Sligo v Leitrim Juvenile B semi-finals Drumshanbo Sunday 1st April at 12.00

QUARTER-FINAL

Sligo v Leitrim at Drumshambo Sunday 1st April @ 12:00 TBC

BU12S : Vincent Harte (Sligo) v Oisin McLoughlin (Leitrim)
BU12D: Diarmuid Harte, Arron Bruen (Sligo) v Tom McKeon & Caolin McDermott (Leitrim)

BU13S: Odhran Quinn (Sligo) v David Wrynn (Leitrim)

BU14S Brendan Foody (Sligo) v Aaron McLoughlin (Leitrim)

BU14D Jonathan Davey & Sean Carrabine (Sligo) v Conor O’Rourke & Conor Reynolds (Leitrim)

BU15S Michael Wrynn (LM) v Conor Booth (Sligo) v Michael Wrynn (Leitrim)
BU16D Padraig O’Dowd, Sean Golden (Sligo) v Mark Leddy & Mark Quinn (Leitrim)

Boylan to hot for Murtagh in Ocean FM handball final

Boylan helps Leitrim to historic handball double

Leitrim’s Francis Boylan created a little piece of handball history when he became the inaugural Ocean FM Handball champion for 2012. Leitrim’s Jamie Murray was the referee and he explained the rules to the two gladiators before the duo went into battle in the Collooney coliseum. Boylan the favourite made the early running and went into a big opening 8-1 lead. Murtagh found the going tough early on and his accuracy in good positions let him down at crucial times. Boylan was the more economical when it came to score getting and he kept the scoreboard moving upwards. Murtagh as the opening game wore on came more into the contest but Boylan had a good cushion of a lead built up to let it slip. In an exciting finish Boylan got three scores in a row to take the opening game by 15-9

Into the second game Boylan again went out in front. Murtagh adapted to the play much better in the second and certainly made the champion fight all the way. Mid way through the second game Murtagh hit a purple patch with 4 points in a row and Boylan looked decidedly shaky for the first time in the contest. Even his colleagues Michelle Gildea & Darragh Cox lent their support to the boy wonder Murtagh. Boylan looked rattled for the first time. The massive support in the Collooney cauldron erupted with a crescendo of noise Sligo, Sligo reverberating all over the handball court. This gave Murtagh great encouragement and he played his best handball in the final.

With the likes of Peter Heaney, Jamie Murray and Pat Wrynn Father of Donal Wrynn Leitrim’s Minor Singles All-Ireland champion giving their county hero Boylan every encouragement. The final was played like it was a World handball title at stake. Boylan’s determination was etched all over his face while Murtagh with the boyish good looks boosted by the huge Sligo support made in roads to the Leitrim’s man’s lead. Boylan managed to weather the Murtagh storm and like a bolt of lightning asserted control again. This time Boylan took a firm grip. In an exciting conclusion Boylan got the all important winning scores to seal a thrilling victory by 15-12.

Connacht Handball President Peter Heaney congratulated both players for an excellent exhibition of handball. The gallant David Murtagh was presented with the runners-up trophy by Peter Heaney. Leitrim’s Francis Boylan made it an historic double for Leitrim in the handball courts this week when he was presented with the Ocean FM Handball 2012 champion trophy. The event looks certain to become an annual event in the Sligo handball calendar.

Sligo's David Murtagh & Leitrim's Francis Boylan before the historic Ocean FM handball final

Ocean FM Sports Chief Darragh Cox interviews David & Francis before the start of the final

Leitrim's Jamie Murray referee explaining the rules to Ocean FM's Darragh Cox

Meet the Ocean FM afternoon crew Francis, Michelle & David AKA - FMD

Action play from the final

Leitrim supporters with Francis Boylan

Peter Heaney Connacht Handball President presenting the gallent Sligo's David Murtagh with his runners-up trophy

Ocean FM handball champion 2012: Peter Heaney presenting the 2012 Ocean FM Handball champion trophy to Leitrim's Francis Boylan. Well done Francis.

Visit to Tubbercurry N.S. - with thanks to Teacher John Cawley

Irish & British Athletics Champion Padraig Maye and a 3 time All-Ireland handball champion

Handball match comes to "Boylan" point

Meet the Ocean FM Handball Team:
Darragh Cox Sports Editor Ocean FM 102.5, Francis Boylan Leitrim, Margaret Carr Flynn Donegal & David Murtagh Sligo

Handball match comes to “Boylan” point by Michael McGee
A novel 1-wall handball challenge will take place in Collooney Sligo tomorrow evening Thursday at 5 p.m. between 2 radio presenters on Ocean FM’s 102.5 “Lazy afternoon show”. The show goes out on air from 12 noon to 4 pm daily. Leitrim’s Francis Boylan has put down the challenge to his co-host in Sligo’s David Murtagh. Boylan holds the upperhand as he has already played handball in Fenagh & Manorhamilton.
“I played handball a good few years ago up in Fenagh and used to play in the court in Manorhamilton. Sean Farrell was involved out there and we used to go up to Fenagh but I wasn’t any good by any stretch of the imagination. I am looking forward to it and it’s something different” said the Leitrim man.
As for his co-host David Murtagh freely admits he is a complete novice when it comes to playing the sport. “I never actually played handball before. It is a lot harder than it actually looks and not all about your hands and hitting the ball off the wall. I am looking forward to this challenge and hopefully to make Sligo proud. Francis is a very sporting player and I know I have a strong challenge ahead of me. Hopefullly I will be able to beat him. I am younger and a bit fitter and with a bit of luck I will have the trophy in my hands on Thursday evening”, declared a confident Murtagh.

Will Boylan help to make it an historic double success for Leitrim on the handball courts this week or will Murtagh's anticipated sparking display in the Sligo colours spoil the party!

Sligo Handball Board Secretary/PRO Michael McGee has sponsored the trophies and the winner will receive the “Ocean FM Handball Champion 2012 trophy. Darragh Cox Sports Chief on Ocean FM and Michael McGee will provide live commentary on this unique handball battle on the Northwest’s airwaves.

Sligo handballers going for glory

Mark Murphy & Shane Bruen

Francis McCann on right congratulates Kildare's Michael Dowling on his All-Ireland success



Sligo handballers going for glory
Sligo pairing of Shane Bruen & Mark Murphy will need to play their best handball in the championships if they are to become All-Ireland Over-35 B doubles 40 x 20 champions on Sunday, writes Michael McGee.

The Yeats County men will be the underdogs against Munster champions in Limerick’s Paul Hedderman & Ken Bourke. Murphy & Bruen took the Connacht title after a 3 game thriller against Mayo’s Michael Ginley & Seamus Maughan. In a very close contest throughout the Sligo men just edged it by 21-19, 20-21, 21-17. In their semi-final clash with Tyrone’s Eamonn & Seamus McCrory after a sluggish start the Sligo men dominated and ran out comfortable winners in the end by 21-14, 21-2.
Bruen has won an All-Ireland Colleges title with Michael Tormay in 1988 but had to wait until 2007 before winning Connacht Junior B singles & doubles titles with Kevin Meehan. Bruen didn’t play in last year’s tournament but has made great progress this year reaching the Connacht final in the Over 35 B singles and doubles triumph.
Castleconnor’s Mark Murphy has a number of Connacht titles to his credit and is a very capable player on court with a big physical presence. Murphy’s was a member of the Castleconnor team that finished runners-up in the recent Sligo handball team league final. The Castleconnor man can be relied upon to deliver the goods and with the experienced Bruen .
“We realise we will be the underdogs in the final. We are up against quality opposition. Mark & I are playing well and are quietly confident. The pressure will be on Limerick and we have nothing to lose going into the final,” said Bruen.
Their final opponents in Limerick’s Paul Hedderman & Ken Bourke defeated a very fancied Stephen Barcoe & Canice Quigley from Kilkenny by 21-17, 21-18 in their semi-final. Hedderman is an accomplished handball player having finished runner up in the Men’s C singles & doubles final in the last World handball championships in Portland Oregan three years ago.
GAA Handball O’Neills All-Ireland Handball Championships final:
Sunday 1st April 2012, in Moycullen, Galway, 1pm:
Over 35B Doubles: Shane Bruen & Mark Murphy (Sligo) v Paul Hedderman & Ken Bourke (Limerick)
Path to the final:
Over 35 B doubles: Shane Bruen & Mark Murphy (Sligo) dft Michael Ginley & Seamus Maughan (Mayo) 21-19, 20-21, 21-17
All-Ireland semi-finals
Over-35 B doubles: Shane Bruen & Mark Murphy (Sligo) dft Eamon & Seamus McCrory Tyrone 21-14, 21-2


Final defeat for Francis McCann
There was no joy for Sligo’s Francis McCann in the Golden Masters Singles final. A troublesome calf injury picked up in the week prior to the final severely hampered the Ballymote’s man chances. McCann who didn’t play in last year’s 40 x 20 championships found his final opponent in unstoppable form. Despite bravely fighting his way back into both games the Kildare man finished the stronger. Mc Cann will now turn his thoughts to the 60 x 30 court where he is the reigning champion.
G.A.A Handball O’ Neills All-Ireland finals:
Saturday 24th March 2012, in Curraghboy, Roscommon, 4pm: Golden Masters A Singles: Francis Mc Cann (Sligo) lost to Michael Dowling (Kildare) 12-21, 7-21
Quinn in final
Castleconnor’s Aoife Quinn is through to the All-Ireland girls U-15 singles final following a hard fought 3 set battle with Armagh’s Kaitlin Flevelle. It didn’t look good for the Sligo starlet after losing the first game to the Ulster champion. In the next two games Quinn powered her way to the final with a decisive 2 game winning salvo to propel her into the final.
Sligo’s thought of a double evaporated in Loughmacrory. Castleconnor’s Jason Earlis found his opponent Eugene McGeough in imperious form. The Castleconnor Club player started in confident mood taking the first game by 21-13. The momentum swung back to McGeough in the second after Earlis fell heavily while retrieving a ball. Earlis was forced to take a few minutes to recover. He bravely fought on but was clearly hampered by the injury. McGeough seized the initiative at that stage. There was no way back for Earlis. Though defeated Earlis received a standing ovation at the end for carrying on to the end.
All-Ireland Juvenile championships 40x 20 semi-finals
Saturday 24th March 2012, in Loughmacrory, Co Tyrone, 1pm
Girls U-15 Singles: Aoife Quinn Sligo dft Kaitlin Flevelle Armagh 12-15, 15-9, 15-10
Boys U-16 Singles: Jason Earlis (Sligo) lost to Eugene McGeough Monaghan 21-13, 6-21, 3-21.
Sligo Juvenile 40 x 20 championships results
U-11 Singles final: Paul Leydon Oxfield bt Daire Barrins Castleconnor 15-2, 15-14
U12 Singles final: Vincent Harte Collooney bt Diarmuid Harte Collooney 15-6, 13-15, 15-5
U-13 Singles: Odhran Quinn Castleconnor bt Michael Cahill Castleconnor 15-7, 15-4
U-14 Singles: Brendan Foody Castleconnor dft Jonathon Devaney Ballymote 15-5, 15-5

The following will represent Sligo in the Connacht Juvenile B 40 x 20 championships semi-final v Leitrim on Sunday time & venue to be confirmed.

Girls:
U-12 singles: Rachel Foody Castleconnor
U13 singles: Mary Foody Castleconnor
U14 singles: Aoibhe Barrins Castleconnor
U15 singles: Catronia Swift Castleconnor
Boys
U-12 Singles: Vincent Harte
U-12 Doubles: Diarmuid Harte & Aaron Bruen
U-13 Singles Odhran Quinn
U-13 Doubles: Michael Cahill & Tony Fox
U-14 Singles: Brendan Foody
U14 Boys doubles Sean Carrabine & Johnathon Devaney
U-15 singles: Conor Booth
U-16 Doubles Padraig O’Dowd & Sean Golden

Sligo were represented at last weekend’s GAA Handball Congress in Carrick-on-Shannon by Peter Chambers, Michael McMorrow, Connell Cannon & Hugh McGarry

Sligo delegates at Congress

Peter Chambers, Hugh McGarry, Michael McMorrow & Connell Cannon Sligo delegates at last weekend's GAA Handball National Congress in Carrick-on-Shannon

President's Award for Peter Heaney

Christy Cooney Uachtaran CLG presenting Leitrim's Peter Heaney with the President's Award 2012

President’s Award for Peter Heaney
Fenagh’s favourite handball son Peter Heaney was presented with the “Gradaim an Uachatarain” President’s Award by Uachtaran Chumann Luthchleas Gael Criostoir O’ Cuana at a special Croke Park banquet on Friday 16th March last, writes Michael McGee.

In total seventeen winners were presented with the 2012 President’s Award. The Award winners came from all strands of the Association representing all codes and disciplines from the wider G.A.A family. The annual winners are honoured as long standing GAA volunteers. Christy Cooney congratulated all the award winners. “We are extremely fortunate as an organisation to be able to call on the voluntary effort of so many, so frequently and this event aims to acknowledge a chosen few on behalf of the wider membership,” said Cooney.

Peter Heaney’s involvement in handball began in 1974 where he was elected Secretary of the Fenagh club. The club went through many lean years and interest subsequently waned. However in 1989 an resurgence began. In July of that year Heaney together with Sean McKeon from Drumshanbo set about repairing the floor in the alley. Soon after the Leitrim Handball Board was set up and Heaney immersed himself on the Board both as Treasurer, Secretary and serving as Chairman from 2009-2012. In 1991 Heaney became Chairman of the Fenagh Handball Club a position he held for over 20 years. The Fenagh man was Leitrim’s delegate on the Connacht Handball Council for 10 years before being elected Connacht Handball Council President on 1st March last.

The dedicated official has work tirelessly for handball in Leitrim. A visionary before his time he set up clubs in Carrigallen, Manorhamilton,Cloone, Gortletteragh but unfortunately these clubs did not last long. Heaney’s best efforts to have handball in the sports complex in Ballinamore fell through due to lack of interest. The same fate happened with the proposed alley in the Bee Park in Manorhamilton. Undeterred the resilient Heaney carried on and began coaching in the Fenagh Club.
Heaney’s endeavour in Fenagh is exceptional. A decade long fundraising project was put in place for the development of the Fenagh Handball Club. His resoluteness, dynamism, energy & can do attitude is incomparable. With Heaney’s hallmark the Fenagh court will be officially opened on the 6th May next. The completion of the Fenagh 60 x 30 Court is testament to Heaney’s unrelenting drive and determination to achieve what looked like an impossible dream.
Coaching is his passion and has coached many Provincial, All-Ireland winners and a World Champion in Donal Wrynn. Heaney has high hopes that Wrynn will again become a World champion in October when Ireland hosts the World Championships.
In an outstanding career in handball administration the role that gave the celebrated official most satisfaction is “coaching children and watch them grow into wonderful adults.” And the newly elected Connacht Handball Council President Heaney wants to see the implementation of the (GAA Handball Strategic plan 2011- 2016) for the future fulfilled and to bring the game into more schools. “Handball has to be in at least 50% of GAA clubs with better promotion of the game on television and in the papers to glamorise our top players.”

Known as Mr. Handball in Leitrim the GAA Handball fraternity are now calling him St. Peter for all the miracles he has worked for handball in his beloved Leitrim. Heaney’s lasting legacy in Leitrim is assured. The affable Fenagh club man will go down in the annals of Leitrim G.A.A Handball as one the County’s finest ever administrators.

Leydon, Harte, Quinn & Foody all win County Juvenile titles

Castleconnor hosted the Sligo Juvenile championships today and the results are as follows:

U-11 Singles final: Paul laydon Oxfield bt Daire Barrins Castleconnor 15-2, 15-14
U12 Singles final: Vincent Harte Collooney bt Diarmuid Harte Collooney 15-6, 13-15, 15-5
U-13 Singles: Odhran Quinn Castleconnor bt Michael Cahill Castleconnor 15-7, 15-4
U-13 Doubles: Michael Cahill & Tony Fox
U-14 Singles: Brendan Foody Castleconnor dft Jonathon Devaney Ballymote 15-5, 15-5
U-15 singles: Conor Booth
U-16 Doubles: Padraig O’Dowd & Sean Golden Ballymote


The following will represent Sligo in the Connacht Juvenile B 40 x 20 championships v Letrim

Girls:
U13 singles: Mary Foody Castleconnor
U14 singles: Aoibhe Barrins Castleconnor
U15 singles: Catronia Swift Castleconnor
Boys
U-12 Singles: Vincent Harte
U-12 Doubles: Diarmuid Harte & Aaron Bruen
U-13 Singles Odhran Quinn
U-13 Doubles: Michael Cahill & Tony Fox
U-14 Singles: Brendan Foody
U-15 singles: Conor Booth
U-16 Doubles Padraig O’Dowd & Sean Golden
U12 singles: Rachel Foody Castleconnor

History beckons for Donal Wrynn & Leitrim

Leitrim's Donal Wrynn

History beckons for Donal Wrynn & Leitrim by Michael McGee

Leitrim handballer Donal Wrynn is on the verge of making G.A.A. Handball history as he attempts to bring the All-Ireland handball Minor Singles 40 x 20 title to Leitrim for the very first time. Not in its thirty-seven year history has a Leitrim player taken home the Minor singles 40 x 20 championship. Three years ago the Fenagh club man took the World by storm winning the Boys 15 & under World one-wall title in Portland Oregon. Wrynn’s meteoric rise to World champion was astounding. The Irish & World handball fraternity stood up to take notice of Letrim’s rising young star. In the intervening years Wrynn has won a Connacht U-15 40 x 20 title and both 40 x 20 & 60 x 30 at U-16 level.
Wrynn’s season began last November when he reached the final of the Boys 17 & under National 40 x 20 final only to lose narrowly to Clare’s Colin Corbett, who went on to win the U.S. Nationals in December with relative ease. Despite that setback Wrynn worked hard on his game and was rewarded as a member of the successful Fenagh Junior B team that accounted for Garryhill Carlow in the All-Ireland club final. Wrynn has prepared meticulously over the past few months “I have worked hard on getting into physically the right condition for the championship and have spent many hours in the court working on my various shots.”
In the Connacht championships Wrynn breezed past opponents effortlessly. His All-Ireland semi-final opponent was Monaghan’s Darren Doherty an Irish, U.S. & World champion. Wrynn suffered a heart breaking 1 point defeat at the hands of Doherty in the 2010 All-Ireland U-16 singles 60 x 30 final in Abbeylara that went to a tie breaker. St. Coman’s Roscommon was the venue for this latest instalment and this time Wyrnn was ready for the battle. It took three intensive games to dislodge Doherty & Wrynn showed his mettle to finally beat his great rival.
In recent weeks Wrynn has played Aengus Cunningham (Roscommon), Niall O’Connor (Kildare), Terry McElvaney (Monaghan) and this has helped to give him a ruthless & steely edge to his game. “I’m hitting the ball much stronger than I have been doing before and my shot selection has improved. At the moment I am playing with a bit more confidence, having racked up a few important wins lately.”
Wrynn has also represented Leitrim G.A.A at underage level and freely admits football has helped his handball game. “Gaelic is a great help to me as it helps me to build up my fitness levels, and is also great help in making me more aggressive in the handball courts. “ Wrynn, a 1st year student in DCU studying Accounting & Finance helped the DCU team to the Freshers A football league title recently.
Despite all his successes Wrynn has taken it all in his stride. The gentle giant standing at 6’3” is unfazed at the thought of winning Leitrim’s first Minor singles 40 x 20 title “Obviously I’m looking forward to the occasion. I think it is important that I don’t let it get to me. Galen Riordan will be a very tough opponent but hopefully I will just be able to edge it. This week I won’t train that much as I want to be as fresh and relaxed as possible going into the game. I always find when I am more relaxed I play much better.”
A natural born & skilful athlete Wrynn is blessed with great handball hands explosive speed and devastating firepower combined with great self inner belief. It is expected that there will be huge support from Leitrim travelling to the Roscommon venue.
In an enticing 3 match programme in St. Coman’s Roscommon Cavan’s Paul Brady Irish & World champion will be attempting to win the Men’s singles title for an unprecedented 8th successive year and 9th overall. Brady’s opponent is Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy. McCarthy had a sensational 2011 winning the Men’s Hardball, Softball, Irish Nationals & U.S. Open. A mouth watering spectacle is in prospect with Brady wholly determined to re write the history books. The ladies final is a repeat of last year’s finale with reigning champions in Kerry’s Maria Daly & Ashley Prendiville facing the experienced Fiona Shannon & Sibeal Gallagher. The TG4 cameras will be covering the finals which will be televised later in the season.
Path to the final:
Connacht semi-final Donal Wrynn bt Cathal Connelly Ros 21-6, 21-7
Connacht final: Donal bt Michael Lalor Galway 21-6, 21-2
All-Ireland semi-final Donal bt Darren Doherty Monaghan 12-21, 21-13, 21-11

The 2012 GAA Handball O'Neill's All Ireland Senior 40x20 Singles Final
Saturday 24th March 2012, in St. Coman’s, Roscommon
12.00pm: Minor Singles – Letirm (Donal Wyrnn) v Wexford (Galen Riordan)
1.15pm: Ladies Senior Doubles Final - Kerry (Maria Daly/Ashley Prendiville) v Antrim (Fiona Shannon/Sibeal Gallagher)
3.00pm: Mens Senior Singles Final - Westmeath (Robbie McCarthy) v Cavan (Paul Brady)

Mc Cann to win All-Ireland handball title. Jason Earlis & Aoife Quinn one step away from All-Ireland Juvenile finals

Francis McCann aiming for All-Ireland title no.18 on Saturday

Congratulations to Jason Earlis & Aoife Quinn Connacht Juvenile A 40 x 20 champions for 2012



Battle hardened Mc Cann to win All-Ireland title
Sligo stalwart Francis McCann will be the underdog as he takes on reigning champion in Kildare’s Michael Dowling in the Golden Masters A 40 x 20 singles decider in Curraghboy on Saturday 24th March, writes Michael McGee.

Dowling beat McCann’s Connacht final opponent Martin Conneely in straight games ( 21-17, 21-14) in last year’s final. In all his 3 competitive matches to date McCann was forced to tie breakers before finishing strongly. His Connacht final match with Galway’s Martin Conneely proved to be a real cliff hanger. The Yeats County man took the first game by 21-13. The Galwegian stormed back taking the second game leaving McCann clinging on the ropes. Thankfully Conneely could not deliver the knockout blow. McCann survived a tension filled third game. In a nail biting finish McCann somehow survived taking the match in a titanic battle with only 1 ace separating the players after 3 rigorous games. McCann survived in Connacht and two weeks ago in the All-Ireland semi-final in the Gort-na-Mona court in Belfast McCann yet again was brought to a tie breaker before securing his place in the final. The Ballymote man is looking forward to the final.

“Preparations have gone well and I have played matches against Shane Bruen & Joe Dowling in recent weeks. Last year I didn’t play in the 40 x 20 court and it is nice to be back in a final again. Twelve years ago I played my first Masters final in Curraghboy and I lost that final by 1 ace to Wexford’s Pat Cleary. I will be hoping to come out with a one point victory this time round.”

McCann’s first All-Ireland triumph came in 1977 when winning the Minor Doubles with the late Michael Porter. Thirty five years later McCann is back playing in an All-Ireland final. In all that time his hunger and appetite has never waned. McCann has demonstrated his willingness to work hard and has come back each time when he looked beaten the mark of a champion. Saturday’s final could also go to a tie breaker but who would bet against the Ballymote man achieving All-Ireland number 18 in an astonishing sporting career.

G.A.A Handball O’ Neills All-Ireland finals:
Saturday 24th March 2012, in Curraghboy, Roscommon, 4pm: Golden Masters A Singles: Francis Mc Cann (Sligo) v Michael Dowling (Kildare)
Path to the final:
Connacht semi-final: Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann (Sligo) dft Ger Walsh (Roscommon) 21-9, 15-9, 21-9.
Connacht final: Francis McCann (Sligo) dft Martin Conneely (Galway) 21-13, 9-21, 21-20
All-Ireland semi-final: Francis McCann (Sligo) dft Thomas Maguire (Antrim) 21-17, 17-21, 21-12


Earlis & Quinn to reach All-Ireland Juvenile finals

Sligo Juvenile handball stars are in two All-Ireland semi-finals in Loughmacrory Co. Tyrone at the weekend. First into action is Castleconnor’s Aoife Quinn who faces Armagh’s Kaitlin Flevelle. Quinn received a bye in the Connacht final and automatically went straight through to the semi-final. Quinn was a member of the Connacht Girls Interprovincial team of 10 that beat Ulster in last year’s final and would have gained great experience representing the province. The Castleconnor starlet has won a number of Connacht Championships at Colleges level and will be hopeful of reaching the final.

Jason Earlis represents Sligo in the Boys U-16 singles semi-final against Monaghan’s Eugene McGeough. Earlis also from the Castleconnor Club had a fantastic win in the Connacht final last weekend defeating Mayo’s Conor Burke 9-21, 21-19, 11-8 in an exciting final. Earlis & Collooney’s Stanley Harte were within a point of reaching last year’s All-Ireland U-16 doubles final but lost out to a late Waterford winner. The Castleconnor teenager has made steady progress in the last number of years under the watchful eye of Coaches Tom Foody & Oisin Quinn. Earlis will no doubt receive another stern test from the Ulster champion but will have gained immense satisfaction and encouragment following his Connacht final success and this should stand to him as he goes in search of an All-Ireland final appearance.


All-Ireland Juvenile championships 40x 20 semi-finals
Saturday 24th March 2012, in Loughmacrory, Co Tyrone, 1pm
Girls U-15 Singles: Aoife Quinn Sligo v Kaitlin Flevelle Armagh
Boys U-16 Singles: Jason Earlis (Sligo) v Eugene McGeough Monaghan

National Handball Congress preview

Carrick-on-Shannon host historic Handball Congress

The Annual G.A.A. Handball Congress will take place in the Landmark Hotel Carrick-on-Shannon on Sunday starting at 11.15 a.m. writes Michael McGee.
It is an historic occasion in Leitrim handball to host Congress. Christy Cooney Uachtarán Cumann Luthcleas Gael, Walter O’ Connor President G.A.A Handball and over 200 delegates from all over the Country will be in attendance.
In a comprehensive thirty-one page review G.A.A Handball C.E.O Chris Curran detailed quite an astonishing year in handball. In his report to Congress Curran stated that “G.A.A Handball is on a crest of a wave at present & entering a very exciting era for our games. Sixty new clubs have been established and one hundred and sixty since the One-Wall School’s initiative started 2 years ago.”
The Associations new ”Strategic vision of the future 2011-2016” which took 18 months to complete and included considerable input from officials, players, members and key bodies such as the G.A.A, Irish Sports Council & National Governing bodies. At International level G.A.A Handball ambitious announcement for the purpose built World Championships to be held from October 11th-21st this year in the Citywest Hotel campus Dublin, has created widespread exciting but no little trepidation according to the C.E.O. The Campus will have 13 40 x 20 courts & 9 One-Wall courts. It is set to become the biggest World Handball Championships ever with 2000 competitors from 33 Countries taking part. The formation of a new unified International Handball Federation known as WWBA (World Wall Ball Association) is also warmly welcomed by the C.E.O.
The TG4 Handball Show and highlights on RTE is part of the overall strategy has contributed handsomely to an ever increasing membership and audience. The C.E.O. is however disappointed that the new National Handball Centre in Croke Park has not started yet despite getting the green light from Dublin City Council & Bord Pleanala. Continued discussions have taken place with the Dublin Handball Committee. Chris Curran is in no doubt that “we are not too far away in moving the plan forward and GAA Handball will stand with pride in one of the finest and prestigious Handball arenas in the world sooner rather than later.”
Ard Comhairle was responsible for the running of 311 competitions and increase of 36 from 2010 figures. Cavan’s Paul Brady was congratulated on breaking Clare’s John Kirby’s 7-in-a-row record and 8th overall. Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy won an historic first Men’s Open 60 x 30 singles title for Westmeath. In the Ladies championships Kerry’s Maria Daly became only the second player to win both the 60 x 30 & 40 x 20 singles championships. In National tournaments a staggering 542 entered in the 2011 One-Wall Nationals held in Castlebar. A combined today of 564 entered in both the Junior 40 x 20 & 60 x 30 nationals while 158 took part in the inaugural 60 x 30 Nationals. Robbie McCarthy & Fiona Shannon secured the Irish 40 x 20 titles and represented Ireland winning the U.S. Open & U.S. Ladies titles respectively. The Irish Junior team completed dominated the U.S Junior nationals with Killian Carroll Cork, Colin Crehan & Colin Corbett both Clare, Catriona Casey Cork, Lauren O’Riordain Roscommon & Ciana Ni Churraoin Galway all securing titles. Curran described the current crop of young stars “as one of the most talented group of young players to have ever travelled to an International event for Ireland.”
The entire results and roll of honour list is chronicled in great detail. There are 5 motions down for consideration. Roscommon has submitted 3 motions; to hold an one-wall nationals as in 60 x 30 & 40 x 20. Their second motion is that all eye guards would be made compulsory in the 60 x 30 court. Armagh have a similar motion in for the one-wall code. Roscommon’s third motion relates to the introduction of an Junior C National championships in 40 x 20 & 60 x 30.
Chris Curran C.E.O. just three years in the role has transformed what was a tired looking Association into one that is now a vibrant, forward thinking, world sporting body and a passionate member of the G.A.A. family. In a little over 7 months time G.A.A. Handball will be on the World Stage. With thousands of players from all over the world, thousands more spectators converging on Dublin and countless millions that will be tuning in live on TG4 & Sky Sports it looks like only a matter of time that this most Irish of Irish Sports will finally become an Olympic Sport. Even St. Patrick will be smiling on the Irish handball pilgrims at the weekend.

Bruen & Murphy into All-Ireland final. Castleconnor's Jason Earlis wins Connacht

Mark Murphy & Shane Bruen who have qualified for the All-Ireland final

Bruen & Murphy into All-Ireland final by Michael McGee

Sligo’s Mark Murphy & Shane Bruen are through to the Over-35 B doubles All-Ireland final following their straight sets victory over Tyrone’s Seamus & Eamonn McCrory played in Beragh Co. Tyrone today. The Sligo players took a while to settle but once they did they were the better team. In a close first game the Sligo men after a sluggish start gained control and won a close first game by 21-14. The second game the Yeats men were in total control and dominated and ran out comfortable winners in the end by 21-2. Their final opponents will be Limerick’s Paul Hedderman & Ken Bourke. The treaty men defeated Kilkenny’s Stephen Barcoe & Canice Quigley by 21-17, 21-18.
All-Ireland championships 40 x 20
Sunday 11th March in Beragh
Over-35 B doubles semi-final:
Mark Murphy & Shane Bruen (Sligo) dft Seamus & Eamonn McCrory (Tyrone) 21-14, 21-2

Connacht title for Castleconnor’s Jason Earlis
Boys U-16 singles: Jason Earlis (Sligo) bt Conor Burke (Mayo) 9-21, 21-19, 11-8
Castleconnor Jason Earlis is through to the All-Ireland semi-final following a titanic battle with Mayo’s Conor Burke. Earlis was pushed all the way but with an extraordinary engine fought back from a game down to take the second narrowly by 21-19. In an exciting tie breaker the Sligo teenager kept his composure & sealed a narrow tie- breaker victory by 11-8 to qualify for the last four. Earlis who won 2 Connacht handball titles in 2011 will be hoping to go one step further in this year championships.
Boys U-17 Doubless: Shane Wright & Patrick Fox (Sligo) lost to Gerard Sheridan & Thomas Walsh (Mayo) 8-21, 21-16, 9-21
The U-17 doubles pairing of Shane Wright & Patrick Fox came within 2 points of reaching the All-Ireland semi-final. Having lost the first game the Castleconnor/Collooney combination played the better handball forcing a tie breaker. After an energy sapping 3 games the Sligo lads succumb to a late Mayo rally.
Boys U-16 Doubles Barry McLoughlin & Stanley Harte (Sligo) lost to T.J. Byrne & Shane Walsh (Mayo) 10-21, 16-21
Sligo ‘s Barry McLoughlin & Stanley involvement in this year’s 40 x 20 championships came to an end in Castlebar when going under to a stronger Mayo pairing of T.J. Byrne & Shane Walsh. Despite giving their all the Mayo lads had the better team play and held on for victory.
Castleconnor’s Aoife Quinn received a bye in the Girls U-15 singles and goes forward to represent Sligo in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Results:
Boys U-16 singles: Jason Earlis (Sligo) bt Conor Burke (Mayo) 9-21, 21-19, 11-8
Boys U-17 Doubles: Shane Wright & Patrick Fox (Sligo) lost to Gerard Sheridan & Thomas Walsh (Mayo) 8-21, 21-16, 9-21.
Girls U-15 Singles: Aoife Quinn (Sligo) v Adhna Ni Bhraonain (Galway) Quinn received a bye
Boys U16-Doubles: Barry McLoughlin, Stanley Harte (Sligo) lost to T.J. Byrne & Shane Walsh (Mayo) 15-21, 12-21

Ballymote’s Francis McCann defeated Antrim's Thomas Maguire last Sunday in Gort na Mona Belfast by 21-17, 17-21, 21-12 in the Golden Masters A singles semi-final
Sligo will be represented at the 2012 National Handball Congress which will be held in the Landmark Hotel Carrick-on-Shannon on Sunday March 18th by Peter Chambers, Hugh McGarry & Michael McMorrow

The 2012 GAA Handball Irish 40x20 Adult Nationals will take place over the weekend Friday 20th April to Sunday 22nd April 2012 at Kingscourt & Ulster venues. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 21st March. Entries forms can be downloaded from http://sligohandball.blogspot.com/

Sligo Handball Photoalbum

Bruen & Murphy to reach final

Mark Murphy & Shane Bruen appearing in All-Ireland Handball 40 x 20 doubles semi-final on Sunday

Sligo’s young handball stars will be appearing in 5 Connacht Juvenile finals in Castlebar on Sunday. Shane Bruen & Mark Murphy will be hoping to reach the All-Ireland Over-35 B doubles final. Michael McGee looks forward to an action packed weekend for Sligo handball.


Boys U-17 Doubles: Shane Wright & Patrick Fox (Sligo) v Gerard Sheridan & Thomas Walsh (Mayo)

Sligo’s future young handball stars will be appearing in 5 Connacht Juvenile finals in Castlebar on Sunday. Shane Wright & Patrick Fox go in search of their first Connacht A title. Wright from the Castleconnor club partnered Noel McLouglin to last year’s U-16 B doubles Connacht 40 x 20 title. Fox from the Collooney club is already showing huge potential. He has already broken into the Collooney senior team and has represented the club in this year’s leagues. Just two months ago he partnered Drumshanbo’s Martin Raftery to overall success in the Gerard Jones Memorial Tournament in Castleconnor.
Boys U-16 singles: Jason Earlis (Sligo) v Conor Burke (Mayo)
Jason Earlis is another star in the making. Last year he partnered Stanley Harte Jnr. The duo won the Connacht 60 x 30 title no mean achievement and came within a whisker of reaching the All-Ireland final. Stanley Harte & Jason Earlis who had an agonizing 1 point defeat at the hands of Jamie Joyce & Ciaran O’Neill from Waterford. The score was 15-6, 5-15, 14-15. Stanley & Jason were 14-10 up in the tiebreaker but could not get the final point that would have put them through to the final. Earlis also a noted footballer with the Sligo development G.A.A. squad at present. Earlis was a member of the Sligo Juvenile U16/17 team that won Connacht but were beaten by eventual winners Tipperary in the semi-final.

Girls U-15 Singles: Aoife Quinn (Sligo) v Adhna Ni Bhraonain (Galway).
Girls U-16 Singles Marianne Foody (Sligo) v Ciana Ni Churaoin (Galway)

Tough task ahead for Sligo girls

Aoife partnered club mate Marianna Foody to the Connacht Colleges 1st year title last year. Having received a bye in Connacht the Girls U-15 doubles they took on Clare’s Natasha Coughlin & Michelle Nihill in Invirin. However the girls were beaten by 5-15, 7-15. Aoife a member of the Castleconnor Club played her part as a member of the Connacht Girls Interprovincial team of 10 that beat Ulster in the final by 101-50. Both girls are County champions. Last Wednesday Oisin Quinn put the girls through their paces with games in Bofield ahead of Connacht final. Marianna faces the daunting prospect of trying to defeat Galway’s Ciana Ni Churraoin. Ni Churraoin already tipped to be a future ladies champion is the current All-Ireland Girls U-15 singles champion, National champion, U.S. Champion and indeed World champion. Sunday’s final will be provide great experience for both Sligo girls against noteworthy opponents.

Boys U-16D: Barry McLoughlin & Stanley Harte (Sligo) v T.J. Byrne & Shane Walsh (Mayo). The Sligo lads will go into this final with a fair degree of optimism. Barry McLoughlin Castleconnor partnered Ballymote’s Francis McCann to last year’s Gerard Jones Memorial doubles tournament title. McLoughlin is already a Connacht Juvenile A 60 x 30 champion and a Connacht Juvenile U-16/17 winner in the 40 x 20 court. Harte hails from the Collooney club represented Collooney in the senior leagues and is a Connacht 60 x 30 doubles champion. Harte with his strong left hand will pose problems for most players. This new combination have every chance of striking Connacht Gold this weekend.

CONNACHT 40X20 JUVENILE A CHAMPIONSHIP 2012 FINALS
CASTLEBAR ON SUNDAY 11th MARCH @ 10am

Boys U-17 Doubless: Shane Wright & Patrick Fox (Sligo) v Gerard Sheridan & Thomas Walsh (Mayo)
Boys U-16 singles: Jason Earlis (Sligo v Conor Burke (Mayo)

Girls U-15 Singles: Aoife Quinn (Sligo) v Adhna Ni Bhraonain (Galway)
Girls U-16 Singles Marianne Foody (Sligo) v Ciana Ni Churaoin (Galway)

BU16D TJ Byrne Shane & Walsh (M) v Barry McLoughlin, Stanley Harte (Sligo ) v T.J. Byrne & Shane Walsh.


All-Ireland championships 40 x 20
Sunday 11th March in Beragh at 1 p.m.
Over-35 B doubles semi-final:
Mark Murphy & Shane Bruen (Sligo)v Seamus & Eamonn McCrory (Tyrone)
Bruen & Murphy to reach final
Mark Murphy & Shane Bruen make the long journey to Beragh in Co. Tyrone to take on Ulster champions Seamus & Eamonn McCrory. Murphy & Bruen took the Connacht title after a 3 game thriller against Mayo’s Michael Ginley & Seamus Maughan. In a very close contest throughout the Sligo men just edged it by 21-19, 20-21, 21-17. Bruen has won an All-Ireland Colleges title with Michael Tormay in 1988 but had to wait until 2007 before winning Connacht Junior B singles & doubles titles with Kevin Meehan. Bruen didn’t play in last year’s tournament but has made great progress this year reaching the Connacht final in the Over 35 B singles and doubles triumph. Castleconnor’s Mark Murphy is a very capable player on court and with a big physical presence and 2 very good hands will prove a handball to any opponents on their day. Murphy’s was a member of the Castleconnor team that finished runners-up in the recent Sligo handball team league final. The Castleconnor man can be relied upon to deliver the goods and with the experienced Bruen the duo should do enough to qualify for the final.

Already through to the Golden Masters A singles final is Ballymote’s Francis McCann. McCann made the long journey north to take on Antrim’s Thomas Maguire last Sunday. In a exciting match the Sligo man survived some testing moments before securing his place in the final by 21-17, 17-21, 21-12.

The 2012 GAA Handball Irish 40x20 Adult Nationals will take place over the weekend Friday 20th April to Sunday 22nd April 2012 at Kingscourt & Ulster venues. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 21st March. Entries forms can be downloaded from http://sligohandball.blogspot.com/

Irish Nationals 40 x 20 2012

Click on the link below to Irish Nationals entry form. Closing date Wednesday March 21st.

http://www.r2sports.com/tourney.asp?TID=9480

Sligo players in Connacht Juvenile finals

CONNACHT 40X20 JUVENILE A CHAMPIONSHIP 2012 FINALS
CASTLEBAR ON SUNDAY 11th MARCH @ 10am

Court 1 - 10am
BU17D Shane Wright & Patrick Fox (Sligo) v Gerard Sheridan & Thomas Walsh (Mayo)
Boys U-16 singles Jason Earlis (Sligo) v Conor Burke (Mayo)

Court 2 - 10am
GU15S Aoife Quinn (Sligo) v Adhna Ni Bhraonain (Galway)
GU16S Marianne Foody (Sligo) v Ciana Ni Churaoin (Galway)

TBC
BU16D TJ Byrne Shane & Walsh (M) v Barry McLoughlin, Stanley Harte (S)

Congratulations to Francis McCann who defeated Antrim's Thomas Maguire on Sunday in Gort na Mona Belfast by 21-17, 17-21, 21-12 in the Golden Masters A singles semi-final

Best of luck to Mark Murphy & Shane Bruen who are playing in the All-Ireland semi-finals in the Over-35 B doubles on Sunday in Beragh Co. Tyrone

All-Ireland championships 40 x 20
Sunday 11th March in Beragh at 1 p.m.
Over-35 B doubles semi-final:
Mark Murphy & Shane Bruen (Sligo)v Seamus & Eamonn McCrory (Tyrone)

St. Mary's claim league title 2012

League champions St. Mary's for 2012 back row Seamus Duffy, Michael McMorrow: Front row Paddy Walsh and Peter Chambers. Missing from photo is Connell Cannon

Castleconnor league runners-up
Michael Browne, Mark Murphy
front row Tom Foody & Tom Tuffy. Missing form photo is Joe Gorman

Photos of both teams following presentation

St. Mary’s reach summit
St. Mary’s overcame the strong challenge from Castleconnor A by 80-71 to become Sligo Handball 40 x 20 league champions for 2012, writes Michael McGee.

St. Mary’s, Kent Park hosted the final last Wednesday.
Three weeks ago the sides played in round 7 with Castleconnor defeating St. Mary’s in a captivating contest. Wednesday’s final was equally riveting. St. Mary’s sent out the inspirational Paddy Walsh & Seamus Duffy in the first doubles against Castleconnor’s Michael Browne & Tom Tuffy. Tuffy sporting a rally Ireland headgear and bandaged left leg was a revelation in the first game. He took up good positions and his lightning reflexes ignited Castleconnor to gain control.
Michael Browne playing on the left side had a very impressive final outing. Castleconnor with a whirl wind start raced into a huge 18-7 lead. Castleconnor’s tactics certainly worked early on with Browne covering everything from the back court and Tuffy’s reflexes pushed St. Mary’s onto the back foot. St. Mary’s appeared shell shocked initially but responded magnificently thereafter. The hosts then awoke from their comatose state. Legendary player Paddy Walsh showed his great experience and with Seamus Duffy combining well the comeback began. The St. Mary’s duo battled back into contention but Browne & Tuffy managed to weather the storm taking the first game by 21-18.
St. Mary’s made the better start into game two going 5-0 up. Castleconnor responded well and appeared to be gaining control when only 8-7 behind. Walsh’s wizardry and versatility combined with a number of quick fire scores pushed St. Mary’s clear at 15-9. Duffy rowed in with a number of important winners to Tuffy’s right side further extending St. Mary’s advantage to 18-10. Castleconnor rallied in great style and hit back with 8 unanswered points to draw level at 18-18 with all to play for. St. Mary’s had the strength and finished with a flurry of points with Walsh nailing the winner with a kill shot into the right corner leaving both teams tied on 39 points each.
St. Mary’s second doubles pairing of Peter Chambers & Michael McMorrow took on Castleconnor’s Mark Murphy & Tom Foody. Chambers & McMorrow’s greater team play paved the way for overall victory. Chambers played his best handball in recent months while McMorrow was rock solid on the right. Murphy’s strong play did give the eventual champions plenty to think about with a physically imposing performance. In a thrilling match all four players demonstrated great skills. The St. Mary’s duo as the game unfolded had the little bit more court craft and creativity. Despite a determined fight back from Castleconnor, St. Mary’s champions in 2010 had the more cohesive play and that was enough to take the match and the title by 21-14, 21-17 and overall by 80-71. It was St. Mary’s 2nd title in 3 years. Sligo Handball Chairman Peter Chambers presented the winners & runners-up with their trophies.
Result Sligo Handball team league 40 x 20 final
St. Mary’s Seamus Duffy, Paddy Walsh, Peter Chambers, Michael McMorrow, Connell Cannon dft Castleconnor A Michael Browne, Tom Tuffy, Mark Murphy, Tom Foody, Joe Gorman 80-71