Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but after years of being the butt of everyones' jokes (well, mainly Mike and Tom), Ireland have only gone and won something, and not just a raffle either!
In fact, Ireland can now call themselves the reigning champions of the Inter Country Heads Up Championship, a highly prestigious honour that caused 4 nations to collide, quite literally head on.
Yesterday afternoon, representatives from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland got together to form four teams of eight. Those four motley crews, which were obliged to consist of both male and female players, were then thrown into battle in a heads up extravaganza that seemed destined to set the poker world alight.
With bragging rights of the utmost importance, the opening round was a crucial one as some of the hotly tipped talent clashed swords. Of these, one of the most anticipated of battles was that of WSOP finalist, Paul 'Pab' Folytn, and former World snooker champion, Ken Doherty. But although the latter was considered the underdog, the celebrity brushed aside the youngster to proceed into the next round, thereby notching up a guaranteed 10 points with a potential 30 points on offer if Ken was to make it all the way.
Whilst this top notch battle was going on, two fishes had met gills and were trying to outswim each other just yards away. With Rod Paradise representing Scotland and James 'Royal Flush' Dempsey flying the flag for England, this was an all British affair, but one that was still hotly fought due to the importance of beating a fellow blondeite. And, although Rod put up a strong fight, it was the younger and perhaps fishier of the two, Flushy, who finally triumphed.
With the likes of David 'Booder' Baker & Rick Trigg qualifying for the English, Billy 'newmanseye' McAllister & Thomas 'thetank' Stott for the Scots and Colette 'Smurph' Murphy & Rob Taylor for the Irish, round two was shaping up to be one hell of a contest.
However, with Round 2 and the Quarter Finals sorting the men out from the boys (or women from girls), we were left with an England/Ireland Semi-Final with Dave O'Callaghan taking on fellow countryman Ken Doherty in one and Jennifer 'Djinn' Mason battling Kev Conway (above-left) in the other.
With a white versus green final guaranteed, that's exactly what we got when Ken took on Kev, only for the celebrity to pick up the gold and, more importantly, the 30 points to give Ireland the victory.
A cracking little contest that was enjoyed by all, and keenly watched by everyone on the rail, including the virtual rail on the Antes Up forum. A big thumbs up to all who participated and well done for making it such a superb event... even if Ireland did somehow manage to fluke a win.
And golly, Mike Lacey winning a match, whatever next??...
