Irish Poker has lost one of its trailblazing legends with the sad news of the passing of two-time Irish Poker Open winner Colette Doherty on Saturday.
Doherty won the Irish Open in 1980 in the first-ever running of the famous event and again 11 years later in 1991. She was also noted as being the very first Irish player to play the WSOP Main Event.
Doherty used half her winnings from the 1980 Irish Poker Open to play the Main Event, when 73 players entered and Stu Ungar won his first title, beating Doyle Brunson into second. Just five people cashed.
Padraig Parkinson posted the news on X, saying, "A sad day for Irish Poker. We lost one of our true legends, Colette Doherty. A pioneer, a great player, an even better friend... May she rest in peace.Though I doubt it! She'll find a game somewhere. Keep me a seat!"
Parkinson also said of Doherty in a previous article, 'Beneath the classy feminine exterior beat the heart of a gladiator with the compassion of a contract killer."
Doherty: Fierce competitor and an inspiration to poker players
Former poker commentator and writer Jesse May posted a tribute, saying, "A beautiful lady, a true champion, and as fierce a personality as I ever have met. Colette loved the game and always played it right. She is the proud history of Irish Poker. RIP."
The Irish Poker Open posted, "Today, we mourn the passing of Colette Doherty, a trailblazer in Irish poker and a two-time Irish Poker Open champion.
"Her passion, skill, and contribution to the game will never be forgotten.Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and the entire poker community as we remember a true icon. Rest in peace, Colette."
Feature image courtesy of Irish Poker Open.
