Irish Handball Review of 2009 by Michael McGee

An action packed year in handball sees Marianna Rushe reign supreme with Irish & U.S. Collegiates double. Chris Curran becomes National Handball Manager. Irish players dictate in U.S. Nationals finals. Record entry in Irish One-Wall Nationals.  Fintan Creamer’s  historic English one-wall victory. Eoin Kennedy’s “golden hands” still the King in 60 x 30. Paul “the gunner” Brady still  rules the World. Fiona Shannon’s historic treble of World titles.  Phenomenal  talent  emerging at  underage level. No stopping the magical Michael “Ducksy” Walsh  at home or abroad. Ireland celebrates with 37 World titles in Portland. Some of the highlights in one of the greatest years ever in the annals of Irish Handball. 

Seven U.S. titles for Irish Juniors

Seventeen Irish Juniors made the long journey to the U.S. Nationals that took place in Club Green Meadows in Vancouver Washington  from December 27-30th last.

Antrim’s Aisling Reilly made a clean sweep in the  Girls 19 & Under division when winning the singles title over Down’s Lorraine Havern. And in the doubles teamed up with Havern to achieve  the notable double in the round robin series of games. It was a notable achievement for Reilly with a perfect six championships singles wins in six attempts to end on a high note. Cork’s Catriona Casey also claimed the Girls 15 & Under title.  Meath’s Gary McConnell went in as favourite for the Boys 17 & Under final having dropped only 20 points in the qualifying games where he faced Caolan Daly from Tyrone. The Carrickmore clubman had a scare in his semi-final with a tie break win over Eric Matiasek, winning in 3 games 21-15, 20-21, 11-2. In the final itself, Daly was again taken to a tie break  before coming home by 21-17, 20-21, 11-5 in an absorbing final win over McConnell.  Daly teamed up with Cork’s Killian Carroll to reach the 17 & Under doubles final, but had had an agonizing defeat in the tie breaker just going down by the minimum 12-21, 21-7, 10-11 to C.J. Laffey & Eric Matiasek from the U.S.  Carroll from Cork, did win the 15 & Under title with a straight sets victory over Wicklow’s Keith Kavanagh. Kavanagh then played with Brant Bidegain in the 15 & Under doubles and the duo went all the way to win a splendid final. Daniel Curry had Wicklow’s heart’s smiling further when he took the 11 & Under title in straight games over San Francisco’s Coleman McGrath 21-18, 21-10.

The Laurence O’Toole’G.A.C. from Coolock in Dublin officially opened their  one-wall  outdoor courts on Friday January 16 last, with an floodlit exhibition match between World Champion Paul Brady from Cavan and Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy.  Brady winning by 15-9, 14-15, 11-2.  This year also seen the largest number of  entries (35) into the 2009 Dalkia All-Ireland Men’s and Ladies All-Ireland 40 x 20 championships in singles and doubles. For personal reasons Cork’s Tony Healy did not enter in this years championships. Kerry’s Ashley Prendiville reached the quarter-finals of the Ladies Classic in New York but was beaten by eventual champion in Canada’s Lisa Frazer Gilmore by 21-10,21-17.

Chris Curran appointed Irish Handball Manager

 Lorcan O’Ruairc retired after 30 years of dedicated service to Irish Handball on January 31st last.  Lorcan joined the Croke Park staff in 1980 and 9 years later became Riarthoir Naisiunta of the Irish Handball Council.  Succeeding  O’Ruairc is Chris Curran from the Loughmacrory club in Tyrone. Curran  P.R.O. of the Tyrone Handball Board for the past 5 years . He is also a noted handballer having won 5 All-Ireland handball titles. Curran brought in new ideas and closely aligned Irish handball to the G.A.A with new branding. Irish handball  is now called G.A.A. Handball.

University titles for Carroll & Rushe

 Brian Carroll from D.I.T. won the Men’s Open in the Intervarsities held in Kingscourt from January 29th-1st Feb last. Carroll the defending champion from the Kells Club was in outstanding form all weekend and it came as no surprise when taking the title over Darragh Daly by 15-11,15-6. There was an all Cavan final in the A final with James Brady D.C.U. narrowly beating Patrick Clerkin U.C.D. by 15-14, 15-13. Roscommon’s Marianna Rushe U.C.D. bt Ashley Prendiville  by 7-21, 21-7,11-6 in the Ladies final.  Cian O’Fatharta & Cianna Ni Churraoin from Galway became the  Gael Linn champions for 2009.  Early casualties in the All-Ireland 40 X 20 Open Championships were Ricky McCann from Antrim who retired in the second game against Wicklow’s Michael Gregan while Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy Jnr was just edged out by Wexford’s Gavin Buggy in a thriller.

In the All-Ireland Colleges Final, Cork’s Shane Hedigan had a hard fought victory  in the tie break over Mayo’s Stephen Cooney in the Senior grade, while Down’s Lorraine Havern success story of 2009 continued this time when taking the Girls Senior title.

 In the Williamstown tournament that took place over Valentine’s weekend Conor O’Brien from Offaly teamed up Galway’s Alan Tieney. And in a splendid final the duo ousted  Tiperary’s Ger Coonan & Michael Carroll from Tipperary by 21-15, 21-19. In the Junior B Doubles Nigel Neilian & Dermot Doolin beat another Roscommon pairing Shane Hennelly & Niall Gordon by 21-16, 21-6.

 

 Charly Shanks from Armagh took part in the Dallas Pro-Stop from February 13-15 last and reached the semi-final only to lose to Luis Moreno in 2 games. Earlier he defeated Sean Lenning by 21-10,  21-9 in the quarters. Moreno went on to defeat Emmett Peixoto in a thiller 13-21, 21-19, 11-9 to record his first pro-stop in.

Rushe reigns supreme in University championships

The USHA Collegiates took place in the University of Minnesota Recreation Centre from February 18th-22nd last, and what a year it is proving for Marianna Rushe. Just 2 weeks ago she won the Irish Collegiates final and followed this up with 2 U.S. Collegiates titles in Minnesota. Rushe slammed in the ladies division winning the singles by 21-11, 21-7 over Lake Forest College Aimee Ulbert.  Rushe teamed up with her sister Hilary  as they beat Aimee Ulbet & Emily Zander by 21-18, 21-8 in the doubles final.  Sean McCorry & Paddy Sherry from U.U.J. beat Ciaran O’Sullivan & David Smith U.C.D in the Men’s B doubles final by 21-19, 21-19.  The top Irish players in the Men’s open failed to reach the final. In the end Armando Ortiz beat Nikolai Nahorniak by 21-18, 21-7.

5th title in a row for Paul Brady

Cavan G.A.A. star won his 5th senior and 6th overall 40 x 20 singles title on the trot following a very impressive 21-10, 21-4 defeat of Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy in Roscommon on Saturday 14th March last. Brady was back to his brilliant best especially in the second game when he totally dominated the game. His silken skills was there for everyone to see and it was one of the best performances from the Cavan star in a number of years. Brady followed in the footsteps of the legendary Pat Kirby who also the 5-in-a-row. Fiona Shannon also made history when she equalled Bernie Hennessy’s record of 8 Ladies singles titles with a 21-19, 21-11 victory over Aisling Reilly from Antrim. Caolan Daly Tyrone made it a clean sweep for the Ulster county’s when he defeated Meath’s Gary McConnell 21-20, 21-15 in the Minor final. 

Keegan & McCann shock Cavan in doubles final

Kilkenny hosted the All-Ireland doubles finals and Mayo’s Dessie Keegan & Joe McCann shocked the champions Paul Brady & Michael Finnegan Cavan.  Cavan were bidding for a fourth consecutive win but Keegan & McCann turned the form book upside down. After an hour and a half of absorbing handball Mayo emerged victorious by 21-19, 9-21, 21-19. It was Mayo’s first title in this grade since 1980. It was a double celebration for Mayo as their minors Stephen Cooney & Ian McLoughlin defeated Kilkenny’s Patrick Funchion & Keith Bourke by 21-13, 21-6. Antrim’s Fiona Shannon & Sibeal Gallagher accounted for Roscommon’s Marianna Rushe & Leona Doolin by 21-11, 21-7 in the ladies final.

Brady takes Irish National Handball Title

Paul Brady won his second Envirogreen Irish National handball title with a victory over Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy by 21-15, 21-11 on April 19th last. It was a memorable final as Kennedy pushed the Cavan G.A.A. star all the way before Brady’s overall power play won the day. Fiona Shannon from the St. Paul’s Club in Belfast won her 8th National title in 11 years defeating her club mate Aisling Reilly by 21-5 21-11.Other winners were Ger Coonan in the Men’s A winning an exciting 3 game thriller over Darragh Daly by 21-10, 18-21, 11-3.  David Walsh from Waterford had a marathon struggle with Wicklow’s Pat O’Donnell before winning 21-18, 20-21, 11-7.Michael Ducksy Walsh defeated Meath’s Tom Sheridan in a close hard fought Masters final. David Hope finally had something to smile about when winning the Men’s C over Barry Devlin from Tyrone. Lisa McAleer from Tyrone won the Ladies B final and Mayo’s Kevin Geraghty won the Golden Masters A title for the fourth year in succession defeating Kilkenny’s Johnny Brennan in straight games. The G.A.A. celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2009 and Handball Clubs  from all over the Country helped to make it extra special.

O’Neill & O’Reilly win in Boston

A number of Irish players took part in the Boston Open . Pat Conway, Shane O’ Neill, Ruairi Kelly & Eugene O’Reilly. O’Neill runner in last year’s A division made no mistake this time defeating Jurell Bastidas 21-20, 21-13. Shane was also the recipient of the Willy Winslow Prize for the best performance, on and off the court, by an under 25 Player.  Eugene O’Reilly a member of the Crossakiel  Club in Co. Meath, in his first appearance at the Boston Open, won the B Division winning in straight games over Steve Miley 21-4, 21-19. Sean Lenning defeated Dave Chapman 21-4, 21-3 in the final of the pro-stop.

Keegan reaches Canadian final

Mayo’s Dessie Keegan reached the Canadian Men’s Open final which was held in the University of  Winnipeg  on May 13th-16th last. Hopes were high of a second successive win for Ireland in the Canadian Nationals following Tony Healy’s win in the final last year. Keegan was in brilliant form when beating Sean Lenning by 21-19, 21-18 in the semi-final. In the final however Keegan could not replicate his heroics as he fell to Dave Chapman by 21-6, 21-13 in the final. Keegan & Joe McCann reached the semi-final in the doubles before bowing out to Chapman and Jake Plummer by the narrow margain of 21-20, 21-17.

Kennedy is hardball champion

Eoin Kennedy defeated Dessie Keegan in an exciting Senior hardball singles final by 21-16, 21-17 in a 3 match programme in Roscommon. Meath’s Tom Sheridan & Brian Carroll were brought to 3 games with Dessie Keegan & Joe McCann before winning the Senior doubles final.   Sheridan also won the Masters final over Laois’s Paddy Donovan. Limerick’s C.J. Fitzpatrick & Seamus O’Carroll also had an easy win in the Junior doubles final. In the Junior Hardball All-Ireland singles it was an all Limerick final with Seamus O’Carroll getting the better of his long time doubles partner C.J. Fitzpatrick in 3 games. The final score being 21-9, 15-21, 21-3. Keith Bourke & Eoghan Hennessy from Kilkenny overcame the challenge of Mayo’s Stephen Cooney & Ian McLoughlin in the Minor Doubles final by 21-15, 21-10. Cooney did win the minor single with a 21-1, 21-20 win over Wexford’s Jason Murphy.

In the 60 x 30 interclub finals Ballaghaderreen beat Coolboy in the Open Interclub final by 98-90. Ballaghaderreen were represented by Joe McCann, Vinny Moran, Paul Flynn, Dessie Keegan & Steven Cooney. Ballymoe from Roscommon beat a fancied Coolboy club from Wicklow in the Junior final by103-77. Winning team members were Lorcan Maughan, John Kennedy, Neil McDermott, Billy Kelly & Stevie Joyce. Cashel from Tipperary easily won the Junior B final by 84-13 over Collooney. Cashel’s winning team were Denis White, Ray Manton, John Ferncombe, Niall Fitzgerald & Gary Maloney.

Brady’s 5th U.S.H.A Title

In the U.S.H.A. Championships 19 Irish players made the long journey over to Los Angeles. Paul Brady claimed his 5th consecutive Men’s open title with an awesome display and powered to an emphatic 21-6, 21-3 win over David Chapman. There was further joy in Cavan when James Brady won the Men’s B title. There was an all Tipperary final in the Men’s A with Fergal Collins defeating fellow county man Ger Coonan in an exciting tie breaker. In an absorbing final Collins proved the stronger winning by 15-21, 21-20, 11-7. Coonan had some compensation when winning the doubles with Cavan’s Patrick Clerkin. Collins also won the Boys 19 & under defeating Chris Maldonado from Tucson by 3-21,21-2, 11-8. It was a great weekend for Kilkenny handball players with Peter Funchion winning the C title, Billy Bourke taking the Veteran Masters singles in 2 games over Texan Todd Evans while Kilkenny legend Michael Ducksy Walsh was victorious in the Masters singles. Both Ducksy & Ian Jensen teamed up to win the 40-plus doubles.  It was an all Kilkenny final in  the Boys 17 & under with Keith Bourke getting the better of Peter Funchion by 21-15, 15-21, 11-7. Dylan Walsh son of the legendary Ducksy  won the Boys 15 & under with an 17-21, 21-19, 11-0 victory over Loren Collado. In fact Ducksy won the same 15 & under junior event back in 1981. Perhaps the most exciting final of the championships  was in the Men’s 35+ division.  Dubliner Egin Jensen somehow fashioned a most unlikely victory over California’s Chris Watkins. Jensen took game 1 by 21-16 but was over run by Watkins in the second by 21-4. In the tie breaker Watkins stormed into an 10-0 lead and just needed 1 point for victory. Jensen from the jaws of defeat made the greatest comeback of all time. Jensen scored 11 unanswered points to steal victory in the end and leave Watkins totally deflated.

Ducksy & Sheridan the Masters in Danny O’Sullivan Tournament

The Hospital club in Limerick organised the successful tournament with the top 60 x 30 players involved.  Both Ducksy Walsh & Tom Sheridan veterans and master tacticians proved too strong for all teams. In the final they disposed of the challenge of Dominic Lynch Kerry & Gavin Buggy Wexford by 21-6, 21-16 in the final. In the intermediate decider Paul Hedderman & Tom O’Brien Limerick were made to fight all the way before coming out on top over a determined challenge in the form of Clare’s Declan Frawly & Seamus Lawlor.

  Irish 1-Wall titles for Shanks & Rushe

For the 1st time in 11 years the Ladbrokes  sponsored Nationals moved out of Sligo to the Breaffy House Hotel in Castlebar. A record entry of over 250 took part including a 20 strong English team. Charly Shanks from Lurgan the 2007 champion easily defeated last year’s runners-up Dessie Keegan in straight games. Shank’s awesome spin serves gave Dessie no chance at all to make a game of it. In the Ladies final Marianna Rushe from Roscommon the defending champion also had an impressive win over Kerry’s Ashley Prendiville. Both players had the added bonus of going on to represent Ireland at the World handball championships.

Shanks & Havern win McGee Tournament

Charly Shanks continued where he left of in Castlebar when winning the Annual McGee 40 x 20 handball tournament in Newport Co. Mayo on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Shanks defeated Cork’s Colm Jordan in the Men’s final. Lorraine Havern from Down overcame Mayo’s  Amy Corrigan in the Ladies Final.  There was also wins for Shane Hedigan Cork, Peter Funchion Kilkenny, Peter Flanagan Meath, David Wrynn Leitrim, Dermot Doolin Roscommon, Marianna Rushe Roscommon  & Terry Spence Kildare.

Doyle & Flynn tie-break victory in Abbeylara One-Wall tournament

James Doyle from Armagh & Darren Flynn from the host club won the Patrick Hyland Cup senior doubles final with an 15-8, 11-15, 11-2 win over Clare’s Diarmuid Nash & Niall Malone. Flynn was in fantastic form after a shaky start. It was Doyle’s 3rd successive win in the final having won in 2007 with David King, Charly Shanks in 2008 and the latest with Flynn. Jerome Willoughby & Keith Kavanagh Wicklow made up for the disappointment of last year with a tie break win over Laois’s Andrew Dowling & Thomas Lennon by 9-15, 15-5, 11-2.  Lorraine Havern from Down won the Girls U-18 final. Over 100 took part the biggest entry ever for the tournament.

In  the Senior singles there was a shock defeat for Meath’s Tom Sheridan by Joe McCann in the round of 16 match.  Both McCann & Keegan exited at the quarter final stage. In the doubles quarter-final  Mayo’s Joe McCann & Dessie Keegan were tipped by many to reach the final but were ambushed by Wicklow’s Johnny Willoughby & Michael Gregan  going out in straight games.

In the Ladies Softball final Bernie Hennessy Limerick defeated Ashley Prendiville Kerry in a repeat of last year’s final. Hennessy made up for last year with an 21-5, 21-18 over the Kerry star. Ashley Prendiville made amends by winning the doubles with Maebh Prendiville and they defeated Roscommon’s Katie Costello & Deirdre Donohoe in a thrilling encounter over 3 games.  Eoin Kennedy eased into the All-Ireland softball singles final with an  21-3, 21-4 win over Cavan’s Michael Finnegan while Robert McCarthy Jr. (Westmeath) dft Gavin Buggy (Wexford) 21-13, 21-10 in the other semi-final. 

King Kennedy makes it six

In the Martin Donnelly sponsored All-Ireland softball 60 x 30 finals Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy defeated Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy Jnr by 21-9, 21-7 to claim his 6th successive senior singles title and 7th overall. Kennedy overpowered the young Westmeath man who was appearing in his 1st All-Ireland senior final. Kennedy is only the 3rd player in Irish handball history to have secured 6 titles in a row, following in the footsteps of Paddy Perry Roscommon  (1930-37) and the living legend in Kilkenny’s  Michael Ducksy Walsh(1985-1997). In the Minor final Mayo’s Steven Cooney had a good win over Limericks’s Padraig O’Carroll by 21-14, 21-0.  It was the County’s first win in the Minor singles final since 1998.  Kilkenny’s Nicholas Anthony & Joe Walsh also had a decisive victory over Galway’s Ollie Conway & Alan Tierney by 21-6, 21-7 in the Intermediate decider. The Irish Handball Council in a nice gesture honoured the Senior Handball Champions of 1984. They were  Martin Hennigan Mayo,  Tom O’Rourke Kildare, Tom & John Quish Limerick, Pius Winders Kildare, Pat Cleary & John Fleming Wexford. Cork’s Peter Dennehy and Munster’s long serving Provincial Secretary received the President’s Award from Tony Hannon.

Creamer takes English Challenge Cup victory

In the English One Wall Open Fintan Creamer from the Abbeylara Club in Longford helped to create a little piece of Irish sporting history when he became the first Irish player to win the Men’s Challenger English One-Wall title. The  Abbeylara man beat Will Ellison of Rugby Fives handball in 3 games. Tadgh Carroll beat Anthony Theodossi in the Men’s open plate.  Frank Semple. Rob Farrelly, Paul Fitzpatrick  & Conn McGabhain also made the trip.

McGlinchey & Donnelly win Hugh Duff Memorial doubles final.

Loughmacrory was the final for the Hugh Duff handball tournament on Saturday September 14th last. In a hard fought and exciting final it was Padraic  McGlinchey & Paul  Donnelly who prevailed over Ruairi Kelly & Niall Kerr by 18-21,21-15, 11-7. In the ladies exhibition Belfast’s Fiona Shannon defeated her club mate Aisling Reilly by 34-12. Cavan G.A.A star and World handball champion Paul Brady faced Charly Shanks in the Men’s exhibition final. Shanks despite a great performance was beaten by Brady by 21-8,21-14 .Both players gave a wonderful display of power play yet it was Brady who finished strongly yet again and still undefeated after 12 months of play.

Daly takes inaugural Ladies 40 x 20 Open

Maria Daly made the long journey from Kerry to Roscommon a winning one when she came away with the Ladies Open 40 x 20 title at the expense of surprise finalist in Mayo’s Amy Corrigan. Corrigan defeated Marianna Rushe, Emer Coyle & Pauline Gallagher on the way to the final. In the final Daly beat the young Mayo star by 21-7, 21-9. Westmeath’s Aoife McCarthy took the A title. It provided great competition for the 14 participants ahead of the World championships.

Delight yet again Dublin’s Kennedy & Jensen in All-Ireland doubles final

Eoin Kennedy capped of a memorable year in the 60 x 30 court when partnering veteran and former Meath star  Egin Jensen to a memorable softball doubles final win over 2008 champions in Meath’s Tom Sheridan & Brian Carroll. Meath held the advantage in the 1st game leading by 20-16 but it was Dublin who finished stronger reeling off 5 aces to steal the 1st game from the Meath men by 21-20.  In the second Dublin held the advantage of 10-6 only to see Meath forge ahead by 12-11. Kennedy & Jensen drove on from here to secure the win by 21-12. It was the 4th win for the Dublin pair in 5 years. In the Minor doubles Mayo’s Stephen Cooney & Ian McLoughlin had a hard fought win over Kilkenny’s Eoghan Hennessy & Keith Bourke by 21-17, 21-17. It was Cooney’s 4th   All-Ireland title of the year at  Minor level. And in the Intermediate Singles final Kilkenny’s Brian Manogue defeated Ollie Cassidy from Mayo by 21-11, 21-14.  Kennedy also received the Evening Herald G.A.A. Star Award for September a first for a handballer.

Kennedy’s golden hands takes the “Golden Gloves” final in Belfast

Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy just 7 days earlier won the All-Ireland softball doubles made the change over to the smaller court with effortless ease and became the Golden Gloves champion for the 1st time in the process. The annual tournament took place in the St. Paul’s Club in Belfast. Cavan’s Paul Brady was forced to sit out the event with a hip injury. The event was brought forward from its usual October Bank Holiday weekend slot to the weekend off  September 25th-27th last and proved competitive for those taking part in the World championships in Portland.  Kennedy in great condition disposed of Cork’s Tony Healy in 2 games by 21-17, 21-3. Paddy Crothers from Antrim beat Cork’s Donnacha O’Dea by 21-14, 21-4 in Men’s B. Meath’s Peter Flanagan bt Ciaran Neary of Kilkenny by 21-14, 21-6 in the Men’s C. Ciaran O’Hare was successful in Masters A while another Antrim player Sean Roberts won the Masters B. There was an all Antrim final in the ladies with Fiona Shannon winning an entertaining final over Aisling Reilly by 21-12, 21-17. Wicklow’s Keith Kavanagh  had  a tough battle before rallying for the win over Padraig Donnelly in 3 games in the Boys 19 & under final. Kildare’s Niall O’Connor bt Padraig McKenna from Monaghan 21-14 21-10  in the Boys 17  & under finale. Fionnuala McKenna won the girls 15 & Under while Darren Doherty won the Boys equivalent.

Brady & Shannon’s historic treble as Irish dominate with 37 World titles

The Irish handball team (18) along with team managers and officials flew out from Dublin Airport for the long flight to Portland Oregan on Wednesday 30th September last. They were followed by over 260 handball players all dreaming of World glory.  Twelve Country’s in all took part with numbers taking part almost reaching the 1,000 mark.  The championships took place in the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland Oregan from October 4th-11th last. Despite an injury going into the championships reigning World singles champion Paul Brady reached the final against Texan Allan Garner who had defeated Luis Moreno in the semi-finals. Moreno was tipped to get to the final by many. Brady took the 1st game in the final by 21-14 but Garner came back strongly in the second to tie up the match. Brady took an early 3-0 lead but was forced to take  15 minute injury time out after colliding with the side wall. Garner hit back to level at 4-4 but it was Brady’s drive and will to win that culminated in his historic 3rd successive World open singles wins. Surely, surely now Brady will go down in sporting history as one of the greatest players of all time. Belfast’s Fiona Shannon also won the treble when over coming Aisling Reilly in a gripping all Irish final by 21-19, 21-15. Shannon teamed up with her sister Sibeal as they beat Aisling Reilly & Maria Daly in the doubles final over 3 games. Eoin Kennedy & Michael Finnegan beat the young guns off  Robbie McCarthy & Brian Carroll in the Men’s Doubles final. Overall the Irish won a staggering 37 World Handball Titles.

University Titles for Nicholas Anthony & Ashley Prendiville

There was little rest for the 3rd level students as they were immediately back into action for the Intervarsities 60 x 30 championships a week after the World championships. The  Intervarsities took place in Wexford venues. Nicholas Anthony the Kilkenny player representing WIT took the Men’s A title in a thriller beating Shane Hedigan  I.T.T. by 21-19, 18-21, 11-7.  Patrick Funchion, Nicholas Anthony, Patrick Nolan,  Ger McGrath  won the A team even for WIT.  Noel Holohan also of WIT was successful in Men’s B while Chris Nolan of UCD gained the Men’s C.  DCU won both the Men’s B & C team titles. The Prendiville sisters Ashley & Maeve from U.C.C. claimed the Ladies A & B singles titles respectively while another sister act Marianna & Hillary Rushe won the Ladies A doubles final.   Sarah Cunningham & Aoife Dillane from I.T.T. had a good win in the Ladies B doubles final.

Ducksy & Sheridan success again in Eamon Law Memorial Tournament

Some of the top players took part in this years 60 x 30 tournament which was held in the Mullinavat Club in Kilkenny over the October Bank Holiday weekend .Legendary  Michael Ducksy Walsh & Meath’s Tom Sheridan took the Eamon Law Memorial Tournament for the 3rd successive year. The veteran duo had a straight games win over this years Softball champion Eoin Kennedy and beaten finalist Robbie McCarthy in straight games. The Intermediate final was an all Kilkenny affair with Ger & Nicholas Anthony recording an exciting 3 game win over Ciaran Neary & Brian Manogue by 17-21, 21-11, 21-19  in a 2 hour marathon battle. There was a double celebration for the Walsh family when Ducksy’s son Dylan & Sean Walsh  had a 15-12, 15-10 win over Sean Butler & Niall Mulhern in the Juvenile doubles final. Afterwards, Rachel Hogan received the Eamon Law Juvenile Handball Player of the Year Award from Ducksy Walsh.

Success for Darragh Cunnane / Shane Doonan, & Mary Fahy / Jessica McDermott in  the 2nd  Annual John Gaffney Memorial Tournament U-14 60 x 30 doubles finals

Williamstown & Ballymoe Handball Clubs hosted this year’s U-14 doubles tournament for Boys & Girls. The event took place on Sunday October 25th last.

Forty enthusiastic players from 10 different clubs all over Connacht took part in this prestigious annual tournament. The girls final seen Mary Fahy from the host club in Williamstown teaming up with Jessica McDermott from St. Coman’s Club in Roscommon Town. In the final itself they were pitted against Fiona Tully St. Coman’s & Caoime Towey Ballaghaderreen.  Mary Fahy was in outstanding form especially as her accurate serving  to Caoime Towey’s  side. Tully & Towey swapped sides to try to get back into the contest but Fahy continued to gain winning points from her serves.  The closest Tully & Towey got to the eventual winners was when 9-7 behind.  After that Fahy & McDermott pulled well clear and nothing was going to stop them on their way to a comprehensive win in the end.

Cunnane & Doonan worthy winners in Boys final

There was a novel doubles final pairing in the Boys U-14 final with brothers  Shane & Alan Doonan from the Fenagh club in Leitrim facing each other. Shane teamed up with Williamstown Marin Flanagan while Alan’s doubles partner was Darragh Cunnane from the Belcarra club.  It was the Cunnane /Doonan combination that started brightly. The tall figure of  Cunnane taking all the shots from the back court while the pocket size  Alan Doonan with the big heart fought tigerishly for everything at the front wall.  This plan worked a treat  for the eventual winners. Flanagan & Doonan gave off their best but Cunnane’s greater versatility all over the court was the difference between the teams. At the end Cunnane & Doonan were victorious by 11-5.

Irish players ready for U.S Juniors Challenge

Ireland will be sending out a top class  team to the U.S Junior Nationals which this year takes place in Latoff YMCA Centre Chicago in late December.  Cianna Ni Churraoin already a double World champion is hot favourite to land the Girls 15 & Under title following a marathon struggle with World 15 & Under double champion Lauren O’Riordain from Roscommon eventually winning 11-10 in a great contest. Cork’s Catriona Casey already holds the U.S Junior 15 & Under title had a tough battle with Mayo’s Amy Corrigan. Wicklow’s Shauna Hilley also a double World Champion had to withstand the strong challenge of Down’s Lorraine Havern before emerging the winner by 21-8,11-21, 11-6.   All 3 girls won World titles at the recent World Handball Championships. Cork dominated the Boys trials with the trio of Dan O’ Leary, Killian Carroll & Shane Hedigan all coming through in tough tie break encounters to secure their places on the Irish team. We wish them all the very best in Chicago later this month.

Mobile wins for Connelly & Mulryan in Eircom 40 x 20 Tournament final

The Annual Eircom Tournament took place in Clarecastle on November 14th last. Twenty-four players from all over the Country took part. Eamon Connelly & Peter Mulryan got the better of Fergal Ryan & Sean Hugh’s in a close fought final by 15-9,12-15,11-6. The Divison 2 final also went to a tie break with Dave McHugh & Pat Lacy defeating Brendan Power & Mikey Coyne 15-6, 4-15, 11-4.

UUJ repeat

University of Ulster Jordanstown for the second year in a row took the Intervarsities Team title held in Tralee & Ballymacelligott. The winning team members consisted of Darragh Daly, Padraig McGlinchey, Brian Donaghy and Conor Duff.UUJ came through  after a breathtaking battle with NUIG team of Kevin Craddock,  Ciaran Burke, Diarmuid Nash & Niall Malone. UUJ took the title after the scores were tied at 104 each, In the tie break doubles UUJ won by 21-9.  

There was also a repeat success in the Ladies A doubles event as the Rushe sisters, Marianna and Hilary, representing UCD, overcame Deirdre Donohoe and Karen Lalor (UL) by 21-17, 21-16.   B Team winners UCD (Marianna Rushe, Hilary Rushe, Declan Smith, Kevin Mulligan) dft TCD 100-79.  C Team DCU  winners were Thomas Sinnott, Colm Grace, Paddy Rowsome, Brian O’Sullivan. Women’s B doubles final Siobhan Tully, Nicola Kelly dft UCD (Laura Mannion, Avril Watson) 15-0, 15-4

 Intervprovincial Team title for Connacht

In the Girls 40 x 20 U-13/17 Team of 10 Interprovincial Tournament Connacht proved too strong for their Munster opponents in the final with an impressive winning scoreline of 127-78. The winning teams members included Roisin Coneely, Shannon Keady, Aoife McDonagh, Sinead Ni Ainli, Jennifer Fahy, O’Riordan Cianna Ni Churraoin, Fiona Tully, Caoimhe Shanagher, Leona Ryder, Amy Corrigan, Mary Fahy

All-Ireland Colleges 60 x 30 finals

Senior Singles Final: Padraig O’Carroll Salesian Secondary College, Pallaskenry Limerick dft Eoin Hennessy (Castlecomer CS Kilkenny) 21-14, 21-8

Senior Doubles Final Niall Burke, Gearoid Hughes (Rice College, Westport)  dft St. Augustines College, Dungarvan, Waterford (Darragh O Connell/Ross Dunford) 21-9, 21-4 

Intermediate Singles Final:- Niall O’Connor, Confey College (Dublin) dft Conor McElduff (Dean Maguirc - Carrickmore) 21-19, 21-8

 

Intermediate Doubles Final: Roscommon CBS (Cian Connolly, Mark Nally) dft St. Josephs College, Tulla, Clare (Christopher Philpott/Jamie Lynch) 21-12, 21-18

 

Junior Singles Final:Baptist Community School, Hospital, Limerick (Padraig Quish) dft Pres DLS Bagenalstown (Martin Mullins) 21-1, 21-10

 Junior Doubles Final:-   St, Josephs College Tulla Clare (Niall Bolton/Collin Corbett) dft Padraig Foley, Galen Riordan (St. Peter's Wexford) 8-21, 21-20 11-9

 

 Senior Singles Final:- Aoife McCarthy Mullingar C.C. dft Clogagh Donaghy Dean Maguir College Carrickmore 21-9, 21-8

Senior Doubles Final Boherbue Comprehensive School, Cork (Aishling O’Keeffe/Caitriona Casey) dft Lisa McKenna, Susan Clinton (Dominican College, Dublin) 21-1, 21-0

Junior Singles Final:-   Lauren O’Riordan Convent of Mercy Roscommon dft Aoife Kelly Dean Maguire Carrickmore 21-0, 21-0

Junior Doubles Final Roisin NiChonghaile, Cianna Ni Churraoin (Colaiste na Coribe, Galway) dft St Flannans College, Ennis, Clare (Shaunagh O Brien/Alana O Brien) 21-4, 21-10

 GAA 125  Handball Ultimate Showdown

 

GAA Handball marked the close of the GAA 125 Celebratons with the GAA Handball Showdown with players from Handball, Football, Hurling, Camogie & Rounders taking part. The event took place in the National Handball Centre on December 4th last.  Our  top handballers, such as Cork’s Tony Healy, Kilkenny’s Michael ‘Ducksy’ Walsh and Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy, teamed  up with GAA stars from their own county. A total of 20 counties were represented at the Showdown, with proceedings hosted by Hector Ó hEochagáin.

 

Wexford Co. Footballer Anthony Masterson & Gavin Buggy Wexford handball player and World Champion defeated Kilkenny’s Michael Ducksy Walsh and Tommy Walsh Hurler of the Year in the final of the GAA 125 Handball Showdown by the minimum 19-18 in the 60 x 30 court. While in the 40 x 20 the Men’s Doubles final was won star Cork handballer, Tony Healy (Ballydesmond) and Cork senior footballer, Donnacha O' Connor also had the minimum victory 17-16 over Mayo’s, Joe McCann (Ballaghaderreen) and Mayo
senior footballer, Andy Moran.

 In the Ladies 40 x 20 final, young Wicklow ace, Shauna Hilley (Coolboy) and Wexford camogie player, Mags D'Arcy, representing Leinster, defeated Kerry star, Maria Daly (Ballymacelligott) and Tipperary footballer, Mairead Morrissey, representing Munster, on a total scoreline of 15-13.  Deirdre Donohoe Roscommon & Cora Staunton were the winners in the Ladies 60 x 30 final. All the proceeds went to Make a Wish Foundation.

Handball All-Star Awards

The National Handball All-Star Awards took place in the Hogan Suite in Croke Park on Saturday December 5th last.  The rewards were in recognition of the players, officials, clubs who helped to make 2009 extra special in so many ways. RTE’s Marty Morrissey  was the M.C. for the evening and special guest was former Tyrone All-Ireland medal winner  Peter Canavan from Tyrone. Below are the winners

Male Player of the Year- Paul Brady, Cavan

 

Female Player of the Year- Fiona Shannon, Antrim

 

International Player of the Year– Paul Brady, Cavan

 

Masters Player of the Year- Michael Ducksy Walsh, Kilkenny 

 

Youth Male Player of the Year– Martin Mulkerrins, Galway

 

Youth Female Player of the Year– Lauren O’Riordain, Roscommon

 

Young Male Player of the Year– Seamus O’Carroll, Limerick 

 

Young Female Player of the Year- Shauna Hilley, Wicklow 

 

Team of the Year- Fiona Shannon and Sibeal Gallagher, Antrim

 

Official of the Year- Austin McKenna, Monaghan

 

Special Achievement of the Year– Paddy Walsh, Sligo

 

Club Person of the Year– Andy Purcell, Tipperary

 

Coach of the Year– Michael O’Keefe, Cork

 

Hall of Fame Winners- John Smith (Tyrone); Tom Walsh (Wicklow), Mike Keady (Galway) and Tom Quish (Limerick)

 

Club of the Year - Leixlip Handball Club (Kildare)

 

All-Ireland Open Interclub Final’s 5 in a row for Ballaghaderreen

The Ballaghaderreen team of Dessie  Keegan, Paul Flynn, Vinny Moran, Joe McCann, Steven Cooney) beat Coolboy of Wicklow (Michael Gregan, Pat Quaile, Michael Lennon, Johnny Willoughby, Jerome Willoughby) 107-99.  The final match between Joe McCann & Johnny Willoughby was finely balanced going into the final game. In the end McCann sealed victory with 6 points to spare. It was Ballaghaderreen’s 5th consecutive victory. The Wicklow side made up for the disappointment of losing the senior final when their 2nd team had a narrow victory over Salhill in the Junior final by 100-90.  Coolboy’s winning team members were James Gregan, Jerome Willoughby, Keith Kavanagh, Gary Donohoe, John Rogers.  And in the Junior B final the Liscarroll  team from Cork led by this year’s World C singles champion Shane Hedigan  proved too strong for a gallent St. Coman’s side by 105-64. Liscarroll’s winning team consisted of  Shane Hedigan, Tom O Neill, Eugene O Sullivan, Arthur O Neill & Sean Daly.

World champions meet President Mary McAleese

On December 9th   last Ireland’s World Handball Champions visited  Áras an Uachtaráin to meet with President Mary McAleese. It was a special day for all the World Champions and great recognition for handball.  The week before Christmas the G.A.A. will make special presentations to all the World Handball Champions in a special Awards Banquet in Croke Park to mark the end of one of the greatest years ever in Irish Handball.

 

 

 

 

 

We salute our Word Handball Champions for 2009

 

WATERFORD CRYSTAL

WORLD HANDBALL

CHAMPIONSHIPS PORTLAND

OREGAN 2009  40x20 (4-Wall) World Handball Champions

Men's Open Singles: Paul Brady (Cavan)

Men's Open Doubles: Eoin Kennedy (Dublin) & Michael Finnegan (Cavan)

Women's Open Singles: Fiona Shannon (Antrim)

Women's Open Doubles: Fiona Shannon & Sibeal Gallagher (Antrim)

Men's Masters Singles (40+): Michael Walsh (Kilkenny)

Men's Masters Doubles (40+): Michael Walsh (Kilkenny) & Egin Jensen (Dublin)

Men's A Singles: Ruairi Kelly (Tyrone)

Men's A Doubles: Darragh Daly (Tyrone) & Ger Coonan (Tipperary)

Men's B Singles: Shane O' Neill (Tyrone)

Men's B Doubles: Seamus O'Carroll & CJ Fitzpatrick (Limerick)

Men's C Singles: Shane Hedigan (Cork)

Men's C Doubles: Ciaran Neary (Kilkenny) & Michael O'Brien (Offaly)

Men's Senior Singles (35+): Gavin Buggy (Wexford)

Men's Golden Masters B Singles (50+): Martin Conneely (Galway)

Women's A Singles: Deirdre Donohoe (Roscommon)

Women's B Singles: Shauna Hilley (Wicklow)

Women's C Singles: Sinead Hanley (Galway)

Women’s B Doubles: Aifric Naughton & Sarah Flavin (Roscommon)

 

Youth Grades:

 

Boys 19 & Under Singles: Seamus O' Carroll (Limerick)

Boys 17 & Under Singles: Martin Mulkerrins (Galway)

Boys 17 & Under Doubles: Martin Mulkerrins (Galway) & Niall O' Connor (Kildare)

Boys 15 & Under Singles: Padraig McKenna (Monaghan)

Boys 15 & Under Doubles: Barry Nash & Ciaran Malone (Clare)

Boys 13 & Under Singles: Darren Doherty (Monaghan)

Boys 11 & Under Singles: Daniel Curry (Wicklow

Girls 19 & Under Singles: Shauna Hilley (Wicklow)

Girls 19 & Under Doubles: Aisling O'Keeffe & Catriona Casey (Cork)

Girls 17 & Under Singles: Lorraine Havern (Down)

Girls 15 & Under Singles: Lauren O' Riordan (Roscommon)

Girls 15 & Under Doubles Lauren O'Riordain (Roscommon) & Martina McMahon (Limerick)

Girls 13 & Under Singles: Ciana Ni Churraoin (Galway)

 

One-Wall World Handball Champions

 

One-Wall Mens B Singles: James Doyle (Armagh)

Big-Ball Boys 11 & Under Singles: Daniel Curry (Wicklow)

Big-Ball Boys 13 & Under Singles: Darren Doherty (Monaghan)

Big-Ball Boys 15 & Under Singles: Donal Wrynn (Leitrim)

Big-Ball Girls 13 & Under Singles: Ciana Ni Churraoin (Galway)

 

I would like to take this opportunity  to wish to all Handball Officials, players, supporters, sponsors and their families a very happy and holy Christmas and for a sporting 2010

 

Michael McGee

Handball Correspondent

Hoganstand