Porter will become the eleventh Irishman (five Republic and six N Ireland) to be given the opportunity to compete in the competition, which will be screened live on BBC television from January 7 next. Since its inception in 1978, the four previous entrants from the Emerald Isle came in the guise of Paddy Clifford, Jim McQuillan, Kildare's Jack McKenna, John Joe O'Shea from Cork.
Last June, the Twin Town's man Porter won the Irish Masters despite being unseeded for the competition at the outset. A former member of the Irish national team in the years 1991 and 1992, Porter traveled to Bridlington in East Yorkshire as one of 320 hopefuls. There are 24 automatic qualifiers for the tournament with the rest being allocated to former winners outside the top ranked and those who qualify.
Sitting in what was a provisional first standby place, the barman at Gallen's had a nervous wait before his participation was confirmed at the Windmill Open.
"I had to hope that Dutchman Ray van Barneveld won the competition as he had already confirmed his place in the Worlds. Had Goram Clem triumphed, then he would have taken my place. Gladly though, van Barneveld held on and that ensured that I got in.
"Of course, I'm delighted at the minute and can't wait until January to tell you the truth."
Gerard will play Martin Atkins from England on Sunday 8th at 1.30pm in the first round.
Profile
Date Of Birth 14/05/68
Born in Birmingham, Lived in Newport South Wales until 12yrs old. Moved back to Donegal. Father Hugh from Lifford, Mother Rose {RIP} From Gorticar, Killygordon. Father was a tunnel man in England, hence English birthplace I have Two sisters Catherine and Sinead and two brothers Noel and Mark (R.I.P)
Occupation: Barman, Gallens Lounge Ballybofey
Describe yourself: I am easy-going, honest, reliable, patriotic.
I’m married to Noeleen, who is an Irish masters international athlete Cross Country. I have 2 children Ryan age 11 and Chloe age 7.
Interests: Amateur boxing which Ryan does, Athletics, Gaelic Football, DARTS, Liverpool FC and Celtic FC. I play local league darts for Barcelona bar Ballybofey. Donegal Co.
Dart Honors: Won Irish masters 05, R-up national singles on two occassions,
Won bronze team medal world cup Holland.
Won Kent open England. Played on Irish Teams World Cup Holland, Las Vegas.
4 nations Boyle, Co.Roscommon, Germany.
Home Internationals Wales.
Part of Donegal’s Historic 4 in a row all Irelands {hopefully 5 in a row this year} Obviously qualifying for the Embassy the highlight of my career so far.
Never done a nine dart finish YET!! Missed the double on a few occassions.10,11,12 etc numerous times.
Who do you admire most in life/darts? What I admire most in life are my children everything else is immaterial. In darts my hero is Eric Bristow and Kevin James (Letterkenny)
