Neary & Hughes clinch McDermott Cup in Crossakiel

Neary & Hughes clinch McDermott Cup in Crossakiel
Ciaran Neary & Peter Hughes overcame the brave challenge of Leitrim’s Jamie Murray & Martin Raftery to win a captivating McDermott Cup final, writes Michael McGee


The Crossakiel Club brought down the calendar on a memorable 60 x 30 season. Kilkenny’s Ciaran Neary & Peter Hughes Wexford teamed up to win the 2nd Annual McDermott Cup doubles competition for Junior/Masters players on Sunday 9th October last. Teams from Leitrim, Galway, Kilkenny, Wexford, Kerry, Louth and Meath took part. Dan Riordan made the longest journey to the Meath venue when travelling all the way from Kerry to the tournament.
The Juvenile tournament took place the previous day and resulted in wins for Leah Doyle in the Girls U-12 round robin. Conor Farrell & Donal Farrelly were victorious in the Boys U-12 doubles while Christopher Clinton & Peter Smith took home the Boys U14 doubles trophies.
Sunday’s action got underway at 10 am in the Crossakiel & Kells courts. Leitrim’s Jamie Murray & Martin Raftery had an early start and was first into action against local pairing Pat McCabe & Richard Farrell. They eased their way into the quarter final with an effortless display. Leitrim’s 2nd paring of Eddie Lee & Donal Wrynn were in action in Kells at the same time. Unfortunately for the Connacht men they had to settle for second on this occasion against the formidable Anthony McConnell & Jimmy Reilly from the Kells Club. Back in Crossakiel Steven Quinn & Mark Farrell were expected to do well against Evan Sheridan & Robert Fox. Sheridan just 15 years of age the previous day won the Junior Colleges All-Ireland singles final in front of the large home support in Kells. Son of the legendary Tom Sheridan the talented Kells teenager is quickly following in his famous father’s footsteps. Robert Fox & John McGovern made it a doubles for Kells in the Junior Doubles final. Sheridan’s display against Quinn & Farrell was very impressive. Along with Fox they shocked the Crossakiel duo winning by 31-27. Ciaran Neary & Peter Hughes defeated last year’s runners up in Christy McGovern & John “Boy” Molloy Kells on a score line of 31-21. Dan Riordan partnered local player Cyril Fitzsimons to beat John & Vinny Farrell. The 1st quarter final proved very close with Jamie Murray & Martin Raftery just holding on against Peter Reilly & Joe Cummins from Kells. Jimmy Reilly & Anthony McConnell beat Galway’s Pat Conway & Declan Connaughton 31-21. Evan Sheridan & Robert Fox outclassed Dan Riordan & Chris Fitzsimons in straight games. However their great run ended at the hands of Murray & Raftery at the semi-final stage. Ciaran Neary & Peter Hughes had a surprisingly comfortable win over Jimmy Reilly & Anthony McConnell in the second semi final. In the plate final Leitrim’s Eddie Lee & Donal Wrynn took on Kells men Peter Reilly & Joe Cummins. The Meath men took an 11-3 lead and were cruising at this stage. However 17 y.o. Donal Wrynn playing on the right and the left handed Eddie Lee fought back in accomplished fashion drawing level at 11 and again at 12. Leitrim then surged well clear to take game 1 by 21-12. The second game was thoroughly enjoyable with both teams level on 4 occasions at 12,13,16 & 18. Reilly this year’s Intermediate doubles runner up using all his experience got important winners to Lee’s left side with some rasping passing shots. Wrynn gave a wonderful display throughout. The Leitrim minor footballer displaying high octane levels as he covered every inch of the Crossakiel court. Despite this the Kells men took game 2 by 21-18. In the tie breaker Reilly & Cummins broke the Leitrim pair’s resolve when striding to a 21-5 win. Just before the McDermott Cup the final of the U17 doubles took place James Baugh & John McGovern were successful wining in 2 games over John Reilly & Ricky McDermott.

Neary & Hughes hold off a determined Leitrim fightback

In the final of the McDermott Cup Ciaran Neary & Peter Hughes faced Leitrim’s Jamie Murray & Martin Raftery who recently won the All-Ireland Junior B doubles title. Neary the natural left handed player was outstanding and with Hughes playing solidly on the right they tore Leitrim apart winning by 21-7 in the opening game. Murray & Raftery battled hardened from their successful doubles campaign threw down the gauntlet in the second and brought the fight to Neary & Hughes. Raftery the “ Ray Houghton” in stature played with spirited passion and Murray a man mountain on the right determined, mixing drive with a gutsy performance. The Leitrim lions roared back into contention no corner was given or asked as both teams worked hard. In a battling contest both teams were level at 8,13 & 15. Raftery played superbly on the left and on many occasions went over to help out the overworked Murray on the right. In an absorbing 2nd game Leitrim had the strength to hold off a dogged fight back from the Kilkenny/Wexford duo to win by 21-17. In the tie breaker Leitrim went into an 6-2 lead. Neary as cool as they come, from the famous Talbot’s Inch Club stamped his authority on the game when drawing the teams level at 10-10. He was deadly accurate close to the front wall time and time again rolled out winners in the left corner. Raftery was full of running and he expelled every ounce of energy to keep the Leitrim men in it. Murray was put under pressure with Hughes pinning him in the right corner with accurate winners on a number of occasions. Luck finally ran out on the Leitrim men with the inspired Neary and Hughes putting points on the board. There was nothing that Murray & Raftery could do to stop them. The tide turned in Neary’s & Hughes favour before pressing on to win a memorable final by 21-11.
The Presentations took place soon after and club chairman Steven Quinn thanked the support of the Committee and players & Kells Handball Club. Fergal McCabe was also thanked for the refreshments for the Juveniles. Fenian Reilly for his sponsorship and to Jacquie, Valerie & Lisa Quinn for providing the food and refreshments on the day. Neary’s & Hughes success in Crossakiel was a fitting end to an excellent year in the 60 x 30 courts.
McDermott Cup final: Ciaran Neary & Peter Hughes Kilkenny/Wexford) dft Jamie Murray & Martin Raftery (Leitrim) 21-7, 17-21, 21-11
Plate final: Peter Reilly & Joe Cummins (Meath) dft Eddie Lee & Donal Wrynn (Leitrim) 21-12, 19-21, 21-5

McCann & Fox celebrate Hannon Cup win

Patrick Fox & Francis McCann Hannon Cup champions for 2011

Joe Dowling & Larry Jones Hannon Cup runners-up 2011

Martin Golden & Tom Foody plate winners

Tommy Trill & Stanley Harte Jnr plate runners-up

Group photo at Michael Hannon Cup in Ballymote 2011

McCann & Fox celebrate Hannon Cup win
The Ballymote club who celebrated its centenary last year hosted the annual Michael Hannon Cup 60 x 30 doubles tournament. Sixteen players from Mayo & Sligo took part. Ballymote's Francis Mc Cann who won the All-Ireland Golden Masters A singles title the previous week was in tremendous form again as he and 16 y.o. Patrick Fox from the Collooney club eased into the final. In the final they faced Ballaghadereen's Joe Dowling also a recent All-Ireland 60 x 30 singles champion and Larry Jones from the Castleconnor club. In a very close and exciting final it was McCann & Fox that prevailed winning by 31-27. Former Irish Handball President Tony Hannon presented the winners and runners-up with their awards. In the plate final McCann's clubmate Martin Golden teamed with Castleconnor's Tom Foody as the duo had a comfortable win over Tommy Trill & Stanley Harte Junior both 16 from the Collooney club by 31-15. Next year the club will celebrate the 25th Annual Michael Hannon Cup competition.

Sligo Handball Photoalbum by Michael McGee

Meet the stars in Sligo Handball

All-Ireland handball titles for Francis McCann, John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow

Francis McCann All-Ireland handball 60 x 30 champion for 2011 - Congratulations Francis.

McCann the handball wizard weaves his magic

In a great weekend of handball action Sligo players collected 2 All-Ireland handball titles with the Emerald Masters B doubles pairing of John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow defeating Kilkenny in a thrilling final writes Michael McGee.
Ballymote’s Francis Mc Cann claimed his 17th All-Ireland handball title when he defeated Cavan’s Mickeleen Brady in a hard fought Golden Masters A singles played in Roscommon on Sunday last.
McCann had to dig deep before seeing the challenge of the Cavan man on a scoreline of 21-11, 21-13. McCann had the better start taking an early 7-2 lead. Brady from the Mullaghoran Club in Cavan tested McCann to the full and gave the Sligo man much to think about. Brady came back strongly to be only 13-9 behind. McCann upped the tempo and kept Brady away from the front wall where the Cavan man was dangerous got many winners in the left corner. Brady could only manage 2 further scores as McCann ended game one with an ace to Brady right corner to take the 1st game by 21-11.
The Cavan man pushed McCann all the way in the second with scores level at 7,8, and 12. McCann then opened up a 17-12 lead one of those points was a 55 foot kill cheered on by the large Sligo support in the gallery. It was only now that McCann could relax and show off his great skills. At each opportunity he pushed Brady to the back court with strong passing shots to Brady’s left and right corner. With 2 great hands and accurate serving the Sligo man took control. McCann took his All-Ireland medal collection to 17 with another serve that Brady failed to return. McCann’s win was witnessed by many young players from Ballymote who witnessed the master in action. McCann’s win will do wonders for handball in his club and in the county. One of the all time greats in Sligo handball his skill, dedication and relentless work rate have been the hallmarks of McCann’s outstanding contribution since winning his All-Ireland medal - a minor doubles championship with club mate Michael Porter in 1977. Thirty-four years later the magician continues to weave his magic.

Doubles delight for McLoughlin & McMorrow


Sligo handball supporters finally had something to celebrate with the Sligo doubles pairing of John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow dramatic win over Kilkenny’s Jim Dooley & Gerry Murphy in the Emerald Masters B doubles final played in Crinkle on Friday evening last.

The Kilkenny men went in as favourites but the Yeats County men matched them all the way before killing off Kilkenny’s fight back with a stunning finish.

It was the Connacht Champions that got of to a flying start with an opening 7 point salvo. Kilkenny’s Dooley & Murphy hit back almost immediately to reduce Sligo’s lead to 7-3. McMorrow and in particular the influential John McLoughlin hit the front and with some expert finishing and held a 15-7 advantage. Kilkenny came more into the game but McLoughlin & McMorrow held firm eventually wrapping up game 1 comfortably by 21-12.

Kilkenny settled quickly in the 2nd and piled on the pressure on McMorrow & McLoughlin when leading by 12-7. The Sligo men recovered well and fought back to be on level terms at 17. However they could not add to their tally despite opportunity’s coming their way. It was Kilkenny that finished strongly bringing the final to a deciding 3rd game.

In the final game the powerfully built McMorrow began to bombard the Kilkenny men with some thundering kills and working well inside. John McLoughlin’s great defensive play and long overhand returns put Sligo into the driving seat when leading by 8-0. Kilkenny threatened with 4 points to keep them in the contest. McLoughlin’s pinpoint serving to Dooley’s right side opened up Kilkenny’s frailties and into a commanding 18-13 lead. Kilkenny’s last throw of the dice came with 2 serves. Two long rallies was played out with Kilkenny’s brave last stand came to nought with McLoughlin 2 deadly kills in response coolness personified from the Collooney club man. McMorrow delivered the killer blows with 3 precision aces to Murphy’s left side that the Kilkenny man didn’t return. It was a first title for the Sligo pair and ended years of heartbreak. For their persistence alone McMorrow & McLoughlin deserved their All-Ireland medals

Doubles delight for McLoughlin & McMorrow

All-Ireland handball champions - John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow Congratulations!


Doubles delight for McLoughlin & McMorrow



Sligo handball supporters finally had something to celebrate with the Sligo doubles pairing of John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow dramatic win over Kilkenny’s Jim Dooley & Gerry Murphy in the Emerald Masters B doubles final played in Crinkle on Friday evening last.

The Kilkenny men went in as favourites but the Yeats County men matched them all the way before killing off Kilkenny’s fight back with a stunning finish, writes Michael McGee

It was the Connacht Champions that got of to a flying start with an opening 7 point salvo. Kilkenny’s Dooley & Murphy hit back almost immediately to reduce Sligo’s lead to 7-3. McMorrow and in particular the influential John McLoughlin hit the front and with some expert finishing and held a 15-7 advantage. Kilkenny came more into the game but McLoughlin & McMorrow held firm eventually wrapping up game 1 comfortably by 21-12.

Kilkenny settled quickly in the 2nd and piled on the pressure on McMorrow & McLoughlin when leading by 12-7. The Sligo men recovered well and fought back to be on level terms at 17. However they could not add to their tally despite opportunity’s coming their way. It was Kilkenny that finished strongly bringing the final to a deciding 3rd game.

In the final game the powerfully built McMorrow began to bombard the Kilkenny men with some thundering kills and working well inside. John McLoughlin’s great defensive play and long overhand returns put Sligo into the driving seat when leading by 8-0. Kilkenny threatened with 4 points to keep them in the contest. McLoughlin’s pinpoint serving to Dooley’s right side opened up Kilkenny’s frailties and into a commanding 18-13 lead. Kilkenny’s last throw of the dice came with 2 serves. Two long rallies was played out with Kilkenny’s brave last stand came to nought with McLoughlin 2 deadly kills in response coolness personified from the Collooney club man . McMorrow delivered the killer blows with 3 precision aces to Murphy’s left side that the Kilkenny man didn’t return.


It was the first ever handball titles for the Sligo stalwarts and richly deserved after many years of heartbreak their persistence finally rewarded with All-Ireland medals
Martin Donnelly All-Ireland 60 x 30 championships played in Crinkle Friday evening

Emerald Masters B doubles final: John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow (Sligo) dft Jim Dooley & Gerry Murphy (Kilkenny) 21-12, 17-21, 21-13

Sligo handballers go in search of 2 All-Ireland titles

Francis McCann

John McLoughlin & Michael McMorrow All-Ireland finalists 2011



Sligo handballers go in search of two All-Ireland handball titles

Sligo handball supporters will be hoping for a double success this weekend with Michael McMorrow & John McLoughlin representing the Yeats County in the All-Ireland Emerald Masters B doubles final while Francis McCann aims for his 17th All-Ireland medal in the Golden Masters A singles decider, writes Michael McGee

In the Connacht final the McLoughlin & McMorrow had a facile 21-6, 21-3 victory over Mayo’s Jimmy Sheridan & Pat Hayes. Collooney was the setting for the semi-final and McMorrow & McLoughlin did not disappoint their loyal supporters with another impressive display winning by 21-12, 21-13 over Tipperary’s Eamon Spillane & Gerry Foley. Friday evening’s final see’s the duo make the long journey to Ballina in Co. Tipperary as they face Kilkenny’s Gerry Murphy & Jim Dooley. McMorrow inspired Sligo in their semi-final win with his strong play while McLoughlin after a sluggish start rowed in with some important winners at crucial times in the contest.
McMorrow and McLoughlin compliment each other very well. McMorrow is seen as the workhorse in the team while McLoughlin when he hits his stride can be a match winner for anyone. The Sligo men will need to raise their game another notch or two from their semi-final win over Tipperary. Kilkenny will go in as favourites but McMorrow & McLoughlin have trained well for this final. It would be fitting for the duo after many years of heartbreak that they finally succeed and win a long overdue All-Ireland handball title.
McCann to bring Brady to book in All-Ireland final

On Sunday Sligo’s Francis McCann contests the All-Ireland Golden Masters A Singles final. This final was due to take place 2 weeks ago but was postponed as Cavan’s Mickeleen Brady was refereeing a County final. McCann had an excellent 21-9, 21-4 win over Mayo’s Frank Mackin in the Connacht final. In the All-Ireland semi-final the Ballymote man 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 came back from the brink of defeat. A game down and 18-19 in the tie breaker McCann somehow conjured up a famous win in the closing stages to win a marathon battle by 10-21, 21-12, 21-18.
McCann’s 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 a month ago to reach this year’s final. McCann will face stern opposition from Brady. Brady defeated Leinster champion and a fancied Jimmy Reilly from Meath by 21-18, 21-14 in his semi-final match. McCann’s greater experience and his undoubted skills should be enough to see him returning to Sligo with another All-Ireland medal to celebrate.

Martin Donnelly All-Ireland 60 x 30 championships:
Friday 23rd September 2011, in Ballina, Tipperary at 7.30 p.m.
Emerald Masters B Doubles Final: Michael McMorrow & John McLoughlin (Sligo) v Kilkenny (Gerry Murphy & Jim Dooley (Kilkenny)

Sunday 25th September 2011 in St. Coman’s Roscommon at 2.30 p.m.
Golden Masters A singles final: Francis McCann (Sligo) v Mickeleen Brady (Cavan)

McCann can win All-Ireland handball title for Sligo

Francis McCann


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)