Review of the 2010 Handball Year  - by Michael McGee

Irish Juniors return home with 8 U.S. Junior titles

As expected the Irish challenge lived up to high expectations when 8 titles were achieved in Des Plaines Chicago the venue for the 2000 World Championships. The event took place from December 27th-30th last. Twenty players from Ireland made the trip including the Official team led by Irish Manager Ryan Daly and a large contingent from Tyrone. The Official girl’s team of Shauna Hilley, Catriona Casey & Ciana Ni Churraoin did us proud winning all 3 titles on offer. Shauna Hilley & Catriona Casey also teamed up to win the Girls 19 & Under doubles. Cork’s Denis O’Neill and Killian O’Neill had great wins in the Boys 15 & 17 finals respectively. Carroll along with Hilley won 2 titles each when teaming up with Tyrone’s Conor Mc Elduff to bring home the 17 & under doubles. There was further glory for Tyrone in the form of Johnny Woods & Ryan Mullan when who won the Boys 13 & under doubles final. There had to be a Mullan winner in the final as Ryan’s brother Pauric was his opponent. Sadly there was heartbreak for one Tyrone player when Gabhainn Mc Crystal competing in the Boys 15 & under singles had to return home when hearing of the death of his father Eugene.  Tipperary’s Fergal Collins was beaten in the WPH World Junior 19 & Under final to Louis Cordova by 21-14, 21-15 the final score.

Kennedy starts off new season with win in John Gaffney Memorial Cup

 Ballaghaderreen celebrated their 25th anniversary with a tournament named in honour of the late great John Gaffney a founder member of the club. The event took place from January 15-17th last. Twelve of the Country’s top players entered along with 4 emerging youth players. Eoin Kennedy started the new season in great style defeating Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy in an entertaining final by 21-12, 21-8 winning the inaugural John Gaffney Memorial Cup. 

Seamus O’Carroll & Shane Hedigan win Ballydesmond doubles final

Ballydesmond held their annual doubles tournament from Jan 21st- Jan24th last. Overall twenty seven teams entered. Mallow, Conna, Cappagh, Kiskeam and Ballydesmond including the newly opened 40 x 20 court in Ballydesmond were used. Seamus O’Carroll & Shane Hedigan beat C.J. Fitzpatrick & John Noonan in the final by 21-11, 21-19. Denis White & Paul McGrath took the plate final with a 21-8, 21-15 victory over Colm O’Luing & John Casey.

 

Intervarsities titles for O’Carroll & Rushe

Kingscourt was the venue for the Intervarsities Third Level  singles 40 x 20 championships which took place the last weekend in January with a record entry of 155 players. Rising Limerick star Seamus O’Carroll had to withstand a determined fightback from Cork Shane Hedigan before becoming All-Ireland Intervarsity singles 40 x 20 champion for 2010. O’Carroll representing Limerick IT took the 1st game by 21-10 but Hedigan bravely fought back to win game 2 by the minimum 21-20. Hedigan looked well on the way to the title when leading by 5-1 in the tie breaker. O’Carroll is made of stern stuff as he roared back into contention and in the end did just did enough to win by 11-8 in an exciting final.

 UCD’s Marianna Rushe retained her ladies title with an 21-15, 21-8 over Tralee IT student Shauna Hilley. Deirdre O’Donohoe from UL beat another UL colleague Karen Lawlor by 21-6, 21-10 in the A final. Laura Keever from DIT was the B champion while DCU’s Siobhan Brennan defeated Natalie Ni Shim QUB in a terrific C final that went to a tie breaker. Ni Shim winning narrowly by 16-21, 21-3, 11-8.

 UCC’s David Walsh won the Men’s A final and another UCC student John Casey was victorious in the B final. Paul Healy LIT had a straight sets win in the Men’s C while UCD’s David Smith also won in straight games in the Mens Contender in an all Dublin final defeating DCU’s Shane Briody in 2 games. David Healy UL also had a good win in the Men’s Challenger final.

Senior wins for O’Carroll & Havern  in All-Ireland Colleges finals

Padraig O’Carroll brother of Seamus O’Carroll also achieved a notable 1st when he accounted for Antrim’s Liam O’Reilly in the Boys Senior Colleges 40 x 20 final with an impressive 21-7, 21-1 victory. Down’s Lorraine Havern representing St.Mary’s HS Newry went home with the Girls Senior title. Martin Mulkerrins  Galway representing St. Mary’s College defeated Leixlip’s Niall O’Connor in straight games in the Intermediate singles final. Darren Doherty after having a fantastic 2009 has continued on winning ways this time in the junior singles with an 21-10, 21-15 over Colin Crehan from Ard Scoil Ris Clare. Connacht won both Junior girls titles.   Lauren O’Riordain from the Convent of Mercy Roscommon claimed the Junior singles girls while Ciana Ni Churraoin and Roisin Ni Chonghaile of Colaiste Coirbe had the winning formula in winning the Junior doubles final. Colleges winners were:

Senior Singles: Padraig. O' Carroll (Salesian College, Pallaskenry

Senior Doubles: Eoin. Hennessy & Padraig Maher (Castlecommer CS)

Intermediate Singles: Martin Mulkerrins (St. Mary's College, Galway)

Intermediate Doubles: Colm Connolly & Michael  Nally (Roscommon CBS)

Junior Singles: Darren. Doherty (St. MacCartan's College, Monaghan)

Junior Doubles: Niall Bolton & Colin Corbett (St. Joseph's College, Tulla)

Girls:Senior Singles: Lorraine. Havern (St. Mary's HS, Newry)

Senior Doubles: Aisling O' Keeffe & Catriona. Casey (Boherbue CS)

Junior Singles: Lauren O' Riordan (Convent Of Mercy, Roscommon)

Junior Doubles: Ciana. Ni Churraoin & Roisin Ni Chonghaile (Colaiste Na Coirbe, Galway) .

 

 Another Irish/U.S.A Collegiate double for Marianna Rushe

 

In the World Collegiate Championships that took place in Arizona State University from the 17-21st February last Ireland won 9 titles. Marianna Rushe again did the double of Ladies open singles titles winning the Irish title and now the U.S. title for good measure. Rushe representing UCD defeated Bailey Chandler in a tie break by 21-16, 18-21, 11-1. Rushe teamed up with her sister Hilary to win the doubles. Ciaran Neary DCU won the Men’s B singles and the B doubles was won by Sean Walsh & Ger Murhphy from NUIG. Other Irish winners included Deirdre Donohoe UL,  Declan Smith UCD, Colm Grace DCU, John Kearney UCC& Brian O’Sullivan DCU. NUIG were runner-up in the Men’s Division 1 Team championships final while DCU were also runners up in the Men’s Division 2 team championships

 

In the O’Neills sponsored Girls Interprovincial team of 10 competition Connacht again dominated proceedings. In their semi-final they hammered Leinster 150-31 and in the final had a big 104-65 win over Munster.The winning members were  Fiona Tully, Shannon Keady, Ciana ni Churraoin, Mary Fahy, Roisin ni Chongaile, Jennifer Fahy, Lauren O’Riordan, Caoimhe Shanagher, Aoife McDonagh, Sinead Ni hAinli, Adhna ni Braoinain and Marianna Foody.

 

Provincial titles for Brady, Keegan, Lynch & McCarthy

 

In the Provincial Championships Senior finals shock no.2 wasn’t long about coming when Eoin Kennedy was put to the sword by the new kid on the block in Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy Jnr. McCarthy defeated the Dubliner over 3 games by  21-20, 18-21, 21-15 in a thrilling Leinster final.  The other Provincials went to script  with Dominic Lynch coming through in Munster. Dessie Keegan beat his doubles team mate Joe McCann very easily by21-6, 21-9 in Connacht. And in Ulster Cavan’s Paul Brady had almost the identical winning scores against Charly Shanks  21-6, 21-8 the final score. In the doubles there was a early shock when Wexford’s Gavin Buggy & Paul Lambert a Junior B player defeated Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy & Egin Jensen by the 2005 All-Ireland champions.

 

The Gael Linn Cup was won by Sharon Keady & Anraoi White from the Moycullen Club in Galway.

 

In the Provincial doubles final there were wins for Cavan’s Paul Brady/Michael Finnegan in Ulster.  Limerick’s Seamus O'Carroll/CJ Fitzpatrick in Munster ,Meath (Tom Sheridan/Brian Carroll in Leinster and Mayo’s Dessie Keegan & Joe McCann in Connacht.  In the singles Q-Finals 3 Provincial winners were knocked out with only Paul Brady surviving. Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy was expected to reach the final but was surprisingly beaten by Armagh’s Charly Shanks. Kingscourt was the venue for the double header of  All-Ireland Senior singles semi-finals. Armagh’s Charly Shanks defeated Wicklow’s Michael Gregan in the 1st semi-final by 21-11, 21-11 while reigning champion Paul Brady got the better of  Eoin Kennedy by 21-16, 21-11. It is a repeat of the Ulster final with Brady accounting for the Armagh man in 2 games.  Eoin Kennedy & Dessie Keegan represented Ireland in the Ektelon Firewall Challenge that took place in Tucson Arizona from March 31st-April 4th last. Kennedy went all the way to final following impressive victory’s over Billy O’Donnell, Luis Moreno and Allan Garner in the semi-final. Unfortunately for the Dubliner it was David Chapman who took the title on a 21-15, 21-9 scoreline.  Paul Brady was named as Vodafone All-Star of the year for handball on April 7th last.

 

Paul Brady equals Pat Kirby’s six in a row of All-Ireland senior singles 40 x 20 titles

 

That weekend Paul Brady received more silverware when he took the All-Ireland senior singles titles for the 6th time in a row and 7th overall with an 21-17, 21-7 win over Armagh’s Charly Shanks.  Brady equalled Pat Kirby’s long standing record and also holds the most All-Ireland singles titles won with another legend in Michael Ducksy Walsh.In the Minor final Galway’s Martin Mulkerrins defeated Padraig O’Carroll from Limerick in straight games while the Ladies doubles final was a thriller with Kerry’s Maria Daly & Ashley Prendiville snatching victory over Roscommon sisters Marianna & Hilary Rushe by 21-2, 14-21, 21-20.

 

Meath’s Walter O’Connor was elected incoming President of the Irish Handball Council. He will succeed Roscommon’s Tony Hannon at the next Congress.

 

All-Ireland 40 x 20 Juvenile finals results

GU14S  Galway (Cianna Ní Churraoín) dft Armagh (Aoife McConville) 15-0, 15-1

GU14D Tyrone (Meabh McElduff & Aoife Kelly) dft Carlow (Shannon Byrne & Michelle Nolan) 15-8, 15-3

BU14S: Clare (Colin Corbett) dft Wicklow (Daniel Curry) Clare 15-11, 15-8

BU14D: Tipperary (Pauric O'Donoghue & Johnathan Walsh) dft Kilkenny (John Walsh & Emmett Landy) 15-7, 15-8

 

GU15S:  Kilkenny (Catherine Foley) dft Kerry (Anna Prendiville) 21-14, 21-11

GU15D: Galway (Mary Fahy & Shannon Keady) dft Clare (Natasha Coughlin & Michelle Nihill) 21-5, 21-9

 

BU15S: Wexford (Galen Riordain) dft Limerick (Padraig Quish) 21-16, 21-14

BU15D: Cork (Daniel Relihan & Michael Hedigan) dft Wexford (Graham Parker & Padraig Foley) 21-3, 21-9

GU16S Roscommon (Lauren O'Riordain) dft Limerick (Martina McMahon) 21-3, 21-19

GU16D Kilkenny (Ciara Mahon & Mary Phelan) dft Clare (Paula Loughnane & Shauna O'Brien) 21-1, 21-7

 

BU16S  Monaghan (Darren Doherty) dft Leitrim (Donal Wrynn) 6-21, 21-12, 11-10

BU16D: Clare (Barry Nash & Niall Bolton) dft Carlow (Martin Mullins/Cian Lawlor) 21-15, 19-21, 11-9

 

GU17S Armagh (Sionann McConville) dft Carlow (Melanie Byrne) 21-13, 21-13

GU17D: Clare (Alice Akers & Stacy Wright) dft Dublin (Lisa McKenna & Susan Clinton) 21-17, 21-12

 

BU17S  Wexford (Dean Corrigan) dft Tyrone (Conor McElduff) 15-21, 21-11, 11-10

BU17D: Cork (Colin Kearney & Ciaran Buckley) dft Kilkenny (Sean Foley & Darren Walsh) 21-2, 21-1 

 

 

Brady & Finnegan bring back doubles titles to Cavan

 

The All-Ireland senior doubles final was a repeat of the 2009 final. Cavan’s Paul Brady made his intentions well known in advance of winning back the title. Mayo’s Dessie Keegan & Joe McCann were attempting to win back to back titles.  St. Coman’s Roscommon was the venue for the big match on Saturday April 24th last.

 

Brady and doubles partner Michael Finnegan brought the fight straight away to the  Connacht champions going into a commanding 10-4 lead.  Keegan & McCann narrowed the Cavan men lead to 15-11. The Cavan men again held all the aces with some excellent passages of  play added to some sublime finishing the Cavan men taking game one by 15-11. In the second game Mayo started positively and held the advantage of 10-6. Brady & Finnegan produced some explosive shooting and killing. Soon they levelled at 13-13 and it was anyone’s game.  It was then Brady hungry as a lion roared into action and with Finnegan unbreakable on the right Cavan recaptured their title  with a 21-13 win in the second game.

 

In the ladies final Kerry star Maria Daly defeated Antrim’s Aisling Reilly in straight games by 21-17, 21-19. Daly proving that little bit stronger on the day in an excellent and close fought final.  Limerick’s minor doubles pairing of Padraig O’Carroll & Eamon Davern caused a big shock when defeating favourites  Galway’s Martin Mulkerrins & Seamus O’Conghaile in 2 games. The final score  21-14, 21-18 in Limerick’s favour.

 

Tyrone & Tipperary take Boys team championships

GAA Handball All Ireland Boys 40x20 Team Championships 

Carrickmore/Beragh were the venues for the U12/13 and U14/15 finals.  And Tyrone came away with both titles.

Under 14/15 Team  

 

Tyrone: Paul McKay, ConalMcElduff, Arron Owens, Geard Keenan, Luke Kelly & Mathew McSorley  dft  Galway (Ryan Seoige, John Lalor, Darragh Mulkerrins, hAonrai White, Adrian Spellman, Cian O Fatharta)   75-51

 

 

Under 12/13 Team  

Tyrone (Sean Kerr, Pauric Mullen, Turlough Clarke, Niall Allison, Ronan McKay & Jack Campbell)  dft Wexford Oision Foley, Rowan White, Danny McWilliams, Thomas Hall, Adam Hanrahan, Ben O'Shea  82-56

 

 

All Ireland Under Boys 16/17 40x20 Team Championship 2010 in Williamstown,Galway

Tipperary: (Brendan Ryan, Adrian O Dwyer, Ollie Harte, Kieran Cahill, Dylan Ryan, Paddy Kelly)  dft

Galway (Alan Kelly, Patrick Hogan, Tyler O Flaitharta, Colm McDonnachada, Eric O Fatharta, Tony Keane   43-18 

 

 

Brady’s  Men’s Open National title number 3

 

Ulster hosted the G.A.A. Irish Handball Nationals sponsored by Ladbrokes. There was a huge entry with 17 venues having to be used in Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Down, Monaghan and Tyrone with a record total of 342 games being played.This year Nationals seen the welcome return of Cork’s Tony Healy back to competitive handball after a long enforced absence  due to injury. Emmett Peixato made the long journey from California to attend the Nationals. The Men’s open final again a repeat of last year’s showdown.  In the semi’s Paul Brady bt Tony Healy 21-11, 21-5 while Eoin Kennedy bt Emmett Peixato  21-14, 21-4.  In the final Brady proved much superior in all departments racing to an emphatic 21-5, 21-8 victory. It was Brady’s 3rd Men’s Open Irish Nationals win.  In a reversal of the Ladies All-Ireland result  Antrim’s Aisling Reilly didn’t have to wait  long before setting the record straight when defeating Kerry’s Maria Daly in straight games.  Both Brady & Reilly had the added satisfaction of Ireland’s representatives at the U.S. Nationals in Austin Texas in June. Below is the full list of Irish National winners 2010.

 

 

Ducksy & Sheridan take Tommy O’Brien Memorial Handball Tournament

 

Kilkenny & Meath legends Ducksy Walsh & Tom Sheridan  made all the running in this in augural Tommy O’Brien Memorial Handball Tournament. The Tournament  organised by Ducksy Walsh was held in honour of the late Tommy O’Brien R.I.P. former Leinster Secretary for over 30 years and also held the post of Irish Handball President.  In the final they defeated  Michael Gregan & Michael Finnegan by 21-17, 21-11.  

Intermediate Final Brian Manogue, Pat Maher dft Timmy & David Clifford 21-20, 8-21, 21-20

Exhibition Game DJ Carey, Walter O Connor dft Paul Brady and Tony Healy 31-30

Juv Boys Final Sean Carey, Brian Mahon dft John Walsh, Killian Dunphy 15-14, 15-8

Girls Final Claire Grace, Mary Phelan dft Rachel Hogan and Marie Walsh 15-7 13-15,15-9.
 

Tyrone organise successful Paddy Grogan Memorial Tournament

Competitors travelled from as far afield as Limerick, Cork, Clare, Galway, Kildare and Wicklow which took place in Carrickmore on May 14th/16 last.

This year's competition saw girls included, which meant that each team had four players - one U-18, one U-16, one U-14 and one girl. Beragh & Loughmacrory clubs were also used.  Cork’s Killian Carroll,Ciana Ni Churraoin, Colin Corbett and Denis O’Neill  emerged victorious by 112-88 over Keith Kavanagh, Martina McMahon, Ryan Mullan & Gavin McCrystal.

 

 Ruairi Kelly win’s in Williamstown

Over 150 entered in the inaugural Williamstown 1-Wall Tournament  from May 21-23rd last in 17 grades.  T here was a feast of 1-wall for the entire weekend with some cracking matches in all grades. In the Men’s semi’s Vinny Moran had a good win over Armagh’s James Doyle while Kelly just edged out Mayo’s Joe McCann narrowly by 24-22. The Men’s final was won by Ruairi Kelly who beat Mayo’s Vinny Moran by 8-15, 15-6, 11-3.  In the Ladies it was an all Roscommon final with Deirdre Donohoe getting the better of Hiliary Rushe by 15-10, 15-8. Nevin McCartin Men’s C and Martin Mulkerrins Boys u-18 also recorded win’s in the warm up tournament for the Nationals.

Danny O’Sullivan Memorial Tournament.

The Hospital Club in Limerick held another successful tournament with some of the top players again taking part in this 60 x 30 tournament.  Wexford’s Colin Keeling & Barry Goff  bt Eoin Kennedy Dublin & David Maloney  by 21-14, 21-12 in the final

Hardball title for Kennedy

 

The Hardball season kicked off on May 23rd last 12 venues used to play off the 1st round of the Junior singles which had a big entry of 17.Overall this year there was bigger interest in the hardball code from all over the country and this bodes well for the future of the oldest form of hardball.

 

Defending champion and No. 1 seed, Dublin star, Eoin Kennedy (St. Brigid's, Blanchardstown), successfully retained his GAA All-Ireland Hardball Senior Singles title, when he defeated Mayo kingpin, Vinny Moran (Ballaghaderreen, in a hard-fought final, over three games in Mullingar  winning 21-6, 14-21, 21-9.  Nicholas Anthony became the Junior Hardball singles champion at the expense of Kildare’s Maurice Murray while the Masters Doubles was won by Tipperary’s  John Lee & Pat Flaherty.

 

There was a triple header of games played in the Mullingar venue on Saturday 12th June with Meath’s veteran master player Tom Sheridan easily accounting for Kildare’s Michael Dowling in straight games. Meath’s other representatives Junior doubles pairing of Carl Browne & Joe Cummins went very close to making it 2 wins for Meath but  were narrowly beaten by Kilkenny’s Keith Bourke &William Love in 3 tight games 21-19, 19-21, 21-6. While the Senior Doubles decider also went the distance with Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy & Egin Jensen just getting over the line against Limerick’s young Lions in Seamus O’Carroll & C.J. Fitzpatrick by 21-20, 5-21, 21-17. The win was the 4th for Kennedy/Jensen in 5 years.  Leixlip’s Niall O’Connor overcame Limerick’s Padraig O’Carroll in a brilliant Minor hardball singles final.  In a fascinating contest O’Connor had a narrow exciting victory by 21-13, 7-21, 21-17. O’Carroll had some compensation when taking the doubles with Eamon Davern as they got the better of Kilkenny’s Eoin Hennessy & Patrick Maher by 21-15, 21-9

 

Clare host successful Feile na nGael

 

Eleven competitions with six 40x20 events for boys and three for girls, along with two 60x30 competition for boys, ensures that some competitive handball action will be seen over the Féile weekend from June 18th to 20th  next.  Féile na nGael is a national festival of Hurling, Camogie and Handball for boys and girls under 14 years of age. The event is sponsored by Coca-Cola Bottlers (Ire) Ltd. who have been sponsors since 1971, making the relationship the longest running sponsorship in the GAA or, in fact, any other sporting event in Europe. Each year some 25,000 boys and girls take part in this festival in all 32 counties; London and Warwickshire also participate. Tiperary club, Cashel, collected the Division 1 60x30 honours on  in Tuamgraney, following a 42-23 win over Mullinavat of Kilkenny while Padraic O'Donoghue also added the 60x30 Division 1 skills title.

In Division 1 of the 40x20 Boys Feile competition, one of the host clubs, Tulla (Clare), who had Under 14 singles champion Colin Corbett in their ranks, secured the title courtesy of an eyecatching win over Tyrone club, Carrickmore. It also proved to be a great weekend for the Carrickmore club as Ryan Mullan collected the Division 1 skills title.

In the Girls Division 1 competition, Michael Breathnach's of Gaillimh secured the honours with a 31-23 final win over Ballymacelligot of Kerry. Ciana Ní Churraoin continued the trend from the Boys Division 1 codes by also winning the skills title.

Title winners for Féile na nGael 2010 are as follows:

BOYS Division 1 40x20: Tulla (Clare) df Carrickmore (Tyrone) dft 38-24

BOYS Division 2 40x20: Kiltimagh (Mayo) dft St. Brigid's, Monavea (Laois) 42-13

BOYS Divisiion 3 40x20: Friary, Abbeyside, Ballinacourty (Waterford) dft St. Patrick's (Cavan) 42-31

BOYS Division 4 40x20: Goresbridge (Kilkenny) dft St. Canice's (Kilkenny) 32-21

BOYS Division 5 40x20: Mallow (Cork) dft Cullohill (Laois) 35-30

BOYS Division 6 40x20: Broadford (Limerick) dft Brian Boru's (Dublin) 38-34

BOYS Division 1 60x30: Cashel (Tipperary) dft Mullinavat (Kilkenny) 42-23

BOYS Division 2 60x30: Clogh (Kilkenny) dft Ballina (Tipperary) 42-17

GIRLS Division 1 40x20: Michael Breathnach (Gaillimh) dft Ballymacelligot (Kerry) 31-23

GIRLS Division 2 40x20: Leixlip (Kildare) dft Clooney (Clare) 35-34

GIRLS Division 3 40x20: Leixlip (Kildare) dft Knock (Mayo) 42-13


Leixlip Youth Invitational Tournament

 

The Leixlip handball club hosted an invitational tournament for the top junior players. The winners were Boys U-13 Aran Murphy, Colin Corbett U-14, U-16 Pat Herlihy and Martin Mulkerrins Galway had a titanic tussle with Wexford’s Dean Corrigan before emerging the winner by 13-15, 15-13, 11-4 in  the U-18 final. In the girls grades there was wins for  Kirsty Maher&CaitroniaCasey.

Houston we have a problem – Bradys wins his 6th successive USHA title.  Reilly win’s double of U.S. Ladies titles.

 

Cavan’s Paul Brady  representing Ireland following his Irish Nationals win in May,  secured another major title success following his 2010 USHA National win over David Chapman. The U.S. Nationals was held in Houston Texas. Significantly, the 2009 World Senior Champion took the honours on a 21-8, 21-9 scoreline, thus having collected his 6th title win in succession without ever conceding more than 10 aces in any game during the tournament.

Brady picked up the title with wins over Andy Nett (21-7, 21-3), David Fink (21-8, 21-7), Luis Moreno (21-7, 21-5) and the final win over David Chapman.

 

Michael Ducksy Walsh and Tom Sheridan team up to win the Men’s Open doubles beating the top pros along the way. Walsh & Sheridan were unbeatable as they beat Luis Moreno and Sean Lenning by 21-12, 21-6.Walsh also added the Masters singles to the Men’s doubles.

 

  Antrim’s Aisling Reilly won both the Ladies singles & doubles title adding to her growing reputation as a World Class ladies handball player. Reilly won her fist U.S Ladies title with an 21-2, 21-7 win over Jennifer Schmitt in the final.  Reilly along with Jennifer Hinman also went home with the doubles. There was also wins for Peter Funchion  Boys U-17, Ciaran Neary Men’s B, Robbie Fox Boys 13.

 

Shanks & Havern National One-Wall champions

 

The Breaffy House Hotel in Castlebar hosted this year’s Nationals with a record entry of over 400 along with a top English team also helping to make it a fantastic weekend .  Charly Shanks retained his title but only after a magnificent fightback from Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy Junior. Shanks narrowly winning by 15-3, 13-15, 11-7. Lorraine Havern won her first Ladies Open title with a tie break victory over Mayo’s Pauline Gallagher. Next year’s entry could top the 500 mark.

 

 Goff & Keeling win inaugural  Michael Black Invitational Tournament

 

The Kells Club  hosted the inaugural Michael Black Memorial Tournament and the Wexford duo of Colin Keeling and Barry Goff had the distinction of becoming the 1st winners of the Cup.  The event took place in Kells and Crossakiel on July 9th -11th last. The Kells Club officially opened its splendid 60 x 30 court with glass back wall.  Again local hero Tom Sheridan & Ducksy Walsh teamed up but Keeling/Goff put pay to their tremendous record at the semi-stage.  The Junior Masters event was won by Crossakiel’s Mark Farrell & Robbie McCarthy senior. In the senior final Keeling &Goff bt Robbie McCarthy Junior and Brian Carroll by 21-16, 21-12..

 

All-Ireland Club 60 x 30 finals

 

In the All-Ireland club 60 x 30 finals there was success for Ballina Tipperary in the Junior B club final with an 122-73   win over St. Canices of Kilkenny. Ballina’s winning team was Paddy Collins, Michael Carroll, Noel Moroney, David Hickey and Declan Gleeson.

 

In the Junior final St. Coman’s defeated Cashel by 96-63. St. Coman’s winning team consisted off Chris Doolin, Shane Hennelly. Niall Gordan & Niall McGrath.  In the semi-final of the Open Ballaghaderreen defeated Kells by 113-98.  While the final was much easier for the Ballaghaderreen men defeating a hapless Broadford team in the final by 105-17. Ballaghaderreen’s winning team consisted of Dessie Keegan, Vinny Moran, Paul Flynn, Joe McCann and Campbell Brennan.

 

Cooney comes second in USHA Junior 3-Wall events

 

Stephen Cooney travelled to Venice Beach in California to take part in the USHA Juniors Three Wall events.  The event took place from July 22nd-25th last. Cooney did exceptionally well to reach the final of the singles and doubles.  Tyree Bastidas New York defeated the Ballaghaderrreen man in the singles final. Cooney partnered with Daniel Cordova in the doubles but yet again found Bastidas in inspired form along with Ricky Ortriz. Bastidas & Ortiz taking the doubles in straight games.

 

Ulster took on the Basque team on Sunday July 25th last in the Clann Eireann Club in Lurgan.  Ulster were represented by James Doyle, Ruairi Kelly, Michael Donnelly and Charly Shanks

 

Nash takes McGee tournament in Newport

 

Clare’s Diarmuid Nash claimed the McGee 40 x 20 handball tournament over the August Bank Holiday weekend with a fine victory over Charly Shanks in the final.  It was a fantastic weekend for Clare players winning 5 titles on offer.

 

Div 1 Diarmuid Nash (Clare) dft Charly Shanks (Armagh)

Div 2 Martin Mulkerrins (Galway) 

Div 3A Ciaran Malone (Clare

Div 3B Ger Coughlan (Clare)

Div 4 John Cawley (Clare)

Div 5 Barry McMahon (Clare)

Div 6 Colum Shanks (Armagh)

Div V Ciara McMenamon (Mayo) dft Leona Ryder (Mayo)

Div VI Veteran Doubles Round Robin Winners:- Aidan Bell, John Granahan (Mayo)

Daly & McCarthy win Abbeylara 2010

 

Another record entry for the Abbeylara tournament with 150 taking part in Boys/Girls U12, 14, 16 and 18 doubles. Armagh took home all the 3 titles on offer in the Girls Grades while there were wins for Pauric Mullen & Mattew McCartin Boys U-12,  Daniel Curry & Niall Allison Boys U-14, Darren Doherty & Patrick McRory U-16 and Terry McElvanney & Conor McElduff in the Boys U-18 final. The following day seen wins for Dan Breen & Gerry McGrath Kilkenny in the John Carthy Cup final. Darragh Daly & Robbie McCarthy Jnr teamed up to defeat hot favourites in Armagh’s Charly Shanks & James Doyle by 15-11, 7-15, 11-5.

 

  Colin Keeling & Barry Goff  tops in  Danny O' Sullivan Memorial Tournament 

 

Wexford’s Colin Keeling & Barry Goff  had an excellent Danny O’Sullivan Tournament. The duo were taken to two tie breakers but in the final they eased to an 21-14, 21-12 victory over Eoin Kennedy & David Maloney.
 

7-up for Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy

 

Eoin Kennedy won his 7th successive softball senior singles title in a row in the Martin Donnelly sponsored All-Ireland singles final played in Abbeylara on Saturday September 4th last. It was the 1st time since 1984 that the finals were moved out off the National Handball Centre. The full capacity crowd were treated to 3 absorbing matches.  In the minor singles Martin Mulkerrins  Galway defeated Limerick’s Padraig Quish by 21-19, 21-14. In the Intermediate doubles final the Limerick doubles paring of Seamus O’Carroll & Paul Hedderman made amends as they beat Kilkenny’s Timmy & David Clifford 21-14 in 2 games.  Eoin Kennedy had to work hard for his 7th title in a row.  And only a 30 ft roll out at 20-20 in the 1st game helped him to take game 1. McCarthy gave it all in the second and pushed the champion all the way before Kennedy secured an historic win by 21-15 in the second. During the interval the following received awards for winning All-Ireland’s 25 years ago;  

Ducksy Walsh (Kilkenny) - SS 60x30

Ducksy Walsh & Eugene Downey (Kilkenny) - SD 60x30

Tommy O'Rourke (Kildare) - SHS 60x30

Tom & John Quish (Limerick) - SHD 60x30

 

Martin Hennegan (Mayo) - SS 40x20

 

Pat Delaney & Eamonn Rabbitte (Galway) - SD 40x20.  Deirdre Fahy received the President’s Award

 

 

Sheridan & Carroll reclaim senior doubles title

 

Meath’s Tom Sheridan & Brian Carroll reclaimed the senior doubles crown following a 21-10, 21-18 win over Kilkenny’s Michael Ducksy Walsh & Michael Clifford in Semple Stadium Thurles. The Minor Doubles was won by Limerick’s Padraig O’Carroll & Eamon Davern who had just 1 point to spare over Roscommon’s Cian Connolly & Mark Nally by 9-21, 221-16, 21-20.  Padraig’s brother Seamus was awarded the Intermediate singles title after Kilkenny’s Timmy Cifford sustained an ankle injury early in the 1st game and was unable to continue. Cork’s Catriona Casey defeated Mayo’s Amy Corrigan 21-9, 21-10 in  the Ladies Minor singles final.

 

Juvenile All-Ireland 60 x 30 finals 2010

 

Twelve County’s shared the honours at this year’s finals which were held in

Ballina Tipperary & Garryhill Carlow

 

Girls U-14 S: Cianna Ni Churraoin Galway

Girls U014 D: Maeve McElduff & Aoife Kelly Tyrone

Girls U15 S: Mary Fahy Galway

Girls U-15 D: Catherine Foley & Mary Buggy Kilkenny

Girls U-16 S: Lauran Riordan Roscommon

Girls U-16 D: Martina McMahon & Christine Carroll Limerick

Girls U-17 S: Cornelia Prendiville Kerry

Boys U14 S: Colin Corbett Clare

Boys U-14 D: Padraig O’Donoghue/Jonathon Hayes

Boys U-15 S: Martin Mullins Carlow

Boys U-15 D: Barry Nash & Niall Bolton Clare

Boys U-16 S: Padraig Quish Limerick

Boys U-16 D: Denis O’Neil & Patrick Herlihy

Boys U-17 S: Jamie Lynch Clare

Boys U-17 D: Tom Aird & Luke Townsend Waterford

 

Prendiville Ladies Open Champion

 

Ashley Prendiville from the Ballymacelligott Club in Kerry defeated Club mate Maria Daly  in straight games in the Martin Donnelly sponsored All-Ireland Ladies open by 21-17, 21-10.  It was Prendiville’s 3rd Open title in 4 years. Wicklow represented by Shauna Hilley &  Sandra Barnes proved too strong for Catriona Casey & Lisa Falvey Kerry in the Ladies Intermediate Doubles final. It was a busy weekend for Casey as the previous day the Ballymacelligott star partnered Aisling O’Keeffe for the Minor doubles title.

 

 

Eircom win for Galway’s Eamon Conneely & Denis Phelan

 

St. Joseph’s Community Centre  Wexford with its World Class facility of 3 40 x 20 court complex hosted the 2010 Eircom finals. Players from Wexford, Clare, Tipperary, Dublin, Mayo & Galway took part.

 

In the Division 1 Final Galway’s Eamon Conneely & Denis Phelan faced Fergal Ryan Dublin  & Liam Burke Mayo. In a competitive final it was the Galway men that edged it winning  12-21, 21-11, 11-2  . Pat Donnellan Clare & Aiden Bell Mayo won the Division 1 plate final

 

Peter Mulryan  Galway & Mel Kenny Mayo dft  Billy McElroy from Dublin & Seamus O Fatharta from Galway by 21-7 21-9 in the Division 2 final.

 

Mayo’s Michael Coyne & John Sheridan were the Division 2 plate winners

 

The Officers elected for the coming year – Michael Coyne (Chairman) Paddy Collins (Secretary) Fergal Ryan (Treasurer) Aiden Bell (P.R.O.). The finals in 2011 return to Wexford and the Co-Ordinators will be Seamus Buggy & Pat Lacy.

 

Garda Championships for Hannon, O’Reilly & Donovan

 

The Annual Garda Championships took place in St. Coman’s Roscommon in September. The Junior final seen brothers David & Jason Hannon contesting the final.   It was Jason who scored a narrow 31-29 win over his brother.  Tom O’Reilly had too much for Aidan Cashin in the Masters final while Paddy Donovan retained the Senior Cup with an 31-6 win over Niall Maher

 

Connacht claim Ladies Interprovincial Title

Connacht retained their Intervprovincial 60 x 30 title with an 86-42 victory over Leinster. The Connacht Champions included Caoimhe Shanagher, Fiona Tully, Lauren O’Riordain, Jennifer Fahy, Ciana Ni Churraoin, Mary Fahy, Sinead Ni Ainli, Aoife McDonagh, Adhna Ni Bhraoin, Elaine Mitchell, Heather Spelman.

 

Murray & Towey  success in  Michael Hannon Perpetual Cup tournament

 

Ballymote hosted the Michael Hannon Cup 60 x 30 doubles tournament. It was an historic occasion for the Ballymote Club in Sligo celebrating its centenary this year.  Jamie Murray Fenagh & James Towey Ballaghaderreen dft Martin Golden Ballymote & Joe Gorman Castleconnor by 31-16 in the final.  Irish Handball President Tony Hannon presented the Cup in memory of his father to the winners.  Francis McCann & Colm Meehan were the winners in the plate final.

 

McConnell & Reilly magnificent in Crossakiel’s McDermott Cup Final.

 

Gary McConnell & Peter Reilly played exceptional handball on the way to an exciting McDermott Cup final played in Crossakiel. Sixteen teams entered from Cavan, Louth, Sligo, Galway, Roscommon, Leitrim, Kilkenny, Kerry & the host County. Kells & Crossakiel hosted the games.Kells filled 3 out of the 4 semi-final spots such is the dominance of their club players. McConnell & Reilly accounted for Dan Breen & Ger McGrath while Christy McGovern & John Boy Molloy overcame another Kells pairing of Anthony McConnell & Jimmy Reilly. In the final the young guns of McConnell & Reilly had an excellent win in an thrilling final winning by 21-11, 14-21, 21-11.

 

Devlin delivers in St. Pat Open final

 

Just one week after the Crossakiel tournament the St. Pat’s Club in Cavan organised the 1st 40 x 20 tournament of the new season. Barry Devlin from the Brackey Club in Tyrone was the Junior A champion following a gritty 14-15, 15-5, 11-8 win over Cavan’s Paul Fitzpatrick. Meath’s Peter Flanagan played impressively on the way to an emphatic win over Monaghan’s Christopher  McKenna in the Junior B final.  Terry Elvaney Monaghan overcame Cavan’s James Galligan in a one sided U-17 final. Ramus Ramamanauskas Monaghan Harps faced some stern opposition to claim the U-15 title. Wicklow’s Daniel Curry made the long journey from Coolboy a winning one when getting the better of  local Ben Conaty in the U-13 decider



Juvenile team final wins for Wexford, Tipperary & Cork

 

Wexford were denied a double in the Juvenile  team finals. The Wexford U12/13 team had a comfortable victory over Tyrone while the U16/17 went down to a strong Tipperary team. The U14/15 event went to a very strong Cork team.

 

Wexford: Thomas Hall, Adam Hanrahan, Kevin Shannon, Oisin Foley, Seamus Sinnott, Stevie Lawlor and  Keith Armstrong dft Tyrone 86-42

 

All Ireland Boys U14/15 Team Final

Final: Cork: Kurt Bowes, Aidan Kerins, John O Neill, Brian Sheehan, Michael Hedigan, Daniel Relihan, Michael Dunne, Timmy Dunne dft   Carlow: Jim O’Leary, Daniel O’Leary, Paddy Shanahan, Joey Curtis, Michael Connors and Kevin Hosey 90-38

 

 

U-16/17 final win for Tipperary

 

Tipperary: Adrian O Dwyer, Anthony Crotty, Dillon Ryan, Shane Mc Cormack dft  Wexford: Walter Lawlor, James Maddock, Dean Power, Brian Busher, John Keogh 60-34

 

All-Ireland Colleges 60 x 30 finals results:

GIRLS JUNIOR SINGLES Final: Convent of Mercy Roscommon (Lauren O’Riordan) dft Loreto Sec Sch. Kilkenny (Ciara Mahon) 15-0, 15-2

BOYS JUNIOR SINGLES:  Colin  Corbett df  Pol  Clarke 10-15, 15-9, 15-3

GIRLS JUNIOR DOUBLES Final: Colaiste na Coribe, Galliamh (Ciana Ní Churraoin, Roisin Ní Chonghaile) dft Loreto Sec Sch Kilkenny (Jenny Clifford & Kristy Maher) 15-0, 15-3

BOYS JUNIOR DOUBLES Final: Cashel Community School (Jonathan Walsh/Padraig O Donoghue) dft Kells CS 15-7, 7-15, 15- 13

BOYS INTERMEDIATE SINGLES Final: Col Bhride Carnew (Keith Kavanagh) dft John the Baptist Community School Hospital Limerick (Padraig Quish) 15-13, 4-15, 15-13 

BOYS INTERMEDIATE DOUBLES Final: Patrician Academy Mallow, Cork (Patrick Herlihy/Ryan Harkin) dft St. Peter’s, Wexford (Galen Riordan & Padraig Foley) 15-10, 15-6

GIRLS SENIOR SINGLES Final: St. Brigid’s Callan (Rachael Hogan) dft Rice College, Westport (Clodagh McMenamon) 21-1, 21-7

GIRLS SENIOR DOUBLES Final: Boherbue Comprehensive School, Cork (Aishling O Keeffe/Caitriona Casey) dft Dominican College (Lisa McKenna & Susan Clinton) 15-1,15-1

BOYS SENIOR SINGLES Final: St. Mary’s College (Martin Mulkerrins) dft Dean Corrigan (St. Peter’s Wexford) 15-7, 12-15, 15-9

BOYS SENIOR DOUBLES Final: Roscommon CBS (Cian Connolly, Mark Nally) dft Colaiste Eamann Ris, Callan  (Sean Foley, Peter Funchion)15-9, 15-4

 

 

Kennedy and Buggy team up to win Eamonn Law Memorial Tournament in Kilkenny 

Reigning All-Ireland  60 x 30 singles champion Eoin Kennedy teamed up with Wexford’s Gavin Buggy to win the 2010 Eamon Law Memorial Tournament final

Senior Doubles Final:

Eoin Kennedy/Gavin Buggy dft Colin Keeling/Barry Goff  21-12, 21-10 

Intermediate Doubles Final:

Patrick Funchion/Ciaran Neary dft Ger Anthony/Joe Walsh 21-8, 21-6 

Juvenile Doubles:

Emmet Landy/Sean Carey dft Brian Mahon/Padraig Cooney 12-15, 15-12, 15-4 

Girls Exhibition Game:

Catherine Foley/Aisling Maher dft Kirsty Maher/Mary Buggy

Anthony & Prendiville retain Intervarsity  60 x 30 titles

Nicky Anthony (Waterford IT) and Ashley Prendiville (UCC) retained their All-Ireland 60x30 Intervarsity’s A Singles titles  hosted by Kilkenny. The Waterford IT student defeated Seamus O’Carroll Limerick IT in a fantastic final by 12-21, 21-16, 11-7.  It was Anthony’s 3rd successive 60 x 30 Intervarsity singles title in a row.

 

 Ashley Prendiville(UCC) won her fourth singles title in a row when she overcame Shauna Hilley (IT Tralee) winning a thrilling tie break by 12-21,21-12,11-8, Prendiville and Hilley also clashed in the Doubles decider where  Ashley partnered by Kilkenny’s Rebecca Mulholland overcame Hiley and her partner Amanda Geoghegan 21-7, 21-9.

 

Waterford IT retained their A team title with an 90-48 win over DCU. The Waterford IT team consisted of Nicky Anthony, Patrick Funchion, Mick Fennelly & Patrick Nolan.

 

Mick Donovan (Athlone IT) bt  Carlow IT’s Johnny Westlake 15-4, 15-3 in the B singles final, while Connor Grealis (Dublin IT) won the C Singles with an 11-5 tie breaker win over UL’s Colin Clarke. Amanda Geoghegan (IT Tralee) took the Ladies B accolade with a 15-0, 15-11 victory over Laura Anne Furlong (UL).

NUIG took the Mens B Team title over Carlow IT  by 81-68. Neven McCartin, Shane Hayes, John Culane & Alan Leamy.  IT Tallaght took the Ladies B Doubles while UL Colin Clarke, Eamonn McNicholas, Rob O’Hara, Laura Anne Furlong and Aine Brislane took the C team title beating UCD

Irish players win 4 U.S. titles

Irish players travelled to Fountain Valley California for the Simple Green U.S. Open of Handball and came away with 4 titles. Antrim’s Aisling Reilly secured her 2nd U.S. title of the year with an fully deserved win over Megan Mehilos in the final on a 21-11, 21-7 scoreline.  Paddy Donovan (Laois) claimed his first US title with an invigorating victory over Mike McDonald (USA) in the US Masters (40+)  21-20, 21-17.  Eugene Kennedy (Dublin), secured the Mens Super Masters Singles (60+). Kennedy, who won the Irish Nationals title earlier this year,  Kennedy proved too strong for Steve Housman (California) and he powered his way to the title with a 21-5, 21-12 victory. The Men’s B Singles Final was an all-Irish affair as Limerick's Paul Hedderman (Limerick) claimed his first title in the U.S. event as he denied Michael O'Brien (Offaly 21-8, 21-17 to claim the honours. Eoin Kennedy & Dessie Keegan reached the Men’s Open doubles final but were denied  by Marcus Chavez & Vincent Munoz by 18-21, 21-12, 3-11.

Shanks & Reilly hand’s turn to Gold

Charly Shanks & Aisling Reilly were the big winners in the Golden Gloves Belfast tournament at the end of October. Shanks was taken to a tie breaker in round 1 against Tyrone’s Padraig McGlinchey before running out victor by 11-0. Shanks beat Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy in the final again in another tie breaker finish. There was no such problems for Aisling Reilly as she is already warm favourite to become the next Ladies World Champion. Reilly had to much for 3 times World Champion and reigning Golden Gloves winner Fiona Shannon  winning in straight games.

Golden Gloves winners 2010

Men’s Open: Charly Shanks (Armagh) dft Robert McCarthy (Westmeath) 16-21, 21-7, 11-4

Ladies Open: Aisling Reilly (Antrim) dft Fiona Shannon (Antrim) 21-5, 21-2

B19: John Casey (Cork) dft Peter Hughes (Wexford)

B17: Niall O’Connor (Kildare) dft Killian Carroll (Cork) 21-17, 21-20

B15: Darren Dohery (Monaghan) dft Barry Nash (Clare) 2-12, 21-19

Ladies A: Ciana Ní Churraoin (Galway) dft Martina McMahon (Limerick) 21-9, 21-15

Masters: Paddy Duffy (Antrim) dft Tom O'Brien (Limerick) 2-21, 21-12, 11-5 

Mens A: Niall Malone (Clare) dft Ciaran Burke (Mayo) 21-12, 21-14

Mens B: Donnacha O'Dea (Cork) winner

Delvin Tournament

Eoin Kennedy & Michael Gregan overcame legendary players Michael Ducksy Walsh & Tom Sheridan in the final of the Delvin senior doubles 40 x 20 tournament.   Eight teams took part at the Westmeath venue. In the end Kennedy & Gregan prevailed over the legendary maestro’s

 

John Gaffney Juvenile Tournament

The third annual John Gaffney 60x30 Memorial Tournament was hosted by the Williamstown club had a record of 50 young players taking part from all over Connacht. The Boys final was won by Jason Earlis Castleconnor & Conor O’Toole Charlestown. The Girls final seen Elaine Mitchell from the host club Williamstown & Jade Henry Knock getting the better of  Heather Spellman Williamstown & Sorcha Ryan Ballaghaderreen  by 15-9, 15-4.

 

DIT 1-Wall Tournament

 

Paul Fitzpatrick & Mark McGowan had an exciting 11-5, 8-11, 11-4 win over Padraig Gaffney & Steven Cooney in the final of the DIT Tournament Open doubles final. Croke Park was the venue which seen competitive matches throughout the day.  Johnny Westlake & Niall O’Connor also were brought to 3 games before getting the better of Jarlath & Robert Coyle from the Mount Talbot Club in Roscommon by 9-11, 11-8, 11-3.  David Dowd & Liam O’Ceallaigh made amends for the Roscommon club when securing the C doubles title. DCU’s Brian O’Sullivan & Shane Briody were the C doubles winning pair.

 

World Federations Cup 1 Wall – Ladies take ELA Cup
 Ireland sent out a strong squad to take part in the World Federations Cup 1 Wall competition to Imperia Italy last month. Sixteen country’s battled out for the number 1 spot. The Irish team consisted of Charly Shanks, Dessie Keegan, Robbie McCarthy & James Doyle. The ladies were represented by Lorraine Havern, Ashley Prendiville, Marianna Rushe, Pauline Gallagher & Niamh Egan.

The Irish ladies handball lost out in the group stages of the World One-Wall Federations Cup but collected the ELA Cup with wins over the Basque Country & Italy. The Irish Mens team  finished 5th overall having beaten the Basque Country & Belgium in the playoffs. Puerto Rico were the overall winners.

Irish Juniors ready for U.S. challenge over Christmas

Ulster hosted this year’s Junior Nationals finals with some terrific finals. Monaghan’s Darren Doherty had an exciting 21-20, 18-21, 11-2 win over Carlow’s Martin Mullins in the Boys 15 & Under final. Cork’s Killian Carroll had comfortable win in the 17 & Under final over Kildare Niall O’Connor winning in 2 games. Carrickmore’s Caolan Daly & Ballaghaderreen’s Steven Cooney served up a thrilling spectacle in the Boys 19 & Under final. Daly taking game 1 by 21-19. Cooney took command in game 2 levelling the match at 1 game each. In a titanic struggle in the tie breaker  Daly just edged it by 11-9. Lauren O’Riordan defeated Cianna Ni Churraoin in the Girls 15 & Under decider. Cork’s Catriona Casey had an emphatic win in the Girls 17 & Under final while Down’s Lorraine Havern also had a 21-10 21-10 success over Wicklow’s Shauna Hiley.  The Official Irish team of Lauren O’Riordan, Catriona Casey, Lorraine Havern, Darren Doherty, Killian Carroll & Caolan Daly will represent Ireland in the U.S.H.A.  Junior Nationals in San Diego. Mayo’s Joe McCann is the team manager with Kerry’s Ashley Prendiville the Assistant Manager. The U.S.H.A. Nationals begins on December 27th and we wish all the Irish players the best of luck.  Other winners in the Junior finals were:

Boys 11 & U Doubles: Jerome Cahill, Daniel Ryan (Tipperery)

Girls 11 & Under Doubles :Heather Spellman, Elaine Nee (Galway)

Boys 13 & U A Final: Daniel Curry (Wicklow)

 Boys 13 & U B Final: Padraig Cooney (Kilkenny)

 Girls 13 & U A Final: Aoife McConville (Armagh)

Girls 13 & U B Final: Aoibhinn Henderson (Armagh)

Girls 15 & U B Final: Adhna Ní Bhraonáin (Galway)

Boys 15 & U B Final: Daniel Relihan (Cork)

Boys 17 & U B Final: Cathal Sheridan (Cavan)

Billy Duggan 40 x 20 Memorial Doubles Invitational Tournament

Cork’s Tony Healy & Kerry’s Dominic Lynch were made to fight all the way before winning the tournament hosted by the Broadford club in Limeric. But only after a tremendous struggle against the veteran doubles maestro’s of Michael “Ducksy”Walsh & Tom Sheridan. In a breathtaking final the Munster men won in a cliff hanger by21-19, 16-21, 11-8.

National Handball All-Star Awards 2010

The Hogan Suite in Croke Park was the venue for this year’s All-Star banquet. Over 400 people attended the Handball social event of the year.  Marty Morrissey and Evan Ni Chuilin were the MC’s for the evening. Following are the award winners for 2010. Congratulations to them all.

Young Male Player of the Year: Seamus O'Carroll (Limerick)

Young Female Player of the Year: Catriona Casey (Cork)

Youth Male Player of the Year: Darren Doherty (Monaghan)

Youth Female Player of the Year: Cianna Ní Churraoin (Galway)

Masters Player of the Year: Johnny Brennan (Kilkenny)

Official of the Year: Brendan Falvey (Kerry)

Clubperson of the Year: Niall Kerr (Tyrone)

Coach of the Year: Eugene O'Reilly (Meath)

Special Achievement: Aiden Bell (Mayo),

Team of the Year: Ballaghaderreen Open Club Team (Mayo)

Male Player of the Year: Eoin Kennedy (Dublin)

Female Player of the Year: Maria Daly (Kerry)

Club of the Year: St. Coman's, Roscommon Town

International Player of the Year: Aisling Reilly (Antrim)

UUJ win Intervarsities 40 x 20 title for 3rd successive year

UUJ retained the blue ribboned A team title for the third year on the trot, having overcome UCD in the quarter final they disposed of DIT’s challenge in the semi final where they faced a repeat of last year’s final opponents NUIG who got the better of UUJ2 and WIT in the semi final.

A Team Final: UUJ (Darragh Daly, Brian Donaghy, Michael Donnelly, Padraig McGlinchey) dft  NUIG (Diarmuid Nash, Ciaran Burke, Ian McLoughlin, Niall Malone) 108-63

 

B Team Final: DCU (Conor O’Gorman, Colin Grace,Shane Briody, Brian O’Sullivan) dft NUIG (Nevan McCartan, John Cunnane, Alan Leamy, John Kennedy) 64-58

 

C Team Final: QUB (Michael Armstrong, Geroid Murphy, Natlie Ni Shim, Anna Nadine) dft

DCU (Patrick Curran, Ed Dunphy, Shane Duffy, Tom Walsh, M Burke) 78-70

 

 

Ladies B Doubles DCU (Maria Burke, Aileen Quinn) dft DCU Siobhan Brennan, Marina Kilduff) 15-2, 15-2

 

 

Obituaries: Friends we lost in 2010

 

Denis O Neill Snr   18th February 2010. The late Denis O’Neill Snr was from the Liscarroll Club in Cork and father of four Tom,

Arthur, Dinny & Denny. Dinny  represented Ireland at the U.S. Junior National in Chicago last December.

 

 Bridget Lalor, Kilkenny, mother of Martin Lalor, following her passing on Thursday 13th May 2010. 

 Maureen Bourke, Vicker St., Kilkenny - Mother of All Ireland champion, Billy Bourke on Saturday 15th May last

Noel McCarthy brother of Robbie McCarthy Senior (Westmeath), and uncle to well known handballers, Robbie and Aoife. Noel, of Farran and St. Anthony's Cottages, Patrick Street, Mullingar, Westmeath died suddenly at his home on Tuesday  May 25th last.

 

Michael Corbett, Moynoe, Scariff, father of  Joe Corbet Tulla (Clare Juvenile Handball Chairman on Tuesday June 22nd last. Burial took place on Friday June 25th last  in Moynoe new cemetery.

 Peadar Cassidy  - father of Ollie and Peter Cassidy Swinford  who passed away on Friday August 20th last. Burial took place on Monday 23rd August  from Our Lady help of Christians Church Swinford to Aughamore Cemetery

Maura Hipwell - Wife of Pat, former Kildare Handball Secretary Wednesday 15th September 2010. Requiem Mass took place in the Church of the Most Holy Trinity Moone and burial in the adjoining cemetery on Friday 17th September.

 

Brendan Currid, Rahaberna, Sligo (ex-ESB) 12th October 2010.Former Treasurer Sligo Handball Board. Peacefully after a short illness at the UPMC-Beacon Hospital, Dublin.  Mass of the Resurrection at 11.30 am on Saturday 16th     October in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo.  Burial followed in Sligo Cemetery

Cecilia Ryan Dublin - wife of Pat Ryan, Na Fianna Handball Club 26th October. Funeral Mass took place at the Church of Our Lady of Delours, Glasnevin followed by burial in Glasnevin Cemetery.

 

Mick Lally Galway – Sympathy is extended to Mick Kelly family & friends former Galway handballer & Liam Mellow’s hurler who passed away in America in late November. Funeral Mass took place in Knocknarra Church and burial in Rahoon Cemetary on Saturday 11th December

Walter Thompson Birmingham -   Sympathy is extended   incoming GAA Handball President, Walter O'Connor and the entire O'Connor Family, Meath on the passing of Eileen's brother, Walter Thompson. Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday December 15th.


Julia O’Keeffe It is with great regret and sadness that we inform you of the death of Michael O’Keeffe’s Mother, Julia O’Keeffe, Ballydesmond, Co Cork. Funeral mass took place on Friday 17th at 12pm in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Ballydesmond. 

Elizabeth (Betty) Coen beloved mother of Sean Coen Ballisodare, Co. Sligo who passed away on 21st December in Roscommon..  

On behalf of Irish Handball players, officials, supporters, sponsors and their families and  everyone associated with Irish Handball I want to wish everyone a very happy and holy Christmas and for a peaceful, prosperous and sporting 2011.

Michael McGee

Irish Handball Review of 2010