Darts ace Raymond set for charity event in Bridge House Hotel

Darts ace Raymond van Barneveld is coming to Tullamore later this month - with the proceeds of the event going to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

Rhode native Brendan Kavanagh - who lost a brother and a sister to cystic fibrosis - is among those promoting the event, which takes place in the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore on Saturday, October 28. 

Brendan's brother Kenneth died in 2006 (the weekend of the darts event will coincide with the 11th anniversary of his death) and his sister Gillian passed away in 1995 at the age of just 12.

Gillian had a severe form of Cystic Fibrosis and spent much of her short life in and out of hospital, but Kenneth didn't allow the condition to prevent him from taking part in many different activities and he always had a great sense of fun, Brendan recalled. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system.

Brendan is looking for support for the event from local businesses in Tullamore and indeed businesses from across the midlands. From Rhode, but living in Geashill, Brendan has a sister, Olivia, who lives in Edenderry. Brendan has been involved in fundraising ventures in the past for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, raising money for a charity walk in Arizona in which his mother Mary took part.

Brendan has a huge interest in darts and takes part in the Daingean winter league and he was present when Phil Taylor ('The Power') came to Tullamore in recent years.

The forthcoming event in Tullamore will give local darts enthusiasts the opportunity to meet and greet Raymond van Barneveld and try their skills when they take on the Dutch maestro, all in aid of a good cause.

Anyone brave enough to take on the Dutchman will have their own walk-on songs when they play him on the big stage, and the night will feature the sort of razzmatazz that has made darts so popular on TV.

Nicknamed Barney, van Barneveld is one of the most successful darts players in history. He is a five-time world darts champion (four-time BDO and one-time PDC) and a two-time UK Open champion. His victory over Taylor in the PDC world final of 2007 is regarded by many as the greatest darts match in history. Barney's popularity with fans means he is seen as the people's champion.

Regular admission tickets are priced at €10, with VIP tickets costing €25, which will allow people to meet Raymond, take part in a questions and answers session with him and obviously a photo opportunity. The VIP part of the event will start at 7pm on October 28, and the regular darts event will follow at 8.30pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the Bridge House Hotel (phone 057 9325600 for more information) or contact Brendan on 085 100 5028. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketstop.ie