Considering the sport's popularity in this country, it's a bit strange that there haven't been more top darting talents produced in the Republic of Ireland.
Steve Lennon and Willie O'Connor have been on the tour for a number of years, with both men winning their opening round matches at the World Championships yesterday.
However, Keane Barry is the most exciting talent we have at the moment.
The 19-year old Meath native is one of the brightest young prospects around at the moment, winning two youth world championships and making his name on the tour over the last couple of years.
He has now gotten off the mark at Alexandra Palace.
This was Barry's third appearance at PDC World Championships, exiting at the first round in each of the last two years.
There would be no stopping him this time, with the Irishman producing a dramatic 3-2 win over Royden Lam this afternoon.
He played the much better darts overall in the first two sets, including a few big check-outs.
Brilliant from Barry! 🔥
Classy 108 finish from the 19-year-old to wrap up the first set 🇮🇪
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#️⃣ #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/d4NtJJh4rY— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 17, 2021
However, Lam would roar back with some excellent play of his own to level the game at 2-2.
𝗟𝗔𝗠 𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗟!
Sensational bullseye finish there as Lam ties proceedings at two sets apiece and we're into a decider! pic.twitter.com/Qe1ib8OuzM— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 17, 2021
Barry managed to power through in the end, but it was the nerviest of finishes.
In the fifth leg of the final set, Lam would have had the darts had he managed to bring it to a deciding game. This resulted in both players losing their nerve somewhat, missing a number of doubles.
In the end, it was Barry that finished the job.
𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗬 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗡! 🇮🇪
It's a first Ally Pally victory for the 19-year-old Keane Barry as he leads Lam to the slaughter, closing out a 3-2 success!
📺 Up next 👉 Jermaine Wattimena v Boris Koltsov pic.twitter.com/DZrYzNJXuv— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 17, 2021
He will now face Jonny Clayton in the second round, with the Welshman currently ranked eighth in the world rankings and recently won the Premier League.
Quite the test, but it will be some experience for the youngster.
SEE ALSO: Carlow's Steve Lennon Beats The Heat To Progress At Ally Pally
