Irish Poker Festival '10 Day 4

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Day 4

The final day of the Ladbrokes Irish Poker Festival got under way as soon as the clock struck one o clock on Sunday. 39 players had the honour of saying that had made it into the business end of what has now become a prestigious event with Irishman Ciaran Taggart maintaining the lead into this exciting day of play. He had to watch his back, however, as Ladbrokes Pro “Skalie” was positioning himself to make a move.

Action was thick and fast early doors with Gary Beaumount being one of the first causalities after managing to find Pocket Kings only to run them into Pocket Aces. As always, the blinds were present to continuously put pressure on the shorter stacked players and a flurry of eliminations followed from players who were trying to make their mark, only to fall short at the final hurdle.

A rollercoaster of emotions was expected at the start of play and this was delivered on many occasions with plenty of 3 and 4 way all-ins to keep the crowd that had gathered around the tables entertained. The giant crowd that made an impenetrable ring around the remaining tables provided plenty of support to their friends and family from the very start of play.

A very special mention has to go to Allen and Patricia McLean, husband and wife, who managed to fight their way through the massive field to make it well into the final day and didn’t even argue with one another when there were only two tables left. Perhaps they will be the inspiration for poker-minded couples next year who look to play the great value events that are present in Killarney.

At times the action was like greased lightning with players being sent to the rails at a pace that would put 100m sprinter runners to shame. The fearless Paul Lucey, while not commanding a chip lead, was leading the charge in aggression as we crept towards a final table.

As we approached our final table, Barry McGlennan managed to be the first player to surpass a million chips after knocking out Waterford man Dave McCarthy in a hand that will probably haunt Dave until this time next year after Barry flopped two pair to send Dave to the rails and think about the many ways to qualify for next years event.

Our final table formed as the beautiful Killarney countryside descended into darkness. It was John “skalie” Kalmar that commanded the chip lead at this pivotal stage of the tournament. Valerie McGrath was our last remaining lady but despite being eliminated in unfortunate circumstances, she can be quite proud of managing to nurse a short stack all the way through the final day.

Play on the final table was very cagey and tight with players very weary of the €75,000 first prize on offer. It became apparent that Paul Lucey and John “skalie” Kalmar were the most comfortable of the final table players as they were leading the way in the betting.

For those that were keeping score, it was one title a piece to Ireland and England with Jimmy McSweeney taking down the inaugural event and Thomas Rolfe taking down last years event. Thomas was present in the crowd to witness the final table, which initially had 7 Irish players, swung in favour of the English and Scandinavian contingent led by the ever-aggressive Skalie.

As the final table continued to whittle down, it was John “skalie” Kalmar and Barry McGleenon who continued to clash throughout. They were playing an improvised game of tennis, continously passing chips to one another while the likes of Paul Lucey and Lars Torngren bided their time and waited for hands that were worthy of taking out other players.

Eventually John “skalie” Kalmar found himself both short in chips and at the wrong end of a flip and he was knocked out in 4th place leaving Paul Lucey, Barry McGleenon and Lars Torngren battle it out with pretty even stacks.

Play slowed to a pace of an aging turtle maneuvering its way through treacle when we were 3 handed. With a €75,000 first prize, there was going to be no messing around. The final hand arrived when Barry McGlennon made a move with Jack-Five and found both Paul Lucey and Lars Torngren willing to call.

After the carnage was complete, it was Lars Torngren, who had both Paul and Barry covered, who managed to have his pocket sixes hold against the overcards of Paul and Barry and knock both players out in one hand and secure himself a nice payday of €75,000. Paul Lucey had Barry covered and becomes our seocnd place finisher while Barry takes down third.