Athlone €30K In A Day Wrap
The Good, The Bad Beats & The Old Schoolers – Athlone on a Saturday Night
Athlone saw the good, the bad beats, and the old school grit of Graydon and Ainsworth.
All of it. On a Saturday night in Athlone.
Main Event – €39,168 Prize Pool
Strong numbers from the off and that familiar Athlone buzz humming around the room. By shortly after 4pm the guarantee was well covered, and by the close of registration the prize pool had climbed to €39,168, with 240 entries locked in.
The first pause of the night wasn’t for a bust-out — it was for romance.
The Athlone Springs Hotel staff appeared with two bouquets of roses for Moya Murphy, sent by her partner Kieran. A classy touch. Whether it was fate or flowers, the run-good followed. Moya surged to the top of the chip counts, bagging 600,000 heading into the final four tables and it looked like this was going to be her night.
Earlier drama saw Laura Crasenco shove Robbie Bryant all-in on the turn with a straight draw. Robbie held top pair, made the call, and the draw missed. Laura became the unlucky bubble, and just like that the remaining 24 players were in the money, all chasing a very tasty €10,000 top prize.
The Midlands flag flew deep once again. Robbie Bryant carried it proudly, finishing 6th for €1,895 for the Midlands Card Club. But the story of the night remained Moya Murphy. She entered the final nine with a commanding 2,195,000 and never really let the momentum slip, riding that wave all the way to the business end of the tournament where she finished in 4th for €3,035. Moya has shown great consistency over the past year and is surely making a case for breakout player of 2026. Well done Moya.
That left our 2025 rising star Killian Farrell 3 way with Ronan Gilligan and Gerard Keenan.
After Mr Keenan aka Cash King fell in 3rd , Killian and Ronan resumed play before coming to a heads up deal once both players were even in chips.
Killian takes the trophy and the points! Already he is being tipped to be the favourite for the 2026 leaderboard title. As Mr Shane Keary put it after Killian’s latest win “ The league is yours if you want it” Athlone doesn’t hand out trophies easily. You earn them here and Killian has done exactly that.
Congratulations also goes to Ronan Gilligan and Colman Wheatly who were our Main Event Last Longers. They both won their package to the €100k for €100 Festival at the Greenisle Hotel on St Paddy’s weekend.
PLO – 8-Max (€2,160 Prize Pool)
The Saturday night PLO 8-Max pulled in 18 entries, creating a €2,160 prize pool and wrapping up after 4 hours and 18 minutes of controlled chaos.
The usual suspects were in attendance — Shane Keary, John Cormican, and Stephen “Stork” Bartley — but there would be no procession this time for Keary. Three-handed, he found himself short against Keith Touhey and Canadian Jimmy.
In the end, it was Jimmy who stood tallest, lifting the trophy and pocketing €1,100 after navigating the swings and the split pots.
Saturday NLH – €3,720 Prize Pool
The €170 2x Re-Entry Saturday NLH attracted 31 entries (24 unique), building a €3,720 prize pool and delivering a proper late-night scrap.
Nigel Cleary fell just shy of the podium places, collecting €560 for 4th after a deep and disciplined run.
From there, it became a tale of experience.
Old schooler Big Mick Graydon took command as the final table thinned, steering the action into a tense three-handed battle alongside Shella McSweeney and Jaunius Kavalciukas.
McSweeney had shown serious resilience throughout, but her run ended in 3rd place (€705) when Kavalciukas found the hand to send her to the rail.
That left a heads-up duel stretching into the early hours — chips sliding back and forth under the low hum of the room.
When the last card fell, it was Jaunius Kavalciukas who claimed the title and the €1,490 first prize, closing out another Saturday night in Athlone the only way this town knows how.
Hard fought. Well earned.
And never quiet for long.
See you all in Carrick poker fans!
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WPT Global
WPT Global was created in close partnership with the World Poker Tour, one of the most respected brands in poker for more than two decades, and serves as the official online home of the WPT. Built by experienced poker industry professionals, the platform was designed with a clear purpose: to connect online players directly to the live WPT circuit and provide realistic, affordable pathways to some of the biggest stages in tournament poker.
Unlike many online poker platforms that operate independently of live tours, WPT Global is structurally aligned with the World Poker Tour ecosystem. Its tournament schedule and satellite system are built specifically to feed into flagship WPT events, WPT Prime stops, and major live festivals around the world. Players are not just grinding for online titles; they are playing for seats, travel packages, and opportunities to compete on the global stage. Over time, numerous players have turned small online buy-ins into meaningful live scores, reinforcing the site’s focus on accessibility and progression.
The platform offers a full schedule of cash games and multi-table tournaments across a wide range of formats and stakes, alongside a regionally tailored online series. A defining feature of WPT Global is its emphasis on satellites, which regularly award seats into live WPT events worldwide. This live-qualification model is central to its identity and differentiates it from competitors whose offerings remain primarily online. Behind the scenes, the company uses AI-driven game integrity tools and experienced security teams to maintain fair and sustainable gameplay, reflecting a broader commitment to long-term player trust.
WPT Global works closely with ambassadors, champions and online qualifiers who represent the bridge between online and live poker. One of the most notable recent partnerships is with Irish professional poker player and content creator Fintan Hand. As one of Ireland’s most recognisable poker personalities, Hand has built a substantial following through streaming and tournament success. His role as ambassador strengthens the WPT’s connection to the Irish poker community while promoting the platform’s satellite pathways into live events.
Promotions are a major part of the WPT Global offering. Recently concluded campaigns such as the five-million-dollar Christmas and New Year Gift Giveaway promotion delivered added value through free daily gifts and boosted tournament guarantees. The company has also indicated that one of its most significant tournament series to date will be announced in the near future, signalling continued expansion of its flagship online events.
One of the standout current opportunities is the route to WPT Prime Cyprus, where players can win a $2,000 package that includes championship entry, travel allowance, exclusive merchandise and a $100,000 Golden Ticket bonus awarded if the qualifier goes on to win the live event. Qualification is available through Sunday satellites and daily feeder tournaments, with additional freeroll opportunities and the option to use Passport Dollars toward entry. The structure allows players to compete for a major live package for as little as $1.10, or in some cases without direct outlay.
WPT Global has also strengthened its presence in Ireland through satellites feeding into the Dublin Poker Festival, which runs from February 19 to March 1, 2026. Players can qualify online for both the €200,000 guaranteed European Deepstack Poker Championship and the €100,000 guaranteed Amateur Championship of Poker. Entry routes begin at micro-stakes levels, building through step satellites to secure live seats in Dublin.
In addition, selected satellite winners receive a €100,000 Golden Ticket bonus, which adds an extra layer of incentive should they go on to win the live event. Across ten days of action at the Bonnington Hotel Conference Centre, the festival features more than €400,000 in guaranteed prize pools, with online Day 1 options available through WPT Global before play moves to Dublin.
WPT Global positions itself as more than a standalone online poker site. It functions as the digital extension of the World Poker Tour, offering structured routes to live events, significant promotional value, ambassador-led community engagement and technology-driven game integrity. By blending online accessibility with live aspiration, it continues to expand its footprint as a key gateway into the modern WPT ecosystem.
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Texas Hold’em
As we build on this Rising Stars section, firstly we must strengthen the foundations. By taking a look at Texas Hold’em. Finding out where it began and the people that helped to make it the global sensation that it is today.
Personally, I remember when first learning how to play cards for money in the 90’s it was games like straight poker, railroad, five or seven card blinds and dealers’ choice being played. At the turn of the Millenium, with everyone now having access to more channels than ITV and the BBC, people started to see the WSOP. Chips, folding tables and “cards from Vegas” were everywhere, and since then its popularity has only risen.
Beginnings
Dating Texas Hold’em, as initially it was played by those specifically wanting to be hidden when doing so, is tough. Officially the Texas House Concurrent Resolution in 2007 recognised Robstown, Texas as its birthplace sometime in the 1900’s.
Known initially as “holdem” or in some circles “hold me darling”, in the 1930’s T. “Blondie” Forbes is accredited with formalising the modern rules of the game, posthumously he was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame as the sole inductee for his contribution to the modern game.
In the early days, like many a card game it was played by ranchers, hustlers and blue collared workers, in the backs of pool halls, saloons, riverboats and roadhouses. From then to now it has become the most popular card game in the world. In 1963 Felton “Corky” McCorquodale introduced the game to The California Club Casino in Las Vegas and brought it to the big stage.
In 1972 the World Series of Poker (WSOP), which is the largest and most prestigious series of poker events in the world adopted Texas Hold’em as the format in which players would compete. As the popularity increased so did the tournament winnings.
2000’s Boom
Like many things at the turn of the century, Hold’em developed and changed. With advancements in technology introducing the hole-card cam enabling viewers to see players cards.
As well as the boom in online play, highlighted and publicised by Chris Moneymaker who won the WSOP in 2003, inspiring millions to take up poker, with his rags to riches story. Qualifying from a $39 ticket online and walking away with $2,500,000 and a place in poker history.
With companies like PartyPoker and PokerStars creating the platforms to advance the game, online became a training ground for the future live tournament players. Turning what was once a niche gambling game into a globally competitive spectator sport.
Big Names in the Game
Throughout the years there have been those that have succeeded or influenced the game making it what it is today.
Doyle Brunson is the perfect place to start. Known as the “Texas Dolly” and once a promising basketball talent whose career ended abruptly. He switched to cards and entered the world of poker at a time when it was known as dangerous. Doyle stood 6’4” with his cowboy hat and fearlessly aggressive style of play. Introducing tactics every modern poker player would later implement. Winning the WSOP twice (1976–77) both times with 10-2, playing his opponent and not the cards. In total winning the WSOP bracelet 10 times spanning a career over 4 decades winning his first in 1976 and last in 2005, he is the personification of a poker player.
Bryn Kenney would be the modern maverick in the poker world, instead of dark, dank saloons he earnt and learnt his stripes online using a methodical and analytical approach to the game. Still focusing on an aggressive, pressure heavy game he is completely unafraid of variance (comfortable with big swings). Where early poker savants relied somewhat on instinct and feel; Bryn relies on his relentless approach to winning. He has a great grasp of ranges and an ability to implement successful strategies in the biggest events across the world. (Bryn as of 2026 has won the most money from live tournaments, $65+ Million)
Stu Ungar was poker’s wild genius, a true poker savant. Stu saw cards like patterns and probabilities like colours. To those sitting at the table it was almost as if he knew what the cards were, before they were even dealt. Three-time WSOP Main Event champ, gin rummy legend, fearless and almost unbeatable when focused. Stu also lived as dangerously as he played some people have a vice, Stu had em all. Cocaine, Women, Excessive Betting and an ability to keep going without sleep. His 1997 Main Event win, after years of decline, was a final flash of pure, untamed talent.
Steve O’Dwyer is Ireland’s leading all time live earner, calm, precise, and almost unnervingly consistent in high-roller tournaments. Unlike the legends who relied on instinct or raw aggression, Steve blends extreme technical skill and patience with a timed approach to massive stakes. He came up through online poker but has been consistently performing in tournaments with the biggest prize pools on the planet, for years.
Canadian Daniel Negreanu has charisma and calculation rolled into one, the poker player that grew up alongside the modern surge in poker. Known as “Kid Poker”, he rose from Toronto streets to dominate tournaments worldwide, winning 6 WSOP bracelets and 2 WPT titles, with millions in live earnings and countless high-stakes final tables. What sets him apart isn’t just his skill, it’s his ability to read people, making his approach to the game psychological. He’s aggressive when it matters, friendly at the table, and entertaining to watch.
Ain’t no holding back, Texas
In 2023 there was record breaking attendance for the WSOP, it has remained above the previous record since then and after the setbacks from COVID-19 it looks set to continue to rise. From simple beginnings were once IOU’s, livestock, land and farming equipment were staked. It has now become a highly lucrative and socially enjoyable international spectacle.
It has been featured in popular culture on numerous occasions, TV Shows like, Friends, How I Met Your Mother and Seinfeld have all featured Hold’em. Films like Rounders, James Bond and Molly’s Game with video games like Fallout: New Vegas all featuring it. In 2024, Beyonce had a No.1 hit with the song “Texas Hold’em” yet again showing its relevance in today’s society.
Nowadays with the accessibility and ease of travel people are able to fulfil bucket list dreams by playing in the likes of Las Vegas, Macau, Barcelona and Monte Carlo. Enjoying the sights, tastes and sounds of the local cultures while challenging themselves in illustrious, competitive settings, playing a game that doesn’t change.
Like the diversification of many things that would have been seen as more a manly activity, it has taken time. Any person deserves a seat at the table has been the creed. With that in mind there has been a change in the demographic and feel of live poker events. Over the years women have made their way through to the upper echelons of professional poker.
Leo Margets made the 2025 WSOP Main Event final table in Las Vegas. Being the first woman in 30 years to do so, it’s only a matter of time before one secures the Big One.
It is safe to say that its rise isn’t set to subside anytime soon
Good Luck
Adam
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Doyles Poker Club, Limerick
Last year while Storm Éowyn battered and beat both Ireland and Scotland. I ventured off to experience first hand, live tournament poker. Landing at the Charleville Park Hotel, Co Cork, for the Munster Poker Festival run by the Irish Poker Tour (Jan 24th – 26th, 2025).
When you play your first live poker event it’s normal to feel nervous. That feeling dissipated pretty quickly for me. I was lucky to be seated in between David “Panda” Fitzpatrick and Eoghan “Simsy” Sims, both regulars at the Doyles Poker Club. Instantly they made me feel at ease, and kept me right as I obviously looked out of my depth. Which I was.
A few hands in Pat Fitz, another Doyles player joined the fray and I was treated to a little glimpse of what Poker is like at the Limerick Club. If the jovial, jokes and jests were anything to go by, even if the cards didn’t go my way I would at least be leaving with a smile on my face. Jamie Flynn the founder of Doyles also arrived with players asking about his recent trip to Vegas, regailing those at the table in the lyrically Limerick way that has to be experienced to be appreciated.
With rising stars I want to not only get to know the players making moves in the game but the places where they hone their skills and develop their craft.
Throughout my first year with livepokerupdates I started to see Doyles players showing up at events throughout the circuit and having great runs in a majority of them. With it producing players that are constantly making the final table in major events. What better place to start than with them.
Let’s take a closer look at Limerick’s Little Gem.
Opened in May 2024 by Limerick Poker player Jamie Flynn, who at this stage had been playing Poker for around 15 years, amassing well over €1 Million in tournament earnings.
He was Irish Poker Tour Killarney Main Event Winner (2023), and has had countless cashes in tournaments all over the world. Ranked Ireland’s No.1 player on the Global Poker Index in 2024, he is also a content creator. With his own podcast and YouTube videos in which he draws on experience from the circuit in long form conversational style interviews with people from the worlds of football, poker and more.
Doyles now has over 500 members; they run a monthly tournament with a buy-in of €200 and a €10k Guarantee that regularly gets 60+ players, helping to cultivate and create a poker culture in the Treaty city. With mini-festivals throughout the year and satellites for both the Irish Poker Open (Major Irish Festival spanning over a multitude of days) and the Irish Poker Tour (Ireland’s No.1 live poker experience) on a regular basis.
€20 All in or Fold games are popular at the club where 10 players compete in a winner takes all tournament, perfect for someone wanting to jump in for a quick game and a cheeky can or two.
One of their events, The Sunday Escalator has been hailed as one of the best weekly games in Ireland, with a €30 buy-in and re-buy’s the guarantee starts at €2000, every week it is met Doyles throw another €200 on to the guarantee. This week it stands at €4400, the biggest so far.
Tommy O’Rourke, another Doyles faithful came in second place in the Main Event at the Irish Poker Tour’s showstopper event held at the Gleneagle Hotel, The Killarney Poker Festival. He walked away with €63,500, adding yet another story to the pages of the club’s lineage. Dan Lewis, another Doyles patriot, won the Castletroy Main Event just a week or so ago.
In the Munster Poker Festival at the Charleville Park Hotel held over the St. Brigid’s day weekend, there were three Doyle affiliated players who made it through to the final table in the Main Event.
Gareth Cash in fifth and Tom Samuels in third. With Killian Farrell who finished in second although primarily a player out of the Eglinton Casino, Galway. He would classify Doyles as his second home.
The standout spectacle and centrepiece of the club is Jimmy’s Room. Named after the legend, Jimmy Hennessy, known to those that had the pleasure of meeting him as “an absolute gentleman”. I was told that anyone who played Poker in and around the Limerick area over the last twenty years would have known this enigmatic poker enthusiast.
He recently cashed out at the ripe old age of 93 in December. The room is dedicated and designed in his honour and functions as a luxury cash game room. Boasting a bespoke branded table with ergonomic, sleek and comfy chairs, that are perfect for long sessions in the thick of it.
Photos of Jimmy adorn the walls, making sure that even though he is gone, he will never be forgotten.
With five tables in the main room and Jimmy’s private suite it accommodates players comfortably while maintaining a club-like feel.
Their aim is to provide Limerick with a friendly environment where people can get good value and fair, competitive poker.
At the recent Munster Poker Festival, run by the IPT, I luckily got the chance to catch up with Gareth Cash who finished fifth in the Main Event. Gareth grew up just down the street from me, in Belfast. A few years younger than myself little did I know the poker player he would one day become.
At times he was in top spot in the Main Event and was taking an aggressive yet methodical approach to securing it, and it was fun to watch. Gareth is the Manager of the Doyles Poker Club, and has had quite the journey in the poker world and outside it.
But that is a story for another day…
Good Luck
Adam
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Munster Poker Festival – Final Day Wrap
Going into the final day there is always a tense but optimistic atmosphere in the room. Those dreaming of their first big win, those happy to have made it so far and those relishing in the opportunity to test their skills at such a high level.
Starting off the day was the Munster Main Event – Day 1H Hyper giving players one last chance to qualify for the Main event. In this flight there were 50 entries which brought the overall prize pool for the Main to €121,775. From this flight the biggest stack brought forward was with Mick Graydon, 266,000.
Next up was the big one, the Munster Main Event – Final got underway, from a field of 590 entries, 93 secured a seat for the final. As the day progressed and competitors began to fall by the wayside, that all too bittersweet moment in any Main Event was upon us. Shane Glynn, bubbled out of the Main, allowing the rest of the field to breathe a sigh of relief for a short time.
The Charleville 300 got underway which saw 27 players involved, bringing the prize pool to €6,740. Zeik Tuit, an IPT regular and fisherman by trade, was unable to cash. But he was not willing to leave with an empty net just yet. As play progressed and the tournament neared the final stages it was John O’Boyle who finished in 3rd with €1,350. A deal was discussed in the heads up but one could not be agreed upon. Play continued and it was Wang Kwan Chan who came in second with €1,790. Taking home the trophy and €3,100 back to Castlewellan was John Keown.
Monsterstack was next on the roster, with more chips in play, adding a different dynamic to this event. In total there were 55 players bringing the prize pool to €6,600. Pavlo Havrylyshen and Kieran O’Riordan who both have had good runs in the festival tried their luck yet again but were unable to cash. In the end it was Padraig O’Loinseach, who finished in third €1,000. When it got down to the heads up the payouts were adjusted and play continued. In second was Keith O’Connor, €1,750. Taking home the trophy and €2,000 was Carl O’Connell.
Last to kick off was the Omaha 4/5 Cards, which as the festival winds down is always a somewhat light hearted affair. Players swapping stories and tales from the days gone by. Shane Keary, who is no stranger to the Omaha table threw his hat in the ring, but was unable to cash. In the end it was Pat Coleman who came second with €900. After exiting the Charleville 300, Zeik Tuit (Skipper) took home yet another trophy and €1,140.
Back to the Main Event and the control shifted from player to player. When it got down to 4, a deal was discussed but one could not be agreed upon. Play continued and after Lithuanian Vilnius Kadelskas exited in 4th, €7,000. An ICM deal was discussed then agreed upon and play continued for the trophy and €1000. In the end it was Thomas Samuels at his first live event who came in third, €17,000. In second was IPT leaderboard third place finisher Killian Farrell, €14,000. Taking home the trophy and €20,000 was IT Repair Man, Aidan Connolly who has been a life long poker fan and is delighted to get a Main Event trophy in the bag.
Well poker fans, that’s it for another fantastic few days of poker.
Make sure to stay tuned to livepokerupdates for all the action at the next event.
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Day 3 Wrap
The Charleville Park Hotel was greeted with the welcome return of an old friend on Sunday, especially at this time of year. After a cold, wet, and windy few days, the sunshine made an appearance, much to the delight of all.
As we near the final day of the Munster Poker Festival 2026, let’s take a look at Sunday’s action.
Throughout the day there were three flights to be played for the Munster Main Event. In total a further 250 entries got involved which saw the prize pool reach and surpass the guarantee. With the Munster Main Event 1H Hyper to be played (11am – Monday 2nd of February) the guarantee now stands at €109,393. Knowing that Shane Keary was sitting with 791,000 in his bag, players endeavoured to bag up enough to take down Saturday night’s Omaha winner. After another great day and night of poker 37 players made it through. Bringing the total number of players up to now through to 80.
The biggest stacks brought forward on the day were Niall Campbell with 508,000, Emmanuel Maguire had 530,000 and Vasileios Kontogiannis bagged up 695,000.
Going into the Munster Main Event Final with the Hyper still to play the top 3 stacks are with –
Shane Keary – 791,000
Ross Kiely – 730,000
Vasileios Kontogiannis – 695,000
Next up was the Charleville 200 One Dayer, as the name suggests this one was to be settled on the day, in total there were 28 entries which meant the prize pool was €4,570. IPT regulars Pavlo Havrylyshen and Mary Galvin were unable to make it through to the final stage, Pavlo at one stage was chip leader and after a series of unfortunate events exited the tournament. But don’t be rushing to any conclusions, Pavlo, the former boxer, wasn’t ready to give up. As play progressed it got down to four players remaining. A payout adjustment was agreed upon and play continued. The Galway Women’s Championship Winner, Shella McSweeney finished in fourth, in third was Marius Lungu and second was Paul Delaney all of which received €1,100. Living in Galway but originally from Carlow, taking home the trophy and €1,270 was Tadgh Kelly.
The Sunday NLH had 25 entries in total playing for a prize pool of €3000. The atmosphere was jovial with many players already bagged up for the final wanting to keep zoned in for the big day. Shane Keary and Jude Ainsworth were among those unable to make it through to the final stages. It was Kieran O’Donovan who finished third, €500. In the heads-up the payouts were adjusted and play continued. In the end it was Kieran O’Riordan who finished in second, cashing €1,000. Taking home his first trophy of the year, with a massive grin and congratulations from the floor was Pavlo Havrylyshen, €1,200.
Next up is the Final Day, be sure to stay tuned to livepokerupdates for all the action on the floor…
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Munster Poker Festival – Day 2 Wrap
Nestled in rural landscapes at the top of County Cork lies the town of Charleville. As St. Brigid’s Day approaches, a celebration that also marks the start of spring in Ireland, the Munster Poker Festival 2026 offers players the chance to welcome the incoming season with live poker.
Throughout Day 2 of the festival, three flights were played, B, C and D, giving players the opportunity to secure a bag for the final day. In total there were 208 entries, bringing the prize pool to over half of the guarantee, with four flights still to be played.
After a hard fought and exciting day of poker, the largest stacks moving forward were Gareth Cash with 484,000, Marius Lungu with 535,000 and Ross Kiely with 730,000. Shane Keary remains the overall chip leader with 791,000 from Day 1A.
Next up was the Saturday Omaha, and having already secured a healthy stack in the Main Event, Shane Keary set his sights on his first trophy of the festival. He battled through the field and was left with just one opponent, Killian Farrell, who finished third on last year’s IPT leaderboard, just behind Shane. Close friends from years on the circuit, bragging rights were up for grabs while the floor watched. In the end it was the big guy from Athenry who came out on top, Shane Keary claimed the trophy and €1,550.
The final trophy of the day came in the Saturday NLH. Refusing to settle for a second place finish, Killian Farrell loaded one into the chamber and placed another wager. He enjoyed yet another deep run, but entered the final three short stacked and exited in third place. The remaining two players agreed a deal and play continued. It was Tyrone’s Niall Campbell who went on to lift the trophy and collect €1,140, with Alexander Tarum taking €900 for second place.
With plenty more poker still to be played, be sure to stay tuned to livepokerupdates for all the action on the final days.
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Munster Poker Festival 2026 – Day 1 Wrap
The south of Ireland always brings a different vibe. A little looser, a little louder, and never short on character. On Day 1 at the Munster Poker Festival 2026, that atmosphere was on full display as Charleville Park Hotel proudly stamped itself onto the map as another Munster grassroots poker stronghold.
Day 1 is officially in the books, poker fans. Munster has spoken!
Doyle’s €10k Opener – Trophy Stays in Munster
The Doyle’s €10k Opener got the festival off to a flying start, highlighting the depth and diversity of the Irish poker scene. Players from Ireland, Ukraine, and Greece took their seats, with 68 entries creating a prize pool of €11,100.
A tension sat over the felt throughout the day, broken only by the familiar Munster banter that kept spirits high during a long grind.
- Mick Graydon bowed out just short of the final table in 11th
- Tommy Cosgrove, after many deep runs on the IPT, finally converted with a 5th-place finish for €750
After 11 long, banter-filled hours, it was Cork’s Ross Kiely who ensured the opening trophy stayed in Munster. Following a three-way deal, Kiely sealed the title, collecting €2,700 (€2,200 each + €500 and the trophy for the winner). 2nd place was Denis O’Hea and 3rd was Kieran O’Riordan who both scored for a very healthy €2200.
Munster Main Event 1A – €100,000 Guaranteed
Flight 1A of the Munster Main Event kicked off with real purpose as players chased a share of the €100,000 guarantee. By the close of late registration, 55 unique entries were recorded.
Play concluded after Level 16, with:
- Average stack: 350,000
- Prize pool: €14,448
And sitting comfortably atop the chip counts was a certain Mr. Keary.
End of Day 1A Chip Counts
- Shane Keary – 791,000
- Sebin Varghese – 588,000
- Jeremy O’Leary – 370,000
- James E. O’Connor – 267,000
- Pat O’Flaherty – 248,000
- Keith O’Connor – 215,000
- Pat O’Donnell – 201,000
- Cyril Doherty – 170,000
Plenty still to play for as the Main Event continues to build momentum.
Michael Casey Takes Down Friday NLH
The Friday Night NLH side event may have been compact, but it was anything but soft. Michael Casey navigated the field superbly to take the title, pocketing €1,260 and adding 200 valuable festival points to his tally.
Prize Pool: €1,800
Final Results:
- Michael Casey (IE) – €1,260 | 200 pts
- Brian O’Sullivan (IE) – €540 | 125 pts
Another strong showing for Big Mick G, who bowed out in 6th.
Day 2 Awaits
We’re back Saturday at 11am as the Munster Poker Festival rolls on. More flights, more trophies, and more stories waiting to be written.
As always … keep it LPU, keep it Irish Poker Tour. ♠️🔥
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Welcome to Munster
Under the lights of the Charleville Park Hotel, the Munster Poker Festival 2026 returns with a €110,000+ guarantee and a schedule built to test patience, nerve, and timing. From the first shuffle on Friday afternoon to the final hand on Monday night. Doyles €10k , Munster Main Event €100,000, Charleville 200 One Dayer, Monsterstack, Omaha and cash action around the clock.
Welcome to Munster Poker Fans and Charleville …it’s good to be back!
Live coverage from the team on the ground at 4!
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Rising Stars
Over the past year, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the LivePokerUpdates team, bringing stats, stories, and snapshots straight from the poker floor. The aim has always been simple: to inform and, hopefully, entertain those in the thick of the action, while keeping everyone watching from afar fully up to speed.
Although I’ve played cards all my life, I’d describe myself more as a social poker player than a serious one. Still, the world of poker has always fascinated me. Step onto a buzzing tournament floor for even a few seconds and you can feel it: the tension, the excitement and anticipation. Add to that the constant stream of stories, jokes, and outrageous one-liners flying across the table, and it’s hard not to be drawn in.
That atmosphere is exactly what we want to explore in Rising Stars, the unique and wonderful world of live poker.
Of course, we’ll be focusing on players: those climbing through the ranks, established names in the game, and the occasional wildcard who comes out of nowhere to run over the field and lift the trophy. But just as importantly, we want to highlight the people behind the chips. The stories, backgrounds, and personalities that make up the poker community.
One of our goals is also to make live poker feel less intimidating. Before I joined LivePokerUpdates, I’d never played in a live event myself. I thought I knew what to expect, friends had filled me in, but nothing really prepares you for that first sit-down. I was too busy worrying about what to fold, when to bet, how much to bet, and if I was making a fool of myself. Thankfully, now that I look back, I was lucky to have chosen an Irish Poker Tour event as my first outing.
What surprised me most wasn’t the cards. It was the people.
Players from all over the country, and indeed the world, chatting and laughing like it was a family reunion. Genuine interest in who you are and where you’re from. Conversations that were sincere, insightful, and, excuse my French, fucking hilarious. Given that you could be sitting beside the same faces for hours, it makes sense. Poker, especially live poker, is as much social as it is strategic.
I busted after a few hours. A lack of experience and confidence saw to that. But I was completely hooked. Not primarily on playing, but on observing. On listening. On getting to know the characters that fill the room.
Enthusiasm has always been infectious to me. I love stepping into a world I don’t fully understand and learning directly from those immersed in it. Rising Stars is our way of sharing that learning experience, bringing you closer to the stories that make live poker what it is.
Good luck,
Adam
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