Kilkenny handball legend, Michael 'Ducksy' Walsh will have the honour of opening the 2008 M DONNELLY Senior Softball Championship on Wednesday night when he takes on Dublin's Ian Griffin in Garryhill (Carlow). Walsh lost out to Griffin's fellow countyman, Eoin Kennedy is last year's final in Croke Park and will be hoping to get his campaign off to winning ways. Seeded number two, he will have a tough opening round against big alley stalwart, Griffin. "I'm looking forward to getting back into to thick of the championship," said 38 time senior champion, Walsh. "Competition always brings out the best in me, as I'm sure every other handballer, but I know Ian will be a tough opponent." With 33 players competing in this year's senior singles championship, and the return of Carlow ace Kenneth Kane, some thrilling games are in store over the coming weeks. Griffin will also be in action in the Senior Doubles Championship this weekend when he pairs up with Kerry Hennessy to take on the 2007 Intermediate champions, Eddie Burke and Michael Clifford (Kilkenny). Also in action will be Limerick young guns CJ Fitzpatrick and Seamus O'Carroll who take on Tipperary's Pakie Mullins and David Moloney in their opening Senior Doubles game. The Treaty county men caused some upsets in the 40x20 championship and will prove a stern opposition for any pairing on the big alley stage. Meanwhile, the All-Ireland Interclub semi-finals take place this weekend with defending Open champions, Ballaghaderreen (Mayo) taking on Munster champions, Ballina (Tipperary) on Saturday. Spearheading the Mayo challenge is the current number four seed, Dessie Keegan, with Ballina's Ger Coonan looking to provide inspiration for the Tipperary side. The men from the West are aiming for a fifth consecutive 60x30 All-Ireland club title but must overcome this strong Ballina outfit if they are to seal a final place against Kells (Meath). Tweet

Most Read Stories