It was the USA who took top honours at the Open D'Italia in the snow-covered Nizza Monferrato, Milan over the weekend with Ireland finishing fourth in the men's section and third in the ladies. Irish hopes of glory in Italy suffered a massive blow on Saturday when Cavan's Paul Brady was ruled out after just one game due to a suspected torn glute. To the great credit of the rest of the squad, and coach turn player, Tom Sheridan (Meath), Ireland turned in a gallant display. Armagh's Charly Shanks and James Doyle put it up to the top Americans, Rookie Wright and Roland Brown, losing out 21-17 in what was one of the best games of the tournament. The Irish Men had recorded a comprehensive win over Australia in the quarter-finals but the USA proved to be a step up in class. The Irish ladies, Marianna Rushe (Roscommon) and Lorraine Havern (Down) were in top form in Italy and recorded early wins over England and Australia. However, like their male counterparts, they came up against a tough USA duo in the semi-final. Rushe put up a great performance against New York's Anna McCourt but lost out 21-17. However, a victory over the Basque Country ensured a third place finish for the Irish ladies. Sheridan stood up to the mark with Dublin's Eoin Kennedy in the 3rd/4th place play-off for the Irish men and the pair were very unfortunate not to take a victory over the Basque Country, as they went down 21-20. In the final, the USA secured a well-deserved victory when they defeated Porto Rico after some thrilling handball. This brought to a close two days of intense competition, where all ten countries, Basque, Australia, Belgium, Japan, England, Ireland, Italy, Porto Rico, Holland and United States enjoyed a top handball experience. All eyes are now firmly fixed on the World One-Wall Championships in Portland, Oregon in 2009. Tweet

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