The inaugural Donegal Secondary Schools Darts Tournament took place in 2024, marking a milestone in the development of youth darts in the county.
Organised and hosted by the Premier Darts Club in Letterkenny, this was the first-ever tournament of its kind in Donegal, bringing together six schools from across the region to compete in an exciting display of skill, precision, and sportsmanship.
The tournament was split into two groups, with three schools in each, setting the stage for thrilling head-to-head clashes.
Group Stages
The group stages saw fierce competition across both pools. In Group 1, St Eunan’s College emerged as the dominant team, winning all their matches and topping the group with an impressive 17 points. Glenties Comprehensive followed in second place with 11 points, while Errigal College placed third with three points.
The St Columba’s College, Stranorlar darts team.
In Group 2, St Columba’s College, Stranorlar showcased consistency and composure to finish first with 13 points, edging out Deele College, who finished second with 10 points. Finn Valley College rounded out the group with four points.
At the conclusion of the group stage, St Eunan’s College and St Columba’s College advanced directly to the semi-finals, while the remaining teams entered play-offs for the remaining spots.
Deele College triumphed over Errigal College, earning their spot in the semi-finals, while Glenties Comprehensive delivered a commanding performance, defeating Finn Valley College to progress to the semi-finals.
The Finn Valley College team.
Semi-Finals
In a thrilling upset, Deele College overcame group favourites St Eunan’s College in a tightly contested match. Deele’s players showed remarkable composure under pressure to secure their place in the final.
Glenties Comprehensive proved too strong for St Columba’s College, showcasing accuracy and determination to book their spot in the final.
Final
The final match saw Deele College and Glenties Comprehensive face off in a spectacular showdown. Both teams played with incredible skill and focus, but Deele College ultimately emerged victorious, claiming the title of 2024 Donegal Secondary Schools Darts Champions. Their precision and teamwork throughout the tournament were unmatched, making them deserving winners of the inaugural competition.
Shield Final
Meanwhile, the Shield Final was contested between Errigal College and Finn Valley College. Finn Valley College displayed resilience and determination to defeat Errigal College and take home the Shield.
The Errigal College darts team.
The inaugural Donegal Secondary Schools Darts Tournament was a resounding success, providing an exciting platform for young players to showcase their talent. With Deele College crowned champions and Finn Valley College claiming the Shield, the tournament highlighted the depth of skill and potential across the county.
Special thanks to the main organiser of this ground-breaking event, which has laid the foundation for future competitions, Miss Emer Gamble from St Columba’s, who was the person who initiated the idea with the help of Premier Darts Club along with the fellow school organisers Patrice from Deele College, Michael from Glenties, Ollie from St Eunan’s, Chloe from Finn Valley and Paul from Errigal College. With its mix of thrilling matches and emerging talent, the tournament has firmly established itself as a highlight in the Donegal sporting calendar.
Here’s to continued growth in youth darts and even more exciting tournaments in the years to come.
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