Aidan's Dublin Diary - Connie Finnan

Posted: 07.10.13 in Tournament Analysis Blog category

Aidan catches up with the hero of the night, Connie Finnan

Aidan Farrelly will be chatting exclusively for the Darts Performance Centre with the winners from each Round One tie in this year’s PartyPoker World Grand Prix in Dublin. We want to know how each player approaches the treacherous double start competition, how they compose their nerves, and any other performance related tips along the way.

Connie Finnan

We writers are supposed to stay neutral. Unbiased. But I think I gave the likes of Wayne Mardle and Dave Allen a fright in the media room last night as I leaped around watching Connie Finnan secure a first round victory over Terry Jenkins.

Not only was it his first time to play in this tournament, but add to that the pressure from an excited home crowd, his friends and family watching on, and the big camera’s watching his every move, the Limerick native barely put a foot wrong en route to this memorable win.

Before the tournament began, Finnan was the only man guaranteed at least two appearances on the big stage, as he takes part in the Tom Kirby Irish Matchplay Final which precedes the Grand Prix Final on Sunday.

The sense of pride was never so evident when he made his way to the press room.

“I was shaking like a leaf, I always do. With the pressure that was on it was difficult. I had half of my family out there watching me. They wouldn’t bother to watch me in Limerick but sure I can’t blame them for that,” he jested.

“I came here tonight to play Terry, and beat Terry. It’s my first time I have played this format, and to play in this competition.

“We Irish really support each other. If someone is struggling, we encourage them. And vice versa. They are a great bunch of lads and lasses out there.

“You pick your double. I picked double top. You practice it more and give it a bit more effort in the build up to this tournament. You might have to improvise then if they aren’t going so well.

“The pressure was all on Terry in that game. I could throw with no fear and I am so thrilled to have won tonight. This is the ultimate highlight of my career. To go up on that stage and win in front of my family, my friends, the Irish fans. It’s a dream come true.

Darts Performance Centre Analysis

A fine victory for Connie, called by Aidan, but he is too modest to point that out! Connie was outscored by Jenkins (3 dart – Finnan 79 played 85 and 9 dart Finnan 68 played 88). Jenkins banged in the big finish (152) and hit  two 180’s to Connie’s zero, but! Finnan took the chances presented to him and deservedly won.

Jenkins looks out of sorts. He seems to me anyway more interested in operating his two man show with the Pie Man than putting in the hours it takes to stay at the top of the PDC. 

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Meet Aidan

Aidan has been a fan of darts since a young age, although he didn't pick up his first set if arrows until he was 23. In that time, Aidan has been dedicated to finding out what it takes to become a professional. He plays with two club teams in his County in Ireland.

Aidan documents his ups and downs of improving his game, and explores some of the unknown, yet crucial elements of darts such as nerves, confidence and much much more.

Aidan teamed up with the Darts Performance Centre ahead of his battle with Raymond van Barneveld 12 months ago, a relationship which he admits has "helped me to focus on certain areas that needed improvement, and the support from Paul and Andy guarantees will make you a better dart player".

Aidan throws a 23g DPC Elite Performance dart. He loves to tell people that he has now lost count of the amount of 180s he has thrown. His highest checkout in a competitive leg is 130, and the closest he has come to a perfect leg was two maximums before crippling under pressure to finish out with a 15 dart leg.

His plan is simple: to be a Pro! Follow his journey right here!

Aidan welcomes any feedback, advice or questions. You can find him on twitter: @A_Farrelly or email: throwlikeaprodarts@gmail.com