When I was asked to do the Rising Star section for LPU, the main aim was not just to highlight players who were on a run of form, taking down tournament after live tournament. It was to talk about the people and players that make the circuit what it is. Live poker wouldn’t be able to function without the volume of people all seeking the same thing: their moment. Watching as a fan from afar, I was able to cheer on a man who had his poker moment at this year’s recent Irish Open.

Knowing Daryl from Irish Poker Tour events, I got in touch for a chat once the dust had settled in Dublin to interview him for this month’s…Rising Star

Daryl McAleenan grew up in County Down with sport at the centre of everything. He played Gaelic for Drumaness GAC and Hurling for Liatroim Fontenoys, also representing his county on both fields. His early years brought success through Junior Championships, league titles and several Player of the Year awards, but just as important was the influence of his parents, who supported him relentlessly, driving him to training and matches and standing on the sidelines throughout his development. That support and competitive mindset have remained constant throughout his life.

He met his wife Clare when he was almost 18, when both of them were sitting in A&E with injuries, a broken finger for him and a broken arm for her. They noticed each other and exchanged a few smiles, and not long after, he even tried his luck through Cool FM’s blind text feature, hoping to track her down, but nothing came of it at the time. A few months later, their paths crossed again, they got chatting, and from there a relationship began that has now spanned over two decades. Clare has been a key influence and constant support throughout his journey, helping to motivate his success. 

Family remains central to everything he does. Together, Daryl and Clare have three sons, Ryan, Dylan and Riley, and much of their time is spent supporting them in their own sporting pursuits. All three are developing strongly with Castlewellan GAC and Castlewellan Town FC. It has already been a big period for the family, with Ryan making his senior debut at just 18, a proud milestone that reflects his rapid progression. Dylan has also made a strong start at County level, lining out for Down minors and hitting an impressive 1-5 in his first championship match, underlining his impact and potential. Riley, the youngest, is thriving across Gaelic football, hurling and soccer, already collecting his own trophies and showing the same hunger and natural ability as his brothers, with all the signs there that he can follow closely in their footsteps. 

Away from sport, Daryl pursued a career in Accountancy, studying at Queen’s University Belfast before completing a Master’s degree at Ulster University. He went on to work with the accountancy company PwC for three and a half years before making the decision to focus more seriously on poker, balancing it alongside part-time work.

Poker entered his life shortly after meeting Clare. Through her brother Nicky and cousin Daniel, he was introduced to small house games. Initially just observing, he quickly picked up the fundamentals and began playing himself. What started as casual games developed into a more serious pursuit, with Daryl moving into online poker where he focused heavily on Sit and Go tournaments. He progressed through the stakes, regularly playing €20 to €200 games and multi-tabling at high volume on 888poker,  achieving VIP status for a number of years.

His early live results first recorded on the Hendon Mob was in 2012 in a €150 Superstack at the Irish Poker Tour, where he finished third for €2,205. A year later, he secured a breakthrough result in the Raining Aces Super 2013 in the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, finishing second in the €300 tournament for €14,000 after being recognised by Dara O’Kearney as an emerging talent online. That result played an important role in validating his decision to move away from a traditional career path and commit more fully to poker.

Over the last decade Daryl has steadily built a reputation as a consistent and disciplined player, continually improving and adapting his game. Throughout 2025 in particular, he focused heavily on refining his approach, putting together an impressive run that included around ten final tables, two tournament victories, and a standout second-place finish in The Irish Poker Tour Killarney Poker Festival Main Event worth €60,000. It was a year that showed both volume and quality, reinforcing his position as one of the more respected players on the circuit.

That form carried into his recent run at the Irish Open, where he produced one of the biggest performances of his career. Over four long days, he remained composed and focused, but it was his approach away from the table that also stood out. During breaks, he stepped away from the noise to review hands and discuss key spots with those closest to him, including Mark Murphy and Mateus Faria, leaning on their insight and support to stay sharp in the biggest moments. Having that trusted circle around him, along with a strong rail of friends from the poker community, played a huge role throughout the final day.

As the tournament drew to a close, the atmosphere shifted from pure competition to something more meaningful. The final table resulted in an ICM deal that saw five players walk away with life-changing sums of money, a moment that reflected both the scale of the event and the journeys of those involved.

Walking away with €250,500, this result puts Daryl at 5th on the Northern Ireland All-Time Money List on The Hendon Mob.

 After the final table, the celebrations were exactly what you would expect from Daryl. Nothing over the top, just good people and good moments. He spent time in the main room with friends before heading into the Craic Den, where the night loosened up and the pressure of the week finally lifted, with plenty of laughs and the now familiar sight of James O’Sullivan keeping everyone entertained on the dancefloor. Back home, Daryl was rightfully greeted with a hero’s welcome. Celebrating with his biggest supporters and the people he credits all his success to, his Wife and three boys. New football boots and hurls for the lads and a trip away inbound to Co. Down.

As for the money, the approach is the same as everything else in his life, measured and sensible. It will go towards family, the house, and making life that bit more comfortable, with no drastic changes or big statements. The focus remains on stability and providing for those closest to him, rather than chasing anything flashy.

Looking ahead, the plan is steady. With a busy summer of family commitments, matches, and a few weddings, poker will continue to fit around life rather than take it over. There will be games, there may be a few trips, but nothing forced. The recent result at the Irish Open feels less like a finish line and more like confirmation that he is doing things the right way, building year on year, staying grounded, and still enjoying the game.

Photos by Danny Maxwell and the McAleenans