Monday, July 29, 2013

County Juvenile U-17 A 60 x 30 trials

County Juvenile Trials

The trials for the Sligo U-17 A 60 x 30 will take place in Collooney on Tuesday next August 6th at  7 pm.

1. Padraig  O' Dowd   v  Stanley Harte Jnr.

2.  Patrick Fox   v  Jason Earlis


FINAL winner 1  V  winner 2


Runner up in 1 v Runner up in 2.  Play off for place on doubles team with the runner up in final 


Further details can be had from  Shane Bruen & Oisin Quinn.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Connacht handball titles for Cooney & McCann

                                               Connacht handball champion Francis McCann

                                                 Connacht handball champion Martin Cooney



Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte contesting the Golden Masters B doubles final on Saturday




Mick McMorrow & Hugh McGarry contesting the  Connacht 60 x 30 Championships Emerald Masters A doubles final on Saturday

Cooney & McCann are Connacht Champions

Two Connacht handball titles won, five more in the shake up for Sligo players, writes Michael McGee

There was mixed results for Sligo handball players in Connacht singles finals last weekend.  Peter Chambers was first into action against Mayo’s John Conroy.   Chambers expected to do well but never got going against an inform Conroy. The Mayo man dominated right from the start and ran out a comfortable winner in the end in straight games.  Castleconnor’s Mark Murphy put up strong resistance against the favourite Michael Ginley in the Masters B singles final. Murphy pushed Ginley all the way in game one but Ginley finished the stronger taking it by 21-15.  Murphy could not keep up the momentum going into the second and Ginley over ran a tiring Murphy in the second winning out by 21-5.  The consistent Francis McCann again had a big win this time over Mayo’s Kevin Macken in the Golden Masters A singles decider storming home by 21-5, 21-8 while Castleconnor’s Martin Cooney was given a fright against Mayo’s George Miller in the Silver Masters B singles. Cooney was given a stern test by the Charlestown club man before winning through by 21-20, 21-14

Results Connacht handball  60 x 30 Championships finals
Masters B singles:  Mark Murphy lost to Michael Ginley  15-21, 5-21
Silver Master B singles: Martin Cooney dft George Miller 21-20-, 21-14
Golden  Masters A singles:  Francis McCann dft Kevin Macken (Mayo) 21-5, 21-8
Golden Masters B singles: Peter Chambers lost to John Conroy (Mayo)  7-21, 7-21

Sligo handball pairs in 5 more Connacht finals

There is a double header in Williamstown on Saturday involving Sligo doubles pairings with the Junior B & Golden Masters A doubles in action. Appearing in their first provincial final is the Collooney duo of Martin Brannigan & Simon Kavanagh. Both players impressed in the local Collooney 60 x 30 tournament back in May.  The Sligo players scored an exciting 21-19, 21-5 win over Galway Joe Connell & John Walsh. Two of the County’s new stars  will be eager to win Connacht championship medals at their first attempt.

Ballymote’s Francis McCann & Martin Golden will be out to put matters straight in the 60 x 30 Connacht final as back in February the Sligo men lost in straight games to the Roscommon men in the 40 x 20 final. The Sligo men received a bye to the final while Walsh & Doolin had a good 21-4, 21-10 win over Mayo’s Martin Vahey & Kevin Macken in their semi-final clash.  Golden & McCann will be hoping it will be Connacht title number eight together.

St.  Coman’s in Roscommon town will be venue for 3 more exciting ties on Saturday involving Sligo doubles pairings in Connacht finals. First into action will be the Golden Masters B doubles of Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte Snr.  Chambers & Harte had a thrilling victory over Galway’s Willie Corcoran & Pierce Lalor in their Golden Masters B doubles semi-final.  Both players displayed commendable battling qualities to stay in contention for the Connacht championship doubles title.  Trailing 14-2 to Galway in the tie breaker final game the Sligo men staged a remarkable recovery from the jaws of defeat to win an incredible contest by 20-21, 21-9, 21-15. Chambers will be disappointed following last week’s singles loss to Conroy and it could prove the perfect riposte for Chambers to make amends in the doubles.  The Sligo men are meeting their final opponents in the repeat of last year’s Connacht final. That match went to 3 games before Conroy & Cummins edged it.  Chambers & Harte reached the All-Ireland semi-finals 3 years ago and if they can repeat their semi- final heroics anything is possible.

Hugh McGarry has been starved of success having won the All-Ireland Masters B doubles title with Connell Cannon back in 1995 while Mick McMorrow won the Emerald Masters B doubles title with John McLoughlin 2 years ago.  The Sligo men face the formidable Kevin Geraghty & Pat Hokins. The Mayo men will start as red hot favourites but the Sligo duo if they can build up momentum could shock Geraghty & Hopkins.  McGarry & McMorrow reached this year’s All-Ireland 40 x 20 Emerald Masters B doubles All-Ireland semi-final and can count themselves a shade unlucky not to have reached the final. The Sligo men will need to step up their game considerably if they want to send the reigning Connacht champions packing in the Provincial decider.

In the final game on the St. Coman’s programme see’s the Silver Masters B pairing of Tom Foody & Martin Cooney in action against Mayo’s George Miller & Kevin Cox.  Cooney got a real test in the singles final against Miller last weekend but the Sligo pairing looked to be the more balanced and threatening of the two pairs. Cooney is aiming for his 4th Connacht title of the year. Both Cooney & Foody starred in the Castleconnor club’s Connacht Interclub triumph and who were narrowly beaten by the Kells club  (Kilkenny)the eventual champions at the semi-finals stage in Crossakiel Co. Meath 3 weeks ago.  Cooney & Miller will yet again be the chief protagonist but Foody could turn out to be the real match winner. Foody is a very dependable player under pressure and it is this that should swing the contest in Sligo’s favour.

Connacht Championships 60 x 30 finals:
Saturday 3rd August  in Williamstown at 6 pm.
Junior B doubles: Martin Brannigan & Simon Kavanagh (Sligo) v Liam O’ Ceallagh & Joe Fallon (Roscommon)
Golden Masters A doubles:  Francis McCann & Martin Golden (Sligo) v Ger Walsh & Dermot Doolin (Roscommon)

Saturday 3rd August in St. Coman’s Roscommon at 5 p.m.
Golden Masters B doubles:  Stanley Harte & Peter Chambers (Sligo) v John Conroy & Joe Cummins (Mayo)
Emerald Masters A  doubles:  Hugh McGarry & Michael McMorrow (Sligo) v Kevin Geraghty & Pat Hopkins (Mayo)
Silver Masters B doubles:  Martin Cooney & Tom Foody (Sligo) v George Miller & Kevin Cox  (Mayo)

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Preview of Connacht handball championships 60 x 30 finals Sligo v Mayo


Francis McCann in Connacht final on Sunday in Golden Masters A singles 


Sligo handball players aiming for Connacht Gold

Sligo players are involved in 4 provincial handball singles finals next weekend. Castleconnor’s Mark Murphy has a tough challenge ahead of him as he takes on the favourite Michael Ginley, representing Mayo from the nearby Bofield Club in the Masters B final. Ginley had a narrow win over Roscommon’s Seamus Connolly in the semi-final while Murphy received a bye into the final. Murphy will be pleased with his performances to date. Murphy a member of the Castleconnor team that won the recent Connacht Interclub 60 x 30 championships for the first time and were narrowly beaten by the Kells Club in the All-Ireland semi-final. Murphy will yet again have to produce the goods if he is to defeat the Mayo man.

 Murphy’s team mate Martin Cooney meets his old adversary in George Miller from the Charlestown Club in the Silver Masters B singles final. Whenever these two players meet there is little to separate them. In last year’s championships Cooney had a good win over Miller on the way to the All-Ireland final. Cooney will be hoping to win through in Connacht and reach the All-Ireland final for the second year in a row. Cooney’s displays have improved on last year and he should come through the Miller test and qualify for the All-Ireland series again.

Ballymote’s Francis McCann had a strong showing against Leitrim’s Eddie Lee in the Golden Masters A single semi-final last weekend and should also account for Mayo’s Kevin Mackin.  McCann like Cooney will be hoping to come through in Connacht and again challenge for All-Ireland honours this year. McCann last All-Ireland title win was 2 years ago and he will be eager to claim All-Ireland handball title number 18 in 2013.

Peter Chambers has the ability on turning on the style against more formidable opponents. Chambers is knocking on the door for the past number of seasons and if he can get the lucky break against Mayo’s John Conroy that he strives for, he can become Connacht champion after many years of perseverance. Coming into form at the right time the St. Mary’s clubman will be in buoyant mood following last weekend’s double success. Chambers the Newport native is determined to win the Golden Masters B Connacht title in his adopted County in the Sligo colours

Connacht handball 60 x 30 championships finals - 
Saturday July 27th in St. Comans at 5 p.m.
Golden Masters B singles:  Peter Chambers (Sligo) v John Conry (Mayo)

Sunday July 28th in St. Coman's at 3 p.m.
Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann (Sligo) v Kevin Mackin (Mayo)

Sunday 28th July in Ballymoe at 3 p.m.
Silver Masters B singles:  Martin Cooney (Sligo) v George  Miller (Mayo)
Masters B singles:  Mark Murphy (Sligo) v  Michael Ginley (Mayo)


Sunday, July 21, 2013

Great weekend in Sligo handball - Chambers & Harte magnificent comeback to reach Connacht final



Electric performance from Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte to qualify for this years Connacht 60 x 30 Golden Masters B doubles final (read report below)


Chambers & McCann into Connacht handball finals

Sligo players survive the  heat to reach provincial deciders writes Michael McGee

With high temperatures soaring over the weekend on the playing fields.  There was also sweltering conditions facing Sligo handball players in the Connacht handball championships semi-finals. In Collooney on Friday evening Emmett Brannigan from the host club put up a brave bid to reach the Junior C singles final but was narrowly beaten by Galway’s Colin Mitchell. Brannigan making his debut in the championships can be happy with his first outing in the Sligo colours.

In the following match seasoned campaigner Peter Chambers had a hard fought win over Roscommon’s James Kilboy. In soaring heat in the Collooney court Chambers showed the greater resolve and was rewarded with a place in this year’s Connacht final.  On Saturday evening one of Sligo’s all time greats Francis McCann had home advantage against Leitrim’s Eddie Lee. There is never much between these players when they meet but McCann made light work of the Leitrim man’s challenge racing home with an 21-8, 21-9 victory. In Collooney on Sunday Hugh McGarry’s big challenge to Galway’s John Ward just fell short. Ward took the opening game by 21-9 but McGarry made the Galwegin fight all the way in the second. Ward was relieved to get out of Collooney with a narrow 21-19 win in game two.

Sensational comeback by Harte & Chambers 

 It proved an excellent weekend for Peter Chambers as on Sunday in Williamstown in the Golden Masters B doubles semi-final with partner Stanley Harte snr. The duo had to pull out all the stops to reach the final in an immense battle.  Chambers & Harte were leading 12-2 in the opening game against Galway’s Willie Corcoran & Pierce Lalor but somehow contrived to hand the opening game to the Galway men. In the second Chamber & Harte played the more composed handball totally nullifying the threat from the Galway men taking game two by 21-9.  In the tie breaker it looked all over for the Sligo men with Galway seemingly destined to qualify for the final forging well clear by 14-2. Somehow and from somewhere the Sligo men threw everything at it to get back into the championship and slowly they turned things around with a stunning comeback.  Harte was sensational in the last game with sublime finishing and with Chambers full of running and great support play the Sligo men roared back into contention. The Galway men looked shell shocked as Sligo rallied strongly.  Chambers & Harte comeback was simply inspirational. The Sligo men worked their magic were now infused. With their greater intensity they allowed the Galway men just one further score as the heroics of Harte & Chambers attitude of never giving up when all seemed lost proved the catalyst for an extraordinary victory in the end by 21-15. In the Junior C doubles semi-final there was another great win for the Sligo pairing of Martin Brannigan & Simon Kavanagh. Brannigan & Kavanagh fantastic, composed handball was enough to record an excellent 21-19, 21-5 win over Galway’s Joe O’Connell & John Walsh in the Junior C doubles.
Connacht handball 60 x 30 championships semi-finals
Golden Masters A Singles:  Francis McCann (Sligo)  dft  Eddie Lee (Leitrim) 21-8, 21-9.
Golden Masters B  singles:  Peter Chambers (Sligo)  dft James Kilboy (Roscommon) 21-12, 21-17
Junior C singles: Emmett Brannigan (Sligo)  lost to Colin Mitchell (Galway) 12-21, 14-21
Emerald Masters A singles:  Hugh McGarry (Sligo)   lost to John Ward (Galway) 9-21, 19-21
Golden Masters B doubles: Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte Snr (Sligo) dft Willie Corcoran & Pierce Lalor (Galway) 20-21, 21-9, 21-15.
Junior C singles: Martin Brannigan & Simon Kavanagh (Sligo)  dft Joe O’Connell & John Walsh (Galway) 21-19, 21-5

Sligo handball players aiming for Connacht Gold

Sligo players are involved in 5 provincial handball singles finals next weekend. Castleconnor’s Mark Murphy has a tough challenge ahead of him as he takes on the favourite Michael Ginley, representing Mayo from the nearby Bofield Club in the Masters B final. Ginley had a narrow win over Roscommon’s Seamus Connolly in the semi-final while Murphy received a bye into the final. Murphy will be pleased with his performances to date. Murphy a member of the Castleconnor team that won the recent Connacht Interclub 60 x 30 championships for the first time and were narrowly beaten by the Kells Club in the All-Ireland semi-final. Murphy will yet again have to produce the goods if he is to defeat the Mayo man.
 Murphy’s team mate Martin Cooney meets his old adversary in George Miller from the Charlestown Club in the Silver Masters B singles final. Whenever these two players meet there is little to separate them. In last year’s championships Cooney had a good win over Miller on the way to the All-Ireland final. Cooney will be hoping to win through in Connacht and reach the All-Ireland final for the second year in a row. Cooney’s displays have improved on last year and he should come through the Miller test and qualify for the All-Ireland series again.

Ballymote’s Francis McCann had a strong showing against Leitrim’s Eddie Lee in the Golden Masters A single semi-final last weekend and should also account for Mayo’s Kevin Mackin.  McCann like Cooney will be hoping to come through in Connacht and again challenge for All-Ireland honours this year. McCann last All-Ireland title win was 2 years ago and he will be eager to claim All-Ireland handball title number 18 in 2013.

Peter Chambers has the ability on turning on the style against more formidable opponents. Chambers is knocking on the door for the past number of seasons and if he can get the lucky break against Mayo’s John Conroy that he strives for, he can become Connacht champion after many years of perseverance. Coming into form at the right time the St. Mary’s clubman will be in buoyant mood following last weekend’s double success. Chambers the Newport native is determined to win the Golden Masters B Connacht title in his adopted County in the Sligo colours
Legendary Sligo player Paddy Walsh needs no introduction when it comes to handball. The St. Mary’s Club man is striving for an unprecedented 29th All-Ireland handball title. Walsh is up against Mayo’s John Kenny in the Connacht final in the Over 70’s category and is as hungry as ever for more success. Walsh who won his first All-Ireland title back in 1974 is aiming for another coveted Connacht title in an illustrious career

Connacht finals fixtures - 
Saturday July 27th in St. Comans at 5 p.m.
Golden Masters B singles:  Peter Chambers (Sligo) v John Conry (Mayo)

Sunday July 28th in St. Coman's at 3 p.m.
Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann (Sligo) v Kevin Mackin (Mayo)

Sunday 28th July in Ballymoe at 3 p.m.
Silver Masters B singles:  Martin Cooney (Sligo) v George  Miller (Mayo)
Masters B singles:  Mark Murphy (Sligo) v  Michael Ginley (Mayo)





Friday, July 19, 2013

Connacht handball fixtures updates

Connacht handball championships 60 x 30 semi-finals
Friday 19th July in Collooney at 7 p.m.
Junior C singles: Emmett Brannigan (Sligo) v Colin Mitchell (Galway)
Silver Masters B singles:  Martin Cooney (Sligo) v Maughan/Coleman/McNeela/ Waldron
Golden Masters B  singles:  Peter Chambers (Sligo) v Kilboy/Corcoran/Dervin

Sunday 21st July in Williamstown at 3 p.m.
Silver Masters B doubles:  Martin Cooney & Tom Foody (Sligo)  v Maughan/McNeela (Galway)
Golden Masters B doubles:  Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte (Sligo) v Corcoran & Lalor (Galway)

Sunday 21st July in Ballymote at 3 p.m.
Golden Masters A Singles:  Francis McCann (Sligo) v Eddie Lee (Leitrim)


Masters B singles:  Mark Murphy walkover v Galway
Over 70's: Paddy Walsh walkover v Galway
Emerald Masters A singles: Hugh McGarry walkover v Galway

Emerald Masters A doubles:  Hugh McGarry & Mick McMorrow  (Sligo) walkover v Galway
Golden Masters A doubles: Francis McCann & Martin Golden (Sligo) walkover v Galway




Connacht singles Finals: on or before Sunday 28th July 
Junior C singles: Emmett Brannigan (Sligo) or Colin Mitchell (Galway)v John Kelly Roscommon
Masters B singles:  Mark Murphy (Sligo) v  Michael Ginley (Mayo)
Silver Masters B singles:  Martin Cooney (Sligo)  or Maughan/Coleman/McNeela/ Waldron v George  Miller (Mayo)
Golden Masters A Singles:  Francis McCann (Sligo) or Eddie Lee (Leitrim) v Kevin Mackin (Mayo)
Golden Masters B  singles:  Peter Chambers (Sligo) v Kilboy/Corcoran/Dervin v John Conroy (Mayo)
Emerald Masters A singles:  Hugh McGarry (Sligo) v Kevin Geraghty (Mayo)
Over 70’s:  Paddy Walsh (Sligo) v Mayo opponent 

Connacht Doubles Finals:  On or before  Sunday 4th August
Silver Masters B doubles:  Martin Cooney & Tom Foody (Sligo)  v Maughan/McNeela (Galway)v George Miller & Kevin Cox (Mayo)
Golden Masters B doubles:  Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte (Sligo) or  Corcoran & Lalor (Galway) v John Conroy & Joe Cummins (Mayo)
Emerald Masters A doubles:  Hugh McGarry & Mick McMorrow  (Sligo) v Kevin Geraghty & Pat Hopkins (Mayo)
Golden Masters A doubles: Francis McCann & Martin Golden (Sligo) v Mackin/Vahey (Mayo) or Doolin/Walsh (Roscommon)

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Connacht handball 60 x 30 championships semi-finals v Galway

Connacht handball championships 60 x 30 semi-finals
Friday 19th July in Collooney at 7 p.m.
Junior C singles: Emmett Brannigan (Sligo) v Colin Mitchell (Galway)
Silver Masters B singles:  Martin Cooney (Sligo) v Maughan/Coleman/McNeela/ Waldron
Golden Masters B  singles:  Peter Chambers (Sligo) v Kilboy/Corcoran/Dervin

Sunday 21st July in Williamstown at 3 p.m.
Silver Masters B doubles:  Martin Cooney &  Tom Foody (Sligo)  v Maughan/McNeela (Galway)
Golden Masters B doubles:  Peter Chambers &  Stanley Harte (Sligo) v Corcoran & Lalor (Galway)

Sunday 21st July in Ballymote at 3 p.m.
Golden Masters A Singles:  Francis McCann (Sligo) v Eddie Lee (Leitrim)

Emerald Masters A doubles:  Hugh McGarry & Mick McMorrow  (Sligo) walkover v Galway

Golden Masters A doubles: Francis McCann & Martin Golden (Sligo) walkover v Galway

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Sligo v Galway Connacht handball 60 x 30 championships semi-finals


Connacht handball  60 x30 championships semi-finals v Galway

Saturday July 13th in Collooney at 4 p.m.
Over 70's Paddy Walsh (Sligo)  walkover v Galway
Emerald Masters A singles: Michael McMorrow v John Ward (Galway)
Golden Masters B singles:  Peter Chambers v  John Corcoran (Galway)


Saturday 13th July in Ballymote at 3  p.m.
Golden Masters A singles:  Francis McCann v Eddie Lee (Leitrim)

Sunday 14th July in Collooney at 3 p.m.
Junior C singles:  Emmett Brannigan v Mitchell Kelly (Galway)

Tuesday 16th July in Collooney at 7 p.m.
Masters B singles: Mark Murphy  walkover v Galway
Silver Masters B singles:  Martin Cooney v John Maughan (Galway)




Connacht handball 60 x 30 championships draws singles

Connacht handball championships draws below singles  semi-finals week 1 v Galway

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4Y4bDjk-Y3fMnFIZlRXelVKSnc/edit?usp=sharing



Over 70's Paddy Walsh v Galway
Emerald Masters A singles:  Mick McMorrow v Galway
Golden Masters B Singles:  Peter Chambers v Galway


Junior C singles:  Emmett Brannigan v Galway
Masters B singles: Mark Murphy v Galway
Silver Masters B Singles: Martin Cooney v Galway

Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann v Galway in Ballymote


Monday, July 8, 2013

Castleconnor travel to Crossakiel to take on Kells Club from Kilkenny

Castleconnor travel to my home club of Crossakiel (Meath) to take on Leinster champions Kells from Kilkenny  in the All-Ireland club semi-final

Castleconnor face Broadford for a place in the All-Ireland club final

Castleconnor ready for Royal rumble in Crossakiel, writes Michael McGee

The All-Ireland club Junior B semi-finals will take place in the Crossakiel club in Meath on Saturday 13thJuly next. Castleconnor will face Kells from Kilkenny in the All-ireland semi-final

It will be a tough challenge for the Castleconnor club but with the likes of 17 year old Jason Earlis & Martin Cooney hitting top from at the moment in the singles & Mark Murphy & Tom Foody an ever  present & reliable doubles partnership not giving much away the tie could swing  in the Sligo club’s favour

Last weekend Castleconnor defeated Roscommon club Champions Mount Talbot in the Connacht final played in Williamstown. Castleconnor had earlier defeated  Loughrea of Galway in the provincial semi-final

Castleconnor will face Leinster champions Kells club from Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final. The Kells club defeated Monivea Laois by a mere 13 points in the Leinster final last month.  It will be a tough challenge for the Castleconnor club but with the likes of 17 year old Jason Earlis & Martin Cooney hitting top from at the moment in the singles & Mark Murphy & Tom Foody an ever reliable doubles partnership not giving much away the tie could swing the Sligo club’s way.


The Castleconnor team to play Kells will be Jason Earlis, Tom Foody, Mark Murphy, Martin Cooney & Joe Gorman. The  Kells, Kilkenny club will be represented by  Brendan Burke, Diarmuid Burke, Anthony Martin, Dan Breen




JUNIOR B
Saturday 13th July 2013

In Crossakiel, Meath @ 11am
Semi Final 2:  Castleconnor (Sligo) v Kells Kilkenny

In Na Fianna, Dublin @ 11am
Semi Final 1: Corduff (Monaghan) v Broadford (Limerick)

In Crossakiel, Meath @ 5pm

Final: Winner SF1 v Winner SF2

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Castleconnor Connacht club handball champions

Historic win: Castleconnor Connacht Interclub 60 x 30 champions for 2013 back row: Mark Murphy, Tom Foody, Martin Cooney & Jason Earlis with the teams lucky mascots. Missing from photo is Joe Gorman


Castleconnor & Mount Talbots teams pictured following Connacht Interclub Junior B 60 x 30 final


Castleconnor club Connacht handball champions

Castleconnor became Connacht handball club champions for the first time in their history, writes Michael McGee

The Castleconnor Club in Sligo are through to the All-Ireland Interclub 60 x 30 championships semi-finals following victory over Roscommon’s Mount Talbot in the Connacht final played in Williamstown Galway on Sunday. Castleconnor defeated the Roscommon Club champions 113-89 in a well contested final. In their semi-final contest Castleconnor scored a comfortable 83-39 win over Galway’s Loughrea Club the previous day. Earlier Castleconnor outscored Collooney  120-94 in the Sligo final

The winning team members were Jason Earlis, Mark Murphy, Tom Foody & Martin Cooney.

Castleconnor face Kells for a place in the All-Ireland club final

The All-Ireland club semi-finals will take place in the Kells & Crossakiel clubs in Meath on Saturday 13thJuly/Sunday 14th July next. Castleconnor will face Leinster champions Kells club from Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final. The Kells club defeated Monivea Laois by a mere 13 points in the Leinster final last month.  It will be a tough challenge for the Castleconnor club but with the likes of 17 year old Jason Earlis & Martin Cooney hitting top from at the moment in the singles & Mark Murphy & Tom Foody an ever reliable doubles partnership not giving much away the tie could swing the Sligo club’s way.

Aoife Quinn wins plate final in One Wall Nationals.

In the Irish One Wall Nationals held in Breaffy House in Castlebar.   Overall 400 players from all over the Country took part along with players from Peurto Rico & England. Sligo were represented by Odhran, Oisin & Aoife Quinn from the Castleconnor Club together with Laura & Conor Finn from Ballymote making their debuts in the One-Wall Nationals

Odhran Quinn was beaten by Cork’s Eoghan Sheehan 18-14 in the Boys U-14 singles. In the plate Odhran partnered Ciaran Faulkner but were narrowly defeated by Gavin Coyle & Jack Tobin 21-19.

Oisin took part in the Golden Masters section and beat London’s Oliver O’Sullivan in the opening game but fell to Down’s Brian Havern in round 2. Quinn & O’Sullivan were runners up in the plate doubles final.

Aoife lost her opening match to Eimear Beatty in the Girls U-15 singles.  Exam commitments hampered her preparation but  she had better luck in the plate when teaming up with Kildare’s Hannag Dagg winning the plate final 16-8 over Mairead Kenny & Doireann Murphy.

Also representing Sligo were Laura & Conor Finn from the Ballymote Club. Conor took part in the Boys U-11 Singles grade. Conor won 2 out of his 3 contests before losing out to a Roscommon opponent 31-14. Laura Finn took part in the girls U-13 grade and in her first round easily overcame her Galway opponent. Laura was defeated by Tyrone’s Elizabeth McGarvey the eventual runner up in this grade. The Finn’s making their competitive debut in the nationals equipped themselves very well and no doubt we will be hearing much more about the “flying handball Finn’s from Ballymote in the years ahead.  Peurto Rican Herman Mendez won the Men’s Open title his second Irish win in the Nationals in three years while Down’s Lorraine Havern overcame Mayo’ Amy Corrigan in the ladies final.  Corrigan & Havern will be joined by Cork’s Killian Carroll & Armagh’s Conal McKevitt who will represent Ireland in the World games In Cali Columbia next month. Handball is a demonstration sport in these games and it is hoped G.A.A Handball will become and Olympic Sport in the near future

Aoife Quinn wins plate final in One Wall Nationals. Conor & Larua Finn make their debuts


 Ballymote's future stars Laura & Conor Finn who took part in the recent One-Wall Nationals finals in Castlebar last week.
 Aoife Quinn wins plate final in One-Wall Nationals as Conor & Laura Finn make their debuts
In the Irish One Wall Nationals held in Breaffy House in Castlebar.  Sligo were represented by Odhran, Oisin & Aoife Quinn from the Castleconnor Club together with Laura & Conor Finn from Ballymote making their debuts in the One-Wall Nationals

Odhran was beaten by Cork’s Eoghan Sheehan 18-14. In the plate Odhran partnered Ciaran Faulkner but were narrowly defeated by Gavin Coyle & Jack Tobin 21-19.

Aoife lost her opening match to Eimear Beatty. Exam commitments didn’t help her preparation but had better luck in the plate when teaming up with Kildare’s Hannag Dagg winning the plate final 16-8 over Mairead Kenny & Doireann Murphy.

Also representing Sligo were Laura & Conor Finn from the Ballymote Club. Conor took part in the Boys U-11 Singles grade. Conor won 2 out of his 3 contests before losing out to a Roscommon opponent 31-14. Laura Finn took part in the girls U-13 grade and in her first round easily overcame her Galway opponent. Laura was defeated 22-14  by Tyrone’s Elizabeth McGarvey the eventual runner up in this grade. The Finn’s making their competitive debut in the nationals equipped themselves very well and no doubt we will be hearing much more about the “flying handball Finn’s from Ballymote in the years ahead