Sligo Handball: Cooney's team champions in Sligo handball team final

Cooney’s team champions in Sligo handball team final

Martin Cooney’s team emerged Sligo handball 40 x 20 team champions following a narrow victory over Shane Bruen’s team in last Wednesday’s team final held in the Castleconnor Club, writes Michael McGee

Both sides qualified for the final on 29 points each and the final proved equally close. In a rollercoaster first doubles match seen Martin Cooney & Jamie Murray taking on Shane Bruen & Tommy Trill both from the Collooney club. In a highly entertaining game that was level on no less than 5 occasions it was Bruen & Trill that finished the stronger to take the first game by 21-18. Cooney & Murray the favourites came back strongly in the second game completely dominating the game all too easily by 21-2 thus forcing the tie break game. Murray was having a great game on the left and with Cooney coming more into the game it looked like they would go on to take the match. However Bruen & Trill didn’t read the script and stormed out of the blocks to stun Murray & Cooney. Bruen and talented teenager Trill who was making a welcome return to handball went swiftly into a big lead with a flurry of points leading by 8-2. Bruen & Trill were now in the driving seat and blew the heavy hitters of Cooney & Murray away with a storming finish by 11-2.

In the second doubles match Mark Murphy & Micheal Bruen proved too strong for Seamus Duffy & Larry Jones by 21-2, 21-6.

The last doubles match between Colin Conlon /Gerry Coleman & Tom Foody & Micheal Jones both from the Castleconnor club proved very exciting. Foody & Jones had a big lead of 18-6 in the opening game but Conlon & Coleman found their range and hit back in impressive style. Despite a spirited comeback it was Foody & Jones that held firm to win the first game by 21-12. Going into the final game Shane Bruen’s & Martin Cooney were level on points with both sets of supporters getting fully behind their players. Colin Conlon from the near Bunniconlon club in Mayo & Gerry Coleman the Collooney club man greater team work put Martin Cooney’s team well out in front by 17-7. Conlon’s strong play and Coleman’s expert serving and creativity opened up Foody & Jones shortcomings.

Staring defeat in the face it was Jones & Foody that set the momentum for what could have been a famous victory for Shane Bruen’s team. Jones was lively all over the court and the hard working Tom Foody on the left brought the battle to Conlon & Coleman. Conlon & Coleman confidence was tested to the full with Foody & Jones hitting back with 8 points on the trot leaving only 2 points in it at 17-15. The game and match was delicately poised. Conlon & Coleman looked to have weathered the Castleconnor Tsunami when getting 2 important points to lead by 4. Foody & Jones gritty displayed seen them on the shoulders of Conlon & Coleman at 19-18. With both sets of fervent supporters getting fully behind their players it was Conlon & Colman that emerged winners in a frenetic finish. Conlon was the hero in the end with an expertly taken kill shot into the right corner sealing the win for Martin Cooney’s team by 21-18 in a memorable Sligo handball team tournament. Sligo G.A.A Handball Treasurer Oisin Quinn presented the winners and runners-up with their trophies afterwards.

Team E Martin Cooney’s team of Jamie Murray, Jason Earlis,Michael Bruen, Gerry Coleman, Mark Murphy, Colin Conlon defeated Team B of Shane Bruen’s team Seamus Duffy, Larry Jones, Tommy Trill, Tom Foody, Micheal Jones 125-79.

Martin Cooney team champions: Back row: Michael Bruen, Gerry Coleman, Mark Murphy & Colin Conlon. Front row: Martin Cooney, Jamie Murray & Jason Earlis