Joining William O’Connor and Cameron Menzies in the newly created Bang On Target Hall of Fame are two players who – like Willie from the Emerald Isle – deserve enormous recognition for their services to darts. Oh, and a little bit of friendly rib-tickling too.

Both of these lads have recently switched allegiances (in a darting sense) from Northern Ireland to the Republic. A transition so swift and straightforward that most people arriving on small boats from France would probably be green with envy.

The former Northern Ireland World Cup pairing now represent their island neighbours in a move the British Royal Family are almost certainly unaware of and, even if they weren’t, would probably care about slightly less than Prince Andrew having a birthday party at Pizza Express.

For those unfamiliar with Irish history or politics, there are thirty-two counties across the Emerald Isle. Once upon a time, Britain decided to branch out and go full Darth Vader on them, essentially oppressing the local population and helping itself to the land. Fair? Not particularly. If I’d been around 800 years ago, I’d have been mildly annoyed myself.

Eventually, after centuries of disagreements, uprisings, arguments and the occasional strongly worded rebellion, much of the land was returned. However, Britain decided to keep hold of a small section, which eventually became Northern Ireland.

As a result, many Irish residents regard the border as little more than a line on a map. Most see themselves as one people, separated only by geography, politics and a compromising anthem before rugby matches that occasionally sounds like it was written after several pints of Guinness and a lost bet

Right, history lesson over. Let’s move on to the third and fourth members of the Hall of Fame.

BRENDAN DOLAN

Aside from being a Liverpool fan, there are thousands of reasons to love Brendan Dolan. The Enniskillen thrower made his PDC debut around the turn of the century, back when some of today’s players were still learning how not to eat crayons.

Now 52 years old, Dolan has enjoyed a magnificent career without yet capturing that elusive maiden major title. It’s something he desperately craves, although winning one wouldn’t have guaranteed him entry into this esteemed institution. That’s a completely arbitrary criterion I’ve invented myself and therefore reserve the right to ignore whenever it suits me.

With nine Players Championship titles, more semis than a randy bloke in your local gets when his favourite barmaid is on duty. Also, with lots of appearances in virtually every major televised tournament imaginable to his name, Dolan has been one of the most consistent performers of his generation. In fact, most other generations.

His finest run came at the 2011 World Grand Prix in Dublin. Had Phil Taylor not existed, or had Brendan chosen not to throw like a concussed duck in the final, he may well have walked away with the trophy. However, that tournament will forever be remembered for another reason.

In his semi-final victory over James Wade, Dolan produced the first ever nine-dart finish in the unique double-start format. It was a remarkable achievement and one that instantly secured his place in darts history. And boy, has he reminded us about it ever since. We’re talking industrial-scale milking here. Dairy farmers look at Brendan and think, “steady on mate.”

The achievement was so iconic that he adopted “The History Maker” as his nickname. Fair play. If I’d achieved something that unique, I’d probably change my passport, driving licence and Facebook pic to remind people about it too.

More impressive, however, is how he somehow managed to marry a stunning wife. If Cameron Menzies is punching above his weight, Brendan is prime Mike Tyson on performance-enhancing substances launching uppercuts at the moon. Food for thought, gentlemen. If you want a glamorous partner, perhaps stop scrolling through social media and start practising your doubles.

MICKEY MANSELL

Another recent recruit to Team Republic, Mickey Mansell’s nationality switch initially led me to suspect he’d simply become tired of spending ten hours queuing at German airports and fancied the convenience of an EU passport.

To be fair, that theory remains entirely plausible. Then again, Mickey may already have had one and simply enjoys standing around for prolonged periods of time. Which brings us neatly to his throwing pace.

Let’s be charitable here and describe it as methodical. For those seeking a more accurate synonym, the word you’re looking for is slow. And when I say slow, I mean tortoise-celebrating-his-one-hundredth-birthday-after-a-massive-Sunday-roast slow.

That said, it isn’t gamesmanship. It isn’t deliberate. It’s simply Mickey’s rhythm. Ironically, he shares a surname with a Formula One World Champion whose entire career revolved around travelling at speeds considerably quicker than Mickey approaches a dartboard.

The Clonoe Ace has one Players Championship title to his name. He’d probably have had more, but some tournaments had the audacity to close the venue at 7pm – around the time he’d generally finish his second-round match.

Right. I’ll be nice now. Because Mickey is genuinely one of the nicest blokes you’ll ever meet. He’s a tremendous ambassador for Irish darts and for the sport as a whole. Like Brendan, he’s hugely popular among fellow professionals and supporters alike.

In fact, Irish players seem to have cornered the market when it comes to being decent human beings. If Neil Duff ever earns a Tour Card, that trend may change dramatically, but that’s currently about as likely as a centipede putting on its shoes in under an hour.

WELCOME TO THE CLUB

So there we have it. Two new additions whom I am absolutely delighted to welcome into the Bang On Target Hall of Fame.

Both outstanding players. Both tremendous ambassadors. Both personal friends. Although perhaps not after they’ve read this. Still, they were once upon a time. At least I won’t have to hear about that 9-darter every hour when in Brendan’s company.