Background
Furlong was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. He was given the nickname "Noel" because he was born on Christmas Day.
Furlong was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. He was given the nickname "Noel" because he was born on Christmas Day.
He originally became a millionaire from his carpet manufacturing business. Furlong began playing poker in 1984, and in his first trip to the World Series of in 1989, he placed 6th in the main event. Until Andy Black"s 5th place finish at the 2005 World Series of main event, he was the top money-winning Irish poker player in the world.
He is currently 6th on the Irish poker tournament money-winning list.
This tournament began in 1980, and has been held nearly every year since that time. In recent years, he has not traveled much to play poker, preferring to concentrate on his business and other interests, while playing occasionally in tournaments in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
As of 2009, Furlong"s total live tournament winnings exceed $1,100,000. His 3 cashes at the WSOP account for $1,070,785 of those winnings.
World Series of Bracelets
Furlong owns a carpet distribution company that does over $100 million worth of business a year.
Because of his involvement with the carpet business he doesn"t play poker frequently, usually only the WSOP and tournaments in Ireland and western Europe. Furlong"s other interests include owning horses and working as a horse trainer.