"Everyone here is so very proud" - Rock & Gurney's World Cup win sparks joyous scenes back home in Northern Ireland

Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock’s stunning World Cup of Darts victory has sent a wave of pride and celebration across Northern Ireland. The duo made history by securing their nation’s first ever World Cup title, edging out Welsh stars Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton in a thrilling 10-9 final.

With the trophy in hand and £80,000 in prize money to share, Rock and Gurney returned home as national heroes — their achievement resonating far beyond the oche.

The streets of Derry and County Antrim, the hometowns of Gurney and Rock respectively, have been awash with emotion. Friends, family, and fans have hailed the pair’s remarkable achievement, marking a proud moment for Northern Irish sport and darts in particular.

For Tommy Gurney, Daryl's father, it was a moment of unparalleled pride. "I can't actually put it into words, I am just as proud as anyone can be," he told BBC News NI. "Some of the family was over there with him for the final and let me just say there were just so many tears."

"I phoned him after his first game, and I told him he's trying too hard and I said; 'Just let them go', play your game, and after that he was throwing better then," he adds.

Gurney senior also talks about his son's early years. At the age of 12, Daryl got his first set of darts, bought by his father. "He just kept getting better and we knew there was something special there - I think he did a 10-darter when he was 15," Mr Gurney said.

"He said it himself, this one is even better than any of the individuals he won," he concludes. "He's won the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship, but I think this means a bit more than any of the individuals."

There was also a lot of emotion at Josh Rock's camp. Brian Doran, Rock's friend and former teammate, followed the entire tournament closely.

"I've been watching it the whole weekend and basically watch all of Josh's matches, he's unreal," Mr Doran said to the BBC. "He's just been getting better and better and better in every tournament. It just took this one major, wait to you see what he wins now."

Doran, from Broughshane, sat anxiously in front of the tube. "Because it is Northern Ireland, we are basically an underdog at times, and they actually put our name on a trophy to say we are World Cup champions."

In Tullyally (Derry), where Gurney grew up, the relief was also great. Julie-Ann Coll, childhood friend of Gurney's sister, watched the final despite illness.

"I wouldn't have missed that final for the world. I was actually a bit sick in bed, unfortunately, but I had to watch them," she said. "It was very tense. I always say to Stacey, Daryl doesn't like to do things the easy way. Many times, I was crying, shaking, and screaming at the TV. The family and just everyone here is so very proud of everything he has done."

According to Coll, Gurney's triumph is an inspiration to young people in the area. "It shows all the young people here, if you put your mind to something, practice a lot, you can achieve anything. A World Cup coming back home, it's just unreal."