When I first arrived on the live poker scene, like many new experiences, it was somewhat daunting. It felt much like learning a new sport. I was interested and excited. I knew how to play the game, but I was by no means fully versed in the nuances of live play. After my first few tournaments, I got to know Killian Farrell, initially by observing his interactions at the table. Whenever a decision or call was being discussed, it was clear that Killian had a deep knowledge of the game and confidence in his abilities, often calmly explaining situations to those who needed clarity. With more final tables than I can remember, third place on the Irish Poker Tour leaderboard last year, and a Main Event trophy at the Athlone €30K In A Day at the weekend, he is certainly a player to watch.

Killian was born in Waterford, but his family moved to Golden, County Tipperary when he was young. Growing up in the heart of the Golden Vale, surrounded by green fields, grazing cattle, and the steady rhythm of farm life, shaped his early experiences and influenced his career choice. From a young age he helped out and worked on the family farm. He then went on to study Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin and now works as a Farm Animal Veterinarian in Mountbellew, County Galway, where he has lived since 2007.

Off the farm Killian played hurling and football for the Golden GAA club throughout his younger years. He was also part of the Kilfeacle RFC rugby team and represented Munster at U18 level. Nowadays although still a massive fan of sport it would be more as a spectator, rather than competitor. 

His earliest memories of poker go back to around 2012, when he and a few friends from school attended a €10 pub game at the local. They went a few times, learning from those around them, and were drawn to the game by its atmosphere and challenge. During college, he focused on his education and played very little poker. After the Covid pandemic began, he started playing micro stakes online, using it as a way to develop his skills and understanding of the game.

It was not until 2023 that Killian experienced live tournament poker. He attended the Choppot Poker Tour in Roscommon and also won an online satellite on Paddy Power that secured him a ticket for an Irish Poker Tour event the same year. The following year, he began grinding the live circuit. On his debut at the Irish Open, he cashed in the Main Event, which boosted his confidence in his abilities. He then secured multiple final table spots and started securing trophies, including the Monsterstack at the Irish Poker Tour event in Killarney all in 2024. The next year, in 2025 he won the Siege of Clonmel IV Main Event and the PLO trophy at the Malta Poker Festival, as well as finishing third on the Irish Poker Tour leaderboard.

As Killian continues to progress in poker, it is clear that he is not merely participating. When asked about his development in such a short period, he explained that he does not study in the traditional sense. With his background, a hands-on approach works best for him. He learns by discussing hands with veteran players and gaining experience directly at the tables. He has also listened to the audiobook Poker Satellite Strategy: How to qualify for the main events of live and online high-stakes poker tournaments, co-written by Dara O’Kearney and Barry Carter, which he found helpful.

When asked what advice he would give to someone attending their first live poker event, Killian said:

“Just turn up and get involved. Throw yourself in the deep end or play some of the smaller side events. It is always a friendly atmosphere and a great social event. It is nothing like the movies where there are usually gangsters in underground poker games.”

Killian sits atop the Irish Poker Tour leaderboard as we near the end of February, but with plenty of poker still to be played, fans will be watching closely to see if he can maintain his position. With his combination of talent, experience, and hands-on learning, Killian has quickly earned a reputation as one of the game’s Rising Stars.

Photo by Brian Ó hÉideáin