World darts champion ready for Castlebar exhibition

Darts superstar Michael Smith is set to take on the best tungsten throwers in Mayo in aid of a special cause this Friday evening.

The PDC World Champion will be playing in an exhibition at the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre, Castlebar, with the event in collaboration with the Mayo branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. Proceeds from the event will help fundraise for the building of the Down Syndrome Mayo Branch house in Swinford. The TF is no stranger to holding big darting occasions, having previously held the PDC Ireland Open Classic in the mid-to-late 2000s.

It has been a remarkable year for the 33-year-old, nicknamed ‘Bully Boy’. He defeated Michael van Gerwen to win his first ever world title, hitting an iconic nine-dart finish just seconds after van Gerwn missed double 12 for his own.

His show in the TF will be the start of an eleven-day tour, as he goes around the country to take on the Ireland’s best darts players.

Speaking to the Western People, Smith said: “I am looking forward to coming over to Castlebar. I’m not sure if I’ve been in Castlebar before. They used to have PDC tournaments there my manager tells me, but it was before my time. It’s the first night of my Irish trip so it should be fun as that’s what it’s all about, having a bit of fun.” 

While it may be his first time in Castlebar, Smith is no stranger to Mayo. In 2013, he competed in the Padraic Heneghan Memorial Cup in Delia Murphy's Bar, Roundfort, when he was World Youth champion. He went on to win the event after beating Sligo’s Sean McGowan 6-3 in the final. Smith recalls: “I had my girlfriend, who is now my wife, living in Ireland at the time and I played in a few competitions while I was over visiting.” 

Roundfort is also the home of the Heneghan brothers, Conor and Martin. The two brothers have made a big splash in darts, with the former hitting nine-darters last year in the MODUS Super Series. That Smith is aware of their accomplishments speaks volumes of the talent and success they have had – and he hopes to see the pair this Friday.

Both men have also tried to qualify for the PDC tour through the notoriously difficult ‘Q-School’ but have yet to make the breakthrough, with Conor in particular coming close. Should he continue his current trajectory, Smith sees no reason why he cannot make the grade.

“I know of the two lads. Martin’s name always popped up playing for Ireland and recently Conor on the MODUS doing really well. I’m not sure if I played either of them but hopefully next week they come out to say hello. Two great lads.

“Q-School is very, very, difficult but if he keeps hitting those nine dart legs I don’t see why he can’t.” 

Following his tour of Ireland, all of Michael Smith’s focus will turn towards defending his World Championship title and he sees no reason why he cannot join the likes of Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson as men who have successfully retained the PDC crown.

“Well, I’m certainly going to try. I feel great and it’s all about peaking at the right time. I had the Players Championship Finals (last weekend) and it’s my last tournament before I come to Ireland before the Worlds begin.” 

Doors for the event this Friday at the TF will open at 7pm, with the show set to begin at 8pm.