AIMING FOR TOPS

Hopes of Sport Ireland's funding with minister's help

- BY MARK KAVANAGH

MEET the teenage darts sensations that the Sports Minister wants to help turn into Ireland's version of Luke Littler.

Charlie McConalogue spoke in the Dail last week about the importance of recognising darts as a sport so that clubs coaching kids can get crucial funding through Sport Ireland.

Irish darts is currently on the crest of a wave, with the Ireland ladies team winning back-to-back WDF World Cups, Carlow teenager Rebecca Allen also a world masters champion and fellow teens Aidan O'Hara and Jack Courtney reigning Youth World Cup pairs champions.

However, as Ireland manager Kevin Devaney, who is also general secretary of the Irish National Darts Organisation, previously pointed out to the Irish Sunday Mirror, this has all been achieved without a cent of State funding.

Minister McConalogue has vowed to change all that, stating: "The next Luke Littler could be out there in Ireland. It's important they have access to potential funding"

The Minister added: "That can only happen with a Sport Ireland recognised body."