The small corner of the globe known as Northern Ireland would fit into Nebraska several hundred times over - yet it has produced a host of sporting legends and world champions in recent decades, despite the turmoil of the "Troubles."
It's the "brass neck" of this colourful Celtic breed that makes them always up for a gamble, and in mid-Ulster - the centre, the "heart and soul" of Northern Ireland - you'll find that the sporting and risk-taking element is always up for a bet.
The area is wealthy and vibrant - which could have been only imagined 10 or 15 years ago in the strife-torn, troubled era of Northern Ireland.
Leisure facilities have boomed
For example, JPC Leisure in Magherafelt is now one of Northern Ireland's leading poker and gambling facilities.
JPC Leisure boasts a large complex, a highly successful poker club, and a growing poker website.
Due to its vast growth, JPC Leisure has also developed a top-of-the-range casino, adding that extra touch of class. The casino offers a range of gaming facilities, such as American roulette, blackjack, punto banco, Carribean stud poker, and three-card Brag.
The venue is set to undergo a major expansion, which is needed to cope with the demand from poker players locally, nationally, and internationally.
Northern Ireland Poker Championship
JPC Poker will host the
Northern Ireland Poker Championship, March 16-18. A minimum payout of £100,000 is guaranteed.
Billed as the "Big One," poker players from all over Ireland and the UK are set to make Magherafelt their destination that weekend.
The event will take place during the annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations (March 17).
"This promises to be a major event for both JPC Poker and players everywhere. A minimum of £100,000 will be paid out on Sunday, March 18," said Managing Director Jarlath Conway. "It's too good a chance to miss!"
Local Heroes
JPC Poker recently made international headlines when one of its local poker champs beat all odds to scoop a top Irish tournament prize.
Under the auspices of its sister companies Empire Bingo and JPC Leisure, the complex sponsored a local man - Brendan Walls - in the Irish Poker Tournament in Dublin.
Conway said, "It was a chance that paid off handsomely, as JPC Poker's top-scoring poker-league member walked off with the tournament title - and a nice payoff!"
The local man beat renowned poker players - including top international and well-known poker stars.
There's no doubt that he'll be back at the tables for the Northern Ireland Poker Championship.
For additional information about JPC Leisure, contact Martina Monaghan by e-mail:
[email protected], call +00 44 (0) 28 796 32304, or visit
www.jpcpoker.com.
