THE first Mallow woman to compete at All Ireland level darts will be battling it out next weekend.

Nineteen-year-o l d Ciara Haugh, known as 'The Legend Killer', could come back with an All Ireland trophy and €1,000 for her club after next weekend's tournament at Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

A long established member of the Moriarty's bar darts team in Mallow, the CIT Business Administration student started playing darts at the age of 16.

Owner of Moriarty's bar, Aideen Roche, said that at this point Ciara has defeated all of Mallow's male dart players.

"All the men are left shaking in their boots if they come across Ciara," said Aideen.

Moriarty's Bar was where it all began for Ciara who, in the early days, was a marker while her boyfriend Nicky Sherman practiced his darts skills. But over the years she progressed to became a renowned darts player.

Because Mallow only has two other female darts players, Ciara was left with no choice but join a ladies team in Cork. It was through this team that she qualified for the All - Ireland championship playing with a team of 12.

However, she still regularly plays in local tournaments in Mallow and every night Ciara practices for several hours in Moriarty's bar. According to Ciara, focus, concentration and determination are the secrets behind a successful darts player.

Unswayed by the lack of female darts players in her home town, Ciara loves the game.

"I prefer playing darts against women, but Mallow women don't have the interest. Numerous attempts to set up ladies tournaments in Mallow have all failed," said Ciara.

- LOUISE MCCARTHYlmccarthy@corkman.ie