An English professional darts player demonstrates his expertise in a Cork pub.
For a long time the game of darts has been strongly associated with the English pub. The game is now growing in popularity across Ireland.
Many pubs now have their own darts team who play in inter-pub and inter-town leagues.
Denis who plays darts seven nights a week offers some reasons for the growth of the game. In Blarney he says there is nothing else to do apart from going to the pub and while there people play darts. Another player says he takes the game very seriously. Pub owner Johnny, says the growth in the popularity darts means more business for the bar. A game of darts can be a boisterous affair in a pub predominated by men.
English darts player Joe Hitchcock has been touring Ireland giving demonstrations of the game. He has played and beaten leading darts player in Britain and Ireland. In the process, he has raised thousands of pounds for charity as well as earning a living by doing brewery sponsored demonstrations.
Joe Hitchcock has been playing darts for the past 34 years.
Joe Hitchcock puts on a show and can knock a cigarette or a match stick out of the mouth of a volunteer with a dart. In 34 years he has only lost six darts matches. He puts the growing popularity of the game in Ireland down to people travelling more. Men enjoy the game in England and bring it back home to Ireland. Joe Hitchcock has praise for the volunteers who give him the opportunity to perform his tricks and says that he would not be so brave.
A 'Newsbeat' report broadcast on 20 November 1968. The reporter is Michael Ryan.
