Irish Tournament Supports Homeless Charity

IRELAND – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Irish poker legend Padraig Parkinson is hoping to break the European record for the number of poker players playing in a single tournament (393) in Dublin on 1 June 2006.

He has organised some of the world's best poker players to come to Dublin to play in a tournament in support of homeless charity, Simon Dublin.

The event has already attracted some of the biggest names in the world of poker – Dave 'Devilfish' Ulliot, Roy 'The Boy' Brindley, The Hendon Mob, Andy Black, Scott Gray, Donnacha O'Dea, Julian Gardiner, 'Mad' Marty Wilson and George McKeever as well as snooker legends Steve Davis and Jimmy White.

A host of other star names from the worlds of business, politics and sport in Ireland and the UK will be announced over the coming weeks.

The tournament takes place in City West Hotel, Dublin on Thursday 1 June 2006. The entry fee is €300 (+€30 reg). €100 of the entry fee goes directly to Simon Dublin; the remaining €200 goes to make up the prize fund.

Padraig, who came 3rd in the World Series of Poker in 1999, said, 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for regular poker players to sit down with some of the greatest names ever to grace a card table, for a fraction of what it would usually cost.

'I have a lot more tricks up my sleeve including further sponsorship, big name figures from public life and professional poker lessons. This will be one of the one of the most unique tournaments in European poker history – so watch this space.'

Paddy Power, Head of Communications for the bookmaker, said, 'Any poker game involving Padraig Parkinson is sure to have the players rolling in the aisles with laughter. With all that craic, world class players and a good cause to boot we're thrilled to be supporting this event.'

Entry into this event can be had for as little as $30 (+$3 reg) on paddypowerpoker.com. Two special freezeout satellites will be run at 7pm on Thursday 18 and 25 May at 7pm with all the proceeds going towards tickets to the event and the registration fee going directly to Simon.

Players can stay at the luxurious City West complex in West Dublin for €80 (single) or €110 (twin).