Jack McKenna

For other people with similar names, see Jack McKenna (runner) and John McKenna (disambiguation).
Jack McKenna
Personal information
Born (1942-03-10) 10 March 1942 (age 82)
Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland
Home townNewbridge, County Kildare, Ireland
Darts information
Playing darts since1960
Darts36g Unicorn
LateralityRight-handed
Walk-on music"The Irish Rover" by The Pogues & The Dubliners
Organisation (see split in darts)
BDO1974–2000, 2006–2007
PDC2002–2005
WDF major events – best performances
World Ch'shipLast 16: 1990
World MastersQuarter Finals: 1974
PDC premier events – best performances
World Grand PrixLast 16: 2002
Other tournament wins
TournamentYears
O'Shea Cup Mens Singles1994, 2000, 2003, 2004
Updated on 27 March 2019.

Jack McKenna (born 10 March 1942) is an Irish former professional darts player who played in British Darts Organisation (BDO) and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tournaments.[1]

Darts career

From Newbridge, County Kildare,[2] McKenna started playing darts at the age of 20.[3] He reached the quarter-finals of the inaugural Winmau World Masters in 1974. In 1989, he reached the final of the WDF World Cup, losing to Eric Bristow.

It was at the 1990 BDO World Darts Championship where McKenna become notorious within the game, as the man on the receiving end of the first nine-dart finish at the World Championship, achieved by Paul Lim of the United States.[4] McKenna had earlier beaten Peter Evison in the first round before losing to Lim in the second round.

He returned to television in the 2002 PDC World Grand Prix, beating Cliff Lazarenko in the first round before losing to Phil Taylor. He returned to the event in 2004, but lost in the first round to Dennis Priestley.

McKenna tried to qualify for the 2008 BDO World Championship but lost in the very first round.[5]

During his career, McKenna claimed to not practice at playing darts at all.[6] He is a non-drinker.[7]

World Championship results

BDO

  • 1990: Last 16 (lost to Paul Lim 2–3) (sets)

References

  1. ^ Jack McKenna Darts Database; Retrieved 27 December 2010.
  2. ^ Stanley, Colman (15 December 2022). "When An Irishman Was At The Heart Of One Of Darts' Most Iconic Moments". Balls.ie. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Clean-cut and slim-line is the modern man on the oche". The Irish Times. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  4. ^ "Ewan MacKenna: 'Darts' appeal lies in fun and integrity'". Irish Independent. 3 January 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  5. ^ 2008 World Championship Qualifiers Darts Database; Retrieved 27 December 2010
  6. ^ Gallagher, Mark (24 October 2002). "No practice makes perfect for veteran McKenna". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  7. ^ "Kildare's Jack McKenna on the oche in 1990". www.kildarenow.com. 1 May 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2024.