Some stories in poker aren’t about one big win they’re about consistency, resilience, and just quietly getting it done over time. And that’s exactly what I see when I look at Mary Galvin.

Hailing from Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Mary is part of a hardworking family who run The Forge locally and she brings that same work ethic to the poker tables. She might not always be the loudest in the room, but her results over the last year speak for themselves. What’s even more special is that she brings her daughters Shelly, Fiona and Laura along with her to support and be part of the women’s games too, which says a lot about the kind of player and person she is.

She picked up wins in Clonmel and Dundalk, had a brilliant 2nd place finish in the IPT Leaderboard Playoff for €6,000, and has been making deep runs everywhere from Galway, Dublin, Malta and is always there or thereabouts. Final tables, cashes, and big field experience it’s all building.

And then recently, she goes and takes down the Women’s Battle of Malta, topping 49 entry field for €1,970.

But for me, that win isn’t just about that one result it’s about everything behind it. The consistency, the miles put in, the tournaments played, the near misses, and the confidence that comes with sticking at it.

That’s what I love about this game. It rewards the ones who keep showing up.

Mary is one of those players. She’s grafting, improving, and proving she can compete across all fields and it’s great to see it paying off.

And speaking of what’s coming next I’ll be back in October hosting the Killarney Women’s Championship on Friday 16th October, with a €10,000 guarantee. I’ll be making this one to remember, and I’d love to see more players like Mary there, bringing that same energy to the tables.

This game is growing, and players like Mary are a big part of that.

Tanya 💜

Queen of the Felt

Photo Credit: Battle of Malta