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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