I played the UKIPT Leg 2 at G Casino Manchester last weekend and achieved my 1st cash for Boylepoker, but it could have been even better.

Regular readers will know of my allergic reaction to KK and it happened again at the GUKPT Main Event in Bolton last weekend.

With the run up to Christmas and having three sons ranging from seven to 15, plus a real job to worry about, this is the first time I have had chance to reflect on the IPC in Galway.

My beloved Barrow played out of their skins the other night and murdered Oxford 3-1 to reach the 3rd round of the FA Cup, for the second year running.

Landed in Galway today ahead of the IPC which starts tomorrow and I write this as I am waiting for Ciaran and Padraig, who are on their way from Dublin.

So I make it to Dublin on Saturday by train, plane and automobile, accompanied by Salmon and PC.

What a couple of weeks!! It started Monday 16th Nov - the Monday before the BOSP II live final in Dublin and my travelling/drinking/poker buddy Chris Salmon appeared in front of the nation on ITV's 'Golden Balls', with Jasper Carrot.