I’ve just had two great days at the Irish Poker Open

I met up again with papajack the world poker crown winner who I had become friends with at the 888 UK Open

He PM me on the forum asking if I would like to come over and rail him and the other forum qualifiers

He said all I would need was a cheap flight as I could stay in his room with him and his best m8 Rick (paralada) who I had also met and became friends with

Well I jumped at the chance and the next thing you know I’m in Dublin airport

Robertbh (Deirdre) from the forum was there to meet me with her son Alan

It was in the car on the way over to citywest that Deirdre told me she had qualified for the main event the night before and it had not finished until 4pm and she had not got home until 5pm so how kind was that of her just to grab a couple of hours kip to then come and pick me up

Thanks again D you’re a star

At the hotel papajack met us in the foyer, he and Deirdre had to go and reg for the comp so Alan took me up to the room to met up with Rick

First thing Rick did was make me a nice cup of tea, wonder how he knew I liked tea?

At the UK Open we had talked about our families and Rick had remembered that I have two boys, next thing I know he is giving me presents for them both

Thanks Rick, it meant so much to me that you had been thinking of my boys, but it didn’t surprise me as I already knew you are one real nice guy

We finish our tea and go down to hit the rail as the comp had started  by now

Soon as we walk into the main hall photographers come straight over taking pictures of Rick as he was dressed in cowboy hat and boots and leather jacket he looked a million dollars

I found out where Jack and Deirdre were seated and went over to wish them luck

Time for the first pint of the day (many more would follow)

I walk in the bar and who should be sat there but Paul, (he’s the dad of Craig Young this years UK open runner up)

He got me a pint and told me Craig was next door in the comp, we sink a couple more before going to see Craig

I wish Craig luck then go to find the other forum guys

This was easily done as there is a big screen with the seating plan on it

First one I find is Aaronlt, he shakes my hand and I wish him luck

I then go of to find L67C (David ), this was easily done as all I had to do was look for the youngest looking dude in the hall

David had taken a couple of early hits on his chip stack but still managed a smile for me when I got my camera out

I took a few more pics then headed back to the bar (thirsty work this picture taking you know)

At the first break I catch up with the forum guys, all are still in, so this calls for a celebration ‘pint please barman’

 It was about then that domriver (Dave) who I had met last year in Ireland at the Padraig Parkinson charity event walked in, Dave is a top guy and we have become good friends

He had drove down from Northern Ireland so I new he must be thirsty “BARMAN” We were having some great craic but it was now that things started to go wrong for our guys

First out I think was Arron followed by Deirdre then David, day one had finished with only Jack and Craig still in

Lots more drinking followed, some go to bed but six of us decide to have a 20euro sit/go, well it was only 3am, Aaron, Deirdre, Alan, Paul, Dave and me,

The game finished at 5am and I’m pleased to say I won -  no more Mr no chips off you Aegis please

The next day starts with Deirdre coming to the room with Easter eggs for all, mmm thanks D

Jack was starting the day with 40 odd K so we had high hopes of him doing well, Craig had 13k so we knew it was going to be hard work for him

In the bar they had the Sunderland v Man utd game on, it was at this time Vinnie Deirdre’s friend joined us

 He has joined the forum so if you see him in a game be sure to say hi as he is a top bloke (POKER, BEER, FOOTBALL, GOOD FRIENDS, LIFE DON’T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS)

After the game I went to see how the guys were getting on, bad news Craig gets knocked out followed a little later by Jack

Jack went back to his room but quickly got over his defeat and said ‘let’s party’ and out came the vodka

After a while me and Domriver go back to the bar

A couple of pints later we go back to the room to find Rick crashed out on the bed and Jack asleep in his chair so we go to Deidre’s room

D was playing the 100k on her laptop, L67C was also playing in the 100k in his room and was on Ds table, funny as when L6 wins a hand and D runs to his room and bangs on the door.

It was then that Dave (domriver) had to hit the road home

I spent the rest of the night helping Craig drown his sorrows in the bar, hard job but some one had to do it

Then just time to take a few last pics of poker stars I have got to know over the years before hitting the sack

In the morning I tried to say goodbye to Deirdre, Alan and Vinnie but all were still asleep, so I said my goodbyes to Rick forgot to tell you all, Rick plays a mean guitar and Rick I won’t forget to send you that music I promise

Jack got me a cab to the airport (thanks Jack) and we said our goodbyes

I really hope we all mete up one day and do it all over again

Lambone

Aaronlt-robertbh

L67C

Neil Channing gives the forum the thumbs up

John Kalmar

Ken Doherty

Amanda the dealer

nice one lambone,great post and pics, glad u had great time mate.

any more pics ??

mat

0ttomAn

good on ya Lamby, great report as always. this is what the forums is about mate

     ............

Lambone, gr8 posts & some gr8 pictures. Thought I'd made it clear though that all of me where to be deleted b4 making there way here, I just hate photographs.

Well can I be bold & put my experiences here rather than add another thread. It started off for me last Wednesday when I got a fone call from Paralada (Rick) & headed over to Citywest. Str8 in2 a room with 2 strangers & u know I cudn't have felt more comfortable as if I was with friends I've know for years. Told me about qualifier on thursday so went home & got in a $20 multi game. As I was playin said to hubby if I win owt in this I'm heading to citywest 2moro nite. Well low & behold I got 2nd & $600 so that was my mind made up.

Travelled over Thursday with my lad Alan & the 2 of us met up with L67 (David), his mam & dad along with Aaronlt & his mam. We had a fab nite in which I was lucky enuf 2 qualify for the main event. Kept papajac9 from his beauty sleep but then he don't need it hehe.

Friday started off as lambone says in his post, picked him up blah blah blah (not being rude but no point me repeating all Lamb's post). I had the most brilliant time just being part of the action, even though I didn't do very well, but the experience was 2nd to none.

Well I checked out of hotel yesterday, rick came with us along with vinnie & headed to mine. We had a good day, didn't do owt exciting but the company was good. Learned a lot of card tricks so we might make a few bob or drinks in the pub with them.

Told Jack & Rick I'd be over 2day as jack had decided to enter in2 the charity event. Had taken control of Jack's camera to take the pictures when next of all he had me registered to participate also. I couldn't believe the generosity of this man who'd only know me 4/5 days. His words were that it was a charity event & the money was going to a good cause but still to fork out another €330 on me, I still can't believe it.

The people I've met, the friends I've made will stay with me forever. I am truly & eternally grateful to each & every1 of you for making me feel welcome, to be part of your group & to enjoy ur company. As I said my door is always open & there will be a welcome for you at anytime should you find urselves in Ireland again.

Thanks again Jack, Rick, Ken, David, Aaron, Dave, Craig & Penelope, ops sorry I mean Paul.

Sorry if this is long winded but I'm not too good with putting my thoughts down in words.

Just a BIG BIG THANK YOU