SHANE McGUIRK from Co. Monaghan is the reigning WDF World Champion, becoming the first world darts champion from the Republic of Ireland. He is also a former Irish Open and FCD Anniversary Open champion. He chatted to JACK MARTIN
How has the World Championship victory changed your life?
“It’s weird now because people recognise you. They want to take pictures with you. I was at Dublin airport and someone from Mayo saluted me. The younger dart players are asking me for advice. I’m proud to show that people from Monaghan can achieve these things.”
What was the reaction in Castleblayney?
“I’m from a small town, Aaronmullen. It was brilliant. A massive welcome for me was waiting. A pipe band leading me into the community centre. It was crazy. A couple of hundred people cheering me on. I expected just 30 or 40 people.”
What did it mean to win at the Lakeside, an historic venue?
“Yeah, to play at the Lakeside is on everyone’s bucket list. I just wanted to win a couple of games. I couldn’t believe I won the whole thing. To face Paul Lim, a legend of the sport, was just the cherry on the cake. It’s great for Irish darts. I’m so proud to be the first Irishman to win a world championship.”
Where is the trophy?
“At the end of my bed above the wardrobe. When you wake up in the morning it’s looking at you.”
The winner's cheque?
“It’s hard to know. You don’t actually get the full amount. But I have a wedding to pay for and I want to build a house. So it won’t be wasted. It will be put towards my future. The recognition for winning means much more to me.”
How did you get into darts?
“My whole family played. Darts was big in our house. We had 3 or 4 dart boards. It was something to fill our time with. It was cheaper than going out. I got pretty good at it.”
Who was your idol?
“I was a big fan of Phil Taylor. What he did for the game was massive.”
How did you nickname come about?
“We were watching a TV show called Arrow and my brother said that’s your nickname for the darts because you were looking for one. And I said let’s go with it.”
What’s the aim going forward?
“To play the world’s best and see if I can go up against them and compete. I have a lot of work to do to get there but it will be fun.”
