Paddy Walsh goes for All-Ireland gold ( note new date for final)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paddy Walsh aiming for an historic 29th All-Ireland handball title

 

 

Walsh’s wizardry to win historic All-Ireland handball title

 

Legendary Sligo Handball Paddy Walsh take on Cork’s Pat O’Brien in the All-Ireland Over-70 singles final in Tuamgraney on Saturday week April 6th. Walsh from the St. Mary’s club in Sligo is going for an unprecedented 29th All-Ireland handball title in an illustrious career, writes Michael McGee.

 

Veteran Walsh won his first All-Ireland title back in 1974 and thirty nine years later he is aiming for his twenty nine title. Walsh has also won 7 Senior County GAA titles with Collooney/Ballisodare in the 1970’s and 1 title with St. Mary’s.

The Sligo stalwart was never really troubled in the All-Ireland semi-final defeating Dubliner John Kiely in 2 straight games in an overall resounding win for the St. Mary’s Club man. Walsh has met O’Brien on at least three previous occasions winning all three. In the 2002 All-Ireland singles semi-final Walsh defeated O’Brien 21-11, 21-13. Walsh & doubles partner Mick Kelly also defeated O’Brien & Tim Healy 21-14, 21-17 in the All-Ireland doubles final in 2007. While three years ago Walsh & Kelly repeated their final success over O’Brien & Michael Jordan. Walsh is as determined and hungry for even more success. The experienced Sligo man has trained hard in the last number of months. “Walsh, Sligo handball’s senior statesman has the tenacity to go on to record another historic achievement in an astounding and memorable handball career.”

All-Ireland Handball championships finals:  ( note new date for final)

Saturday week April 6th in Tuamgraney Clare 2 pm Over 70’s: Paddy Walsh (Sligo) v Pat O’ Brien (Cork)