First Tournament Victory
Won the Cork County 25 Irish Championship, defeating players with decades more experience. This victory validated years of study and practice.
I first learned to play 25 Irish when I was eight years old, sitting at my grandparents' kitchen table in County Cork. My grandmother, a legendary player in our village, would deal the cards with practiced ease while my grandfather offered running commentary on every play. Those evenings filled with laughter, friendly arguments over trump cards, and the satisfying snap of cards on the wooden table planted a seed that would grow into a lifelong passion.
What started as a way to connect with family became an obsession. By my teenage years, I was playing in local tournaments, studying the game's history, and learning regional variations from players across Ireland. I discovered that 25 Irish wasn't just a card game—it was a living tradition, a social glue that held communities together, and a piece of Irish culture that deserved to be preserved and shared.
Now, over 20 years later, I've dedicated my life to ensuring that future generations can experience the joy and connection that 25 Irish brings. Through teaching, writing, and technology, I'm working to make this incredible game accessible to anyone who wants to learn.