Target Irish Youth Development Officer

In 2026, John joined Team Target as Youth Development Officer (Ireland), working alongside Sean Casey-Poole and Lorraine Winstanley to grow the Irish academy programme, support Elite 1 players, and help develop the next generation of darts talent. He also continues coaching and mentoring with the PDC/PDPA.

John hopes to give the Irish youths all the tools to achieve the goals they dream of and to excel in the game of darts. John aims to guide the Target academies with the direction and support of Sean Casey-Poole in teaching, coaching, supporting and instilling a love in the game for every Target academy member. The future is bright in Ireland and the standard is amazing. With all the academy coaches working together we can create from the grass roots up a system the fits our Irish darts individual system and leagues. 

John will also act as a direct coach and support if needed for the Elite 1 and Irish pathway Players. Under Lorraine's guidance the Elite 1 players will have the added support and resource of John as a PDPA qualified coach. John will be attending youth events through out the Irish system and the UK events 

John O'Shea, a seasoned professional darts player, has dedicated over 34 years to the sport, accumulating an impressive array of titles both at home and abroad. Over his career, he has won more than 100 national titles, including the Irish Masters in 2015 and 2018, and represented Ireland at the European Cup, securing a WDF Bronze Medal in 2018.

Known as "The Joker", representing Ireland has always been a dream, and wearing his country's colours remains one of his proudest achievements. Despite battling dartitis for over five years, John continued competing at the highest level, returning to form to claim numerous major victories.

He reached the Last 8 of the World Masters in 2016 and made history in 2019 as the first Irishman to win a televised major, lifting the World Masters title at the Circus Tavern. He has also played on some of darts' most iconic stages, including Alexandra Palace, Lakeside, and the O2 London, and earned his professional tour card in 2021.

John is looking forward to this new chapter as his passion for darts moves him into new adventures.