The Siege of Clonmel V: Five Clonmel’s later The Story Grows Stronger
Some poker festivals arrive on the calendar and quietly take their place among the many stops around the country. Others carve out an identity of their own.
Five years after the first cards were dealt, Siege of Clonmel has firmly established itself as one of the most anticipated gatherings on the Irish poker circuit. What began as an ambitious idea has evolved into something far greater – a festival with its own character, its own loyal following, and a connection to the players that seems to grow stronger with every passing year.
The relationship between Clonmel and poker has become a genuine romance. Familiar faces return year after year, friendships are renewed across the felt, and new players quickly discover why so many make the journey back. The atmosphere remains welcoming, competitive and unmistakably Irish, while the festival itself continues to go from strength to strength.
Day 1 of Siege V opened with the €10,000 Guaranteed Festival Opener, attracting 58 entries to Flight 1A. After nearly seven hours of action, eleven players successfully navigated their way into the final, led by Denis Fitzpatrick who bagged an impressive 265,000 chips. Marcus McHale (200,000), Christopher Brabston (190,000) and Derek Baker (160,000) were also among the biggest stacks advancing.
The pace accelerated dramatically in the evening’s Hyper Flight 1B, where 26 entries battled through less than two hours of poker. Robbie Bryant emerged as chip leader with 150,000, while Mossie Fitzgerald (120,000) and Shella McSweeney (86,000) also secured comfortable passage into the final stages.
By the time the surviving players returned for the Opener Final, the combined field had reached 84 entries, creating a prize pool of €13,710 and setting the tone for what promises to be another memorable weekend in Clonmel.
When the dust settled, it was Gavin O’Rourke who stood tallest. O’Rourke navigated a tough final table to claim the title and the €4,160 first prize, adding another notable result to his growing poker résumé.
Marcus McHale continued his excellent day by finishing runner-up for €2,650, while Shane Keary completed the podium positions with €1,850. Michael O’Dwyer (€1,350) and Larry Ryan (€1,050) rounded out the top five places.
-Siege V €10k Opener Results
- Gavin O’Rourke – €4,160
- Marcus McHale – €2,650
- Shane Keary – €1,850
- Michael O’Dwyer – €1,350
- Larry Ryan – €1,050
- Gastao Silva – €850
- Jaunius Kavalciukas – €700
- Shella McSweeney – €600
- Derek Baker – €500
Day 1 served as another reminder of why Siege of Clonmel continues to thrive. Five installments into its journey, the festival’s bond with the Irish poker community has never been stronger.
And if the opening day is any indication, Siege V may yet produce its finest chapter. The castle gates remain open, and the battle for glory is only beginning.