition!
