One of the most charming characteristics particular to the land of Ireland and the good people who inhabit it is the wide range of catch phrases and homey sayings native to the Emerald Isle. Many of these have found a way into the common discourse, such as: "May the road rise to greet you," "Irish eyes are smiling," and, of course, "the luck of the Irish".

However, there is little suspicion that a preponderance of luck is involved when one examines the stellar poker playing career of Noel Furlong. What we have here is clearly a case of talent, determination, tenacity and the sheer will to win that have all worked together in concert to create a true poker legend. Let's take a look at some of the facts behind the myth.

Furlong was born in Dublin and picked up the game of poker at a very young age. Even as a wee lad, he showed a natural ability to read the cards and - perhaps more importantly - to read his opponents. However, Furlong did not make his first million dollars sitting at a poker table. In fact, he started a carpet manufacturing business while in Ireland and through a characteristic display of hard work and determination, turned it into a wildly successful phenomenon.

It was not until 1984 that Furlong began playing poker in a professional capacity. Five years later, he made his first trip to the World Series of Poker. Right away, he proved to the naysayers that he was a player to be dealt with. Although he did not place higher than sixth in that contest, his crafty playing caught the attention of more than a few observers. And yet, an entire decade would pass before he would win the main table event. As a reward for this determination and unwillingness to quit, Furlong netted himself a fat $1,110,000.

To many poker enthusiasts and commentators, Noel Furlong remains something of an enigma. His ongoing success with manufacturing carpets and his apparent love for that line of work, has kept his appearances on the professional poker circuit somewhat limited since his championship run in 1999. Yet, whenever he does make an appearance, it is always a cause for genuine excitement among devoted fans of the game. Because this crafty player has never ceased to surprise and amaze with his multileveled displays of skill, nerve and perhaps just a dash of that famous Irish luck.