Walsh wizardry to win All-Ireland - Duffy & O'Sullivan aiming for doubles final

All-Ireland Handball 40 x 20 championships finals
Sunday 10th April in Abbeylara Longford at 2 p..m
Ruby Masters Singles final: Paddy Walsh (Sligo) v Seamus Graham (Antrim)
Walsh’s wizardry enough to secure another All-Ireland handball title
Sligo handball star Paddy Walsh is just one step away from recording his 29th All-Ireland handball title in an illustrious sporting career when he takes on Antrim’s Seamus Graham in the Ruby Masters Singles final in Abbeylara next Sunday, writes Michael McGee.
The St. Mary’s club man has been in great form this year and has played to a consistently high standard in all matches. Walsh was taken to a tie break 3rd game in his Connacht final win over Galway Padraic O’Fatharta before running out a comfortable winner in the end. In his semi-final Walsh found himself behind in both games against Cork’s Tony Buckley before recovering well and stamping his authority on another solid performance. Walsh has weaved his magic in games this season with some sparkling perfromances just at the right time. His undoubted willpower in the handball courts is always visible when he plays and he will give it everything in the Sligo colours. A large following from Sligo clubs is expected to travel to the Longford venue in what promises to be gripping finale. Walsh’s opponent Seamus Graham had an 21-15, 21-15 win over Dublin’s Eddie Flynn in the semi-final. Walsh is also the holder of 6 County senior GAA Championships medals. Walsh’s greater determination and with the expected large support behind him from Sligo should be enough for the Yeat’s County man to secure another astonishing achievement in an outstanding sporting career.
Path to the final
Connacht Semi-final: Paddy Walsh (Sligo) bt John Kenny (Mayo) 21-7, 21-11
Connacht Final: Paddy Walsh bt Padraic O’ Fatharta (Galway) 11-21, 21-3, 21-2
All-Ireland Semi-final: Walsh bt Tony Buckley (Cork) 21-17, 21-15
All-Ireland Handball 40 x 20 championships semi-finals
Saturday April 9th in St. Mary’s at 2 p.m.
Sligo doubles pair to rumble Cork in semi-final
Diamond Masters A Doubles: Seamus Duffy & Pat O’Sullivan (Sligo) v Dan O’ Brien & Mick Jordan (Cork)
The Diamond Masters pairing of Seamus Duffy & Pat O’Sullivan are attempting to reach this year’s doubles final. Already the duo are the holders of 2 All-Ireland doubles titles having won the Emerald Masters B 60 x 30 doubles in 2006 and followed this up two years later winning the 40 x 20 equivalent. The Sligo men had a stunning comeback in the Connacht final winning an exciting Provincial decider by 21-20, 21-12 over Roscommon’s Noel Raftery & Seamus McHugh. The duo have forged a great partnership in recent years. The weekend’s battle with the Cork men will provide a stern test for the Sligo players. Duffy & O’Sullivan will have benefited from a tough Connacht final battle and it may be just enough for the Yeats County men go on and reach their 3rd All-Ireland final appearance in 5 years.

Sligo Handball leagues
Castleconnor A bt Ballymote 67- 56. Castleconnor team Joe Gorman, Padraig Maye, Mark Murphy & Larry Jones
St. Mary’s v Castleconnor B

Upcoming fixtures in league
Castleconnor B v Ballymote Wednesday 6th April in Castleconnor
at 8 p.m.

Round 7 - Sligo IT a bye

Ballymote v Drumcliff Monday 11th April in St. Mary’s at 9 p.m.
Castleconnor A v Castleconnor B Monday 11th April in Castleconnor at 8 p.m.
Collooney v St. Mary’s Wednesday 13th April in St. Mary’s at 8 p.m.