Meet the stars in Sligo Handball
Welcome to the Sligo Handball Blogpage. It is a new medium that the County will use to publicize its events. Enjoy reading the articles and Happy Blogging. Michael McGee Sligo Handball PRO
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
All-Ireland handball titles for Francis McCann, John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow
McCann the handball wizard weaves his magic
In a great weekend of handball action Sligo players collected 2 All-Ireland handball titles with the Emerald Masters B doubles pairing of John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow defeating Kilkenny in a thrilling final writes Michael McGee.
Ballymote’s Francis Mc Cann claimed his 17th All-Ireland handball title when he defeated Cavan’s Mickeleen Brady in a hard fought Golden Masters A singles played in Roscommon on Sunday last.
McCann had to dig deep before seeing the challenge of the Cavan man on a scoreline of 21-11, 21-13. McCann had the better start taking an early 7-2 lead. Brady from the Mullaghoran Club in Cavan tested McCann to the full and gave the Sligo man much to think about. Brady came back strongly to be only 13-9 behind. McCann upped the tempo and kept Brady away from the front wall where the Cavan man was dangerous got many winners in the left corner. Brady could only manage 2 further scores as McCann ended game one with an ace to Brady right corner to take the 1st game by 21-11.
The Cavan man pushed McCann all the way in the second with scores level at 7,8, and 12. McCann then opened up a 17-12 lead one of those points was a 55 foot kill cheered on by the large Sligo support in the gallery. It was only now that McCann could relax and show off his great skills. At each opportunity he pushed Brady to the back court with strong passing shots to Brady’s left and right corner. With 2 great hands and accurate serving the Sligo man took control. McCann took his All-Ireland medal collection to 17 with another serve that Brady failed to return. McCann’s win was witnessed by many young players from Ballymote who witnessed the master in action. McCann’s win will do wonders for handball in his club and in the county. One of the all time greats in Sligo handball his skill, dedication and relentless work rate have been the hallmarks of McCann’s outstanding contribution since winning his All-Ireland medal - a minor doubles championship with club mate Michael Porter in 1977. Thirty-four years later the magician continues to weave his magic.
Doubles delight for McLoughlin & McMorrow
Sligo handball supporters finally had something to celebrate with the Sligo doubles pairing of John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow dramatic win over Kilkenny’s Jim Dooley & Gerry Murphy in the Emerald Masters B doubles final played in Crinkle on Friday evening last.
The Kilkenny men went in as favourites but the Yeats County men matched them all the way before killing off Kilkenny’s fight back with a stunning finish.
It was the Connacht Champions that got of to a flying start with an opening 7 point salvo. Kilkenny’s Dooley & Murphy hit back almost immediately to reduce Sligo’s lead to 7-3. McMorrow and in particular the influential John McLoughlin hit the front and with some expert finishing and held a 15-7 advantage. Kilkenny came more into the game but McLoughlin & McMorrow held firm eventually wrapping up game 1 comfortably by 21-12.
Kilkenny settled quickly in the 2nd and piled on the pressure on McMorrow & McLoughlin when leading by 12-7. The Sligo men recovered well and fought back to be on level terms at 17. However they could not add to their tally despite opportunity’s coming their way. It was Kilkenny that finished strongly bringing the final to a deciding 3rd game.
In the final game the powerfully built McMorrow began to bombard the Kilkenny men with some thundering kills and working well inside. John McLoughlin’s great defensive play and long overhand returns put Sligo into the driving seat when leading by 8-0. Kilkenny threatened with 4 points to keep them in the contest. McLoughlin’s pinpoint serving to Dooley’s right side opened up Kilkenny’s frailties and into a commanding 18-13 lead. Kilkenny’s last throw of the dice came with 2 serves. Two long rallies was played out with Kilkenny’s brave last stand came to nought with McLoughlin 2 deadly kills in response coolness personified from the Collooney club man. McMorrow delivered the killer blows with 3 precision aces to Murphy’s left side that the Kilkenny man didn’t return. It was a first title for the Sligo pair and ended years of heartbreak. For their persistence alone McMorrow & McLoughlin deserved their All-Ireland medals
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Doubles delight for McLoughlin & McMorrow
Doubles delight for McLoughlin & McMorrow
Sligo handball supporters finally had something to celebrate with the Sligo doubles pairing of John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow dramatic win over Kilkenny’s Jim Dooley & Gerry Murphy in the Emerald Masters B doubles final played in Crinkle on Friday evening last.
The Kilkenny men went in as favourites but the Yeats County men matched them all the way before killing off Kilkenny’s fight back with a stunning finish, writes Michael McGee
It was the Connacht Champions that got of to a flying start with an opening 7 point salvo. Kilkenny’s Dooley & Murphy hit back almost immediately to reduce Sligo’s lead to 7-3. McMorrow and in particular the influential John McLoughlin hit the front and with some expert finishing and held a 15-7 advantage. Kilkenny came more into the game but McLoughlin & McMorrow held firm eventually wrapping up game 1 comfortably by 21-12.
Kilkenny settled quickly in the 2nd and piled on the pressure on McMorrow & McLoughlin when leading by 12-7. The Sligo men recovered well and fought back to be on level terms at 17. However they could not add to their tally despite opportunity’s coming their way. It was Kilkenny that finished strongly bringing the final to a deciding 3rd game.
In the final game the powerfully built McMorrow began to bombard the Kilkenny men with some thundering kills and working well inside. John McLoughlin’s great defensive play and long overhand returns put Sligo into the driving seat when leading by 8-0. Kilkenny threatened with 4 points to keep them in the contest. McLoughlin’s pinpoint serving to Dooley’s right side opened up Kilkenny’s frailties and into a commanding 18-13 lead. Kilkenny’s last throw of the dice came with 2 serves. Two long rallies was played out with Kilkenny’s brave last stand came to nought with McLoughlin 2 deadly kills in response coolness personified from the Collooney club man . McMorrow delivered the killer blows with 3 precision aces to Murphy’s left side that the Kilkenny man didn’t return.
It was the first ever handball titles for the Sligo stalwarts and richly deserved after many years of heartbreak their persistence finally rewarded with All-Ireland medals
Martin Donnelly All-Ireland 60 x 30 championships played in Crinkle Friday evening
Emerald Masters B doubles final: John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow (Sligo) dft Jim Dooley & Gerry Murphy (Kilkenny) 21-12, 17-21, 21-13
Friday, September 16, 2011
Sligo handballers go in search of 2 All-Ireland titles
Sligo handballers go in search of two All-Ireland handball titles
Sligo handball supporters will be hoping for a double success this weekend with Michael McMorrow & John McLoughlin representing the Yeats County in the All-Ireland Emerald Masters B doubles final while Francis McCann aims for his 17th All-Ireland medal in the Golden Masters A singles decider, writes Michael McGee
In the Connacht final the McLoughlin & McMorrow had a facile 21-6, 21-3 victory over Mayo’s Jimmy Sheridan & Pat Hayes. Collooney was the setting for the semi-final and McMorrow & McLoughlin did not disappoint their loyal supporters with another impressive display winning by 21-12, 21-13 over Tipperary’s Eamon Spillane & Gerry Foley. Friday evening’s final see’s the duo make the long journey to Ballina in Co. Tipperary as they face Kilkenny’s Gerry Murphy & Jim Dooley. McMorrow inspired Sligo in their semi-final win with his strong play while McLoughlin after a sluggish start rowed in with some important winners at crucial times in the contest.
McMorrow and McLoughlin compliment each other very well. McMorrow is seen as the workhorse in the team while McLoughlin when he hits his stride can be a match winner for anyone. The Sligo men will need to raise their game another notch or two from their semi-final win over Tipperary. Kilkenny will go in as favourites but McMorrow & McLoughlin have trained well for this final. It would be fitting for the duo after many years of heartbreak that they finally succeed and win a long overdue All-Ireland handball title.
McCann to bring Brady to book in All-Ireland final
On Sunday Sligo’s Francis McCann contests the All-Ireland Golden Masters A Singles final. This final was due to take place 2 weeks ago but was postponed as Cavan’s Mickeleen Brady was refereeing a County final. McCann had an excellent 21-9, 21-4 win over Mayo’s Frank Mackin in the Connacht final. In the All-Ireland semi-final the Ballymote man made the long trip to Ballyporeen to take on Tipperary’s Pat Ryan. In a magnificent fight back McCann calling on his vast experience and battling qualities came back from the brink of defeat. A game down and 18-19 in the tie breaker McCann somehow conjured up a famous win in the closing stages to win a marathon battle by 10-21, 21-12, 21-18.
McCann’s first All-Ireland title was back in 1977 when winning the Minor All-Ireland doubles title with club mate Michael Porter. For 19 years he played in the senior championships. Six years ago was his last triumph when winning the Silver Masters A singles title against Tipperary’s Pat Ryan the same player he defeated a month ago to reach this year’s final. McCann will face stern opposition from Brady. Brady defeated Leinster champion and a fancied Jimmy Reilly from Meath by 21-18, 21-14 in his semi-final match. McCann’s greater experience and his undoubted skills should be enough to see him returning to Sligo with another All-Ireland medal to celebrate.
Martin Donnelly All-Ireland 60 x 30 championships:
Friday 23rd September 2011, in Ballina, Tipperary at 7.30 p.m.
Emerald Masters B Doubles Final: Michael McMorrow & John McLoughlin (Sligo) v Kilkenny (Gerry Murphy & Jim Dooley (Kilkenny)
Sunday 25th September 2011 in St. Coman’s Roscommon at 2.30 p.m.
Golden Masters A singles final: Francis McCann (Sligo) v Mickeleen Brady (Cavan)
Friday, September 2, 2011
McCann can win All-Ireland handball title for Sligo
McCann can win All-Ireland handball title
Sligo’s handball players have been starved of national success this year but this should soon come to an end with Francis McCann’s participation in Sunday’s All-Ireland final, writes Michael McGee
On Sunday Sligo’s Francis McCann contests the All-Ireland Golden Masters A Singles final. A runner up in the National One Wall finals in Castlebar in July McCann has continued his fine run into this year’s All-Ireland 60 x 30 Championships. McCann had an excellent 21-9, 21-4 win over Mayo’s Frank Mackin in the Connacht final. In the All-Ireland semi-final McCann made the long trip to Ballyporeen to take on Tipperary’s Pat Ryan. In a magnificent fight back McCann calling on his vast experience and battling qualities battling back from a game down and 18-19 in the tie breaker, and somehow conjured up a famous win in the closing stages to win a marathon battle by 10-21, 21-12, 21-18.
McCann first All-Ireland title was back in 1977 when winning the Minor All-Ireland doubles title with club mate Michael Porter. For 19 years he played in the senior championships. Six years ago was his last triumph when winning the Silver Masters A singles title against Tipperary’s Pat Ryan the same player he defeated 2 weeks ago to reach this year’s final.
A great reader of the game and an natural athlete in the court McCann’s willingness to work hard to grind out results is one of his greatest attributes. However the Ballymote man can’t be complacent as his opponent Mickeleen Brady from Cavan defeated Leinster champion and a fancied Jimmy Reilly from Meath by 21-18, 21-14 in his semi-final match.
McCann is aiming for his 17th All-Ireland handball title in an illustrious handball career. His undoubted skills and work rate should see him returning to Sligo with another historic All-Ireland title to celebrate.
All-Ireland 60 x 30 championships finals:
Sunday 11th September 2011, in St. Coman's, Roscommon, 1pm:
Golden Masters A Singles Final: Sligo (Frances McCann) v Cavan (Mickeleen Brady)
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