MEATH darts legend James Keogh has seen and done it all in an exciting darts career that has taken him from top PDC events to winning All Ireland singles and team titles.
So when he fires a warning to the new young Irish players looking to make a name in the game, then they should sit and take notice.
James (49) told Darts In Ireland that he's delighted to see so many new opportunities opening up for youth players in darts, but he's advising them to keep their expectations in check.
His own teenage son Aidan has enjoyed great success in the youths game, and has represented Ireland at the JDC World Darts Championships.
James said: "For somebody like myself, I've had my time playing on the PDC Tour and now it's all about the youth players coming through.
"It's great to see that they have so many opportunities now, especially here in Ireland, so they can play a lot and build up and improve their game.
"There is also the opportunity for them to travel to the UK and play in big tournaments, but this is where a young player needs to be mindful of the costs involved.
"If you want to play at the top level in darts, there is a lot of travelling involved, and the costs of this can certainly add up.
"It might look great for them when they see somebody like Luke Littler making it to the top of the game at 17, but he's an exception. For the rest it's really tough work and only those who put in serious practice and dedication can make it to the top level and make a decent living from darts."
However, James, who recently played with Meath at the INDO Inter Counties B championships, revealed how his big break in the game didn't come until he was almost 30.
He said: "It was only when I won the national singles that my game really took off and I was almost 30 at that stage.
"From there I went on to the play at the PDC Grand Prix, which was great, and at the Players Championships in the UK.
"Usually when I played at those, I would calculate that I would need to get through at least two rounds to earn enough to pay for my flights and hotel costs.
"I was lucky enough to do that but only really broke even, so at least playing darts didn't cost me anything financially."
James played on the PDC Tour for up to four years, but with a young family on the way, he decided to give it up.
He added: "I was with my wife in Holland, playing at an event, when she noted that I had been away playing darts for 14 weekends on the trot.
"With young kids at home, that's when I realised it was time to give it up at that level."
But James say he does get a kick out of seeing the new up-and-coming young players making their mark on the game.
He said he enjoyed playing with Meath at the recent B Championships, and passing on his knowledge and experience to the younger players.
James said there's so much interest in youth darts in Ireland now, that the INDO should even consider having a Youth B Championships also.
He said: "Can you imagine the buzz it would give the younger players to pull on a county top and play at an All Ireland B championships?
"The Bs has worked out brilliantly in the adult section and although it might be difficult for the INDO to fit it into their calendar, it's something they could consider giving the huge number of young players that are playing the game now."
Meanwhile James says the introduction of a Development Tour by the INDO was excellent, as it's giving younger players a chance to continue to develop their game.
He said: "A lot of the youth players, as they get older, jump into playing in the adult events and I think that can be a mistake.
"There's a big difference for an 18-year-old lad going from potentially playing against nine-year-olds to playing against somebody who is 29.
"It can really dent their confidence if they suffer a big defeat, so the longer they can continue to play against players at their own age and level, the better it is for them.
"They will eventually end playing in the adult section anyway for the rest of their lives, so while they are youths they should enjoy playing in the youths."
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