'I feel like a champion': Europe Cup darts joy for Cork teen Callum Coade

A Cork teenager was among a team of four who took home the winning trophy at the 2024 World Darts Federation (WDF) Europe Cup last weekend.

Callum Coade, 15, from Farranferris, and his team-mates Aidan O Hara from Tipperary, Sean McKeon from Dublin, and Shane Porter from Donegal were among 26 teams that entered the competition, which was held in Latvia.

The competition, described by Callum’s mother Kerrie as going “down to the wire”, ended with Callum, the youngest member of the group, winning for the youth boys’ team, solidifying their title as champions with a score of 9-7.

Speaking to The Echo, Callum said that while he was nervous on the day, the win has left him feeling “very good”.

“I had a lot of nerves; if I didn’t hit it, we could’ve lost,” he said.

“But luckily I hit it, and we won the Europe Cup.

“We’re four boys out of all of Ireland that got to go and represent everyone. I feel like a champion.”

Callum expressed interest in taking his talents further.

He previously played for Ireland on a number of occasions and played alongside darts sensation Luke Littler in the UK.

Ms Coade said that she is “very proud” of her son, having travelled to Latvia to watch the game in-person with other friends and family members.

“Going over there, you’re telling them they’re great for getting there, but every time they went further, we were shaking,” she said.

“There were loads of us there.

“You don’t know what to do, you’re just hoping it goes in. They were brilliant. It’s very good for only just turning 15.

“He joined Cork Youth Darts when he was eight, just as something to do, and sure he loved it then.

“We’re very proud of him; it’s another achievement.”

Callum is set to compete again next month for Ireland in Coventry alongside another Cork player, Jayden Fitzgerald from Youghal, at the Junior Darts Confederation (JDC) Éire Five Nations Academy Cup on August 24 and August 25.