Irish handball review of 2012 by Michael McGee

One of the greatest years ever in the history of Irish handball - the highlights.

Irish Juniors win ten U.S. titles. U.S. Collegiates titles for Mulkerrins, Casey & Loughnane. Paul Brady's historic 8th in a row of Irish titles. Fiona Shannon claims ladies title. Cavan's Paul Brady & Michael Finnegan defeat Meath by 1 ace in epic Senior doubles final. The experienced Fiona Shannon & Sibeal Gallagher defeat champions Kerry in a 3 game thriller in ladies doubles final. Seamus O'Carroll hardball champion on the double. Brady wins Canadian Nationals in Montreal. Brady U.S. singles champion for 7th time. Reilly retains her U.S. title. McCarthy & Havern one wall champions. McCarthy retains Softball singles title as Carroll & Sheridan royals reign in doubles. Paul Brady wins historic four in a row of World titles. Aisling Reilly adds the Ladies singles title. Fiona Shannon & Sibeal Gallagher add the ladies doubles as Ireland win 63 World handball titles. Brady & Reilly's success in U.S Open of Handball. Kells claim double of club titles

Ten titles for Irish Juniors

Twenty-five players made the long journey to Tucson Arizona to take part in the 56th Annual 4-wall Junior championships which took place in the Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club from December 27th-30th last. The Girls totally dominated winning all their 5 round robin games in their respective grades winning with consummate ease. Cork's Catriona Casey & Roscommon's Lauren O'Riordan claimed 2 titles each. The Irish Boys team also took home 5 titles. Clare's Colin Corbett slammed in the Boys 15 & Under as did another Clare star Colin Crehan in the Boys 17 & Under. Team Managers were Meath's Tom Sheridan & Tyrone's Paula Clarke

Girls 13&U - Elisa McCrory Tyrone
Girls 15&U - Ciana Ni Churraoin Ireland
Girls 17&U - Lauren O Riordan Ireland
Girls 19&U - Catriona Casey Ireland

Girls 19 doubles: Catriona Casey & Lauren O'Riordan (Cork & Roscommon)

Boys 15 & Under: Colin Corbett Ireland dft Tyler Stoffel U.S.A. 21-13, 21-19

Boys 17 & Under: Colin Crehan Ireland dft Jacob Rodriquez U.S.A. 21-3, 21-16.

Boys 19 & Under: Killian Carroll Ireland dft Daniel Cordova Mexico 21-14, 21-5

Boys 15 doubles & Under: Johnny Woods & Colin Corbett Tyrone & Tipperary dft Evan Sheridan & Robert Fox Meath 21-4, 21-16

Boys 17 doubles & Under: Patrick Herlihy & Colin Crehan Cork & Clare dft Tyler Stoffel/Pol Clarke U.S.A/Tyrone 21-16, 21-5.

Mulkerrins & O' Conghaile tops in Curraghboy doubles tournament

Galway's Martin Mulkerrins & Seamus O'Conghaile make the perfect start to the new year when getting the better of Pat Conway & Declan Connaughton in an all Galway final. In an exciting final Mulkerrins using the spin serves to great effect captured the Pake Doyle Cup on New Year's Day. Eleven teams teams took part. The St. Coman's club was also used to play the plate matches. Roscommon's Lorcan Maughan & Neil McDermott defeated Sligo's Francis McCann & Shane Bruen in the plate final.

Cahill & Fahy get year off to a flyer

Liscarroll in Co. Cork hosted the Munster Junior 40 x 20 Tournament in U-13 & U-15. Overall 70 young players took part. In the U-13 final an all Tipperary affair resulted in a win for Jerome Cahill over Ballyporeen's Jason English by 10-15, 15-12, 15-5. In the U-15 decider Brian Fahy Tulla defeated Fergal Coughlin Clooney all Clare final by 10-15, 15-8, 7-0. The finals were played on New Year's Day. Great praise is due to Liscaroll's Tim Healy who has been running the event for the past decade.

McCarthy begins new year in style

Westmeath's Robbie Mc Carthy started the new year in style when claiming the 3rd Annual John Gaffney Memorial Cup in Ballaghaderreen. In a top class field McCarthy overcame Cork's Killian Carroll by 21-9, 21-17. McCarthy was in devastating form en route to the final with big wins over Chis Doolin, Fergal Collins & Mick Finnegan. Carroll had 2 tie break wins over Steven Cooney & Dessie Keegan respectively. In his semi-final match Michael Gregan was forced to retire with an injury with the Wicklow star leading 21-11, 10-5.

Round I:

Robbie McCarthy def. Chris Doolin 21-1, 21-0
Fergal Collins def. Colm Jordan 21-18, 21-6
Michael Finnegan def. Brendan Fleming 21-9, (19-21), 11-10
Joe McCann def. Rikki O'Gara 21-5, 21-17
Michael Gregan def. Niall Malone 21-8, 21-13
Brian Carroll def. Ger Coonan 21-6, 21-14
Killian Carroll def. Stephen Cooney 21-8, (17-21), 11-2
Dessie Keegan def. Carl Brown 21-12, 21-9

Quarter-finals: McCarthy def. Collins 21-12, 21-6 - Finnegan def. McCann 21-16, 21-12

Gregan def. Brian Carroll (12-21), 21-10, 11-6 - Killian Carroll def. Keegan (16-21), 21-16, 11-2

Semi finals: Robbie McCarthy def. Michael Finnegan 21-13, 21-4

Killian Carroll def. Michael Gregan 11-21, 5-10 (Retired Injured)

Final: Robbie McCarthy dft Killian Carroll 21-9, 21-17

In the provincial championships in Connacht Ballaghaderreen's Joe Mc Cann came out on top where he defeated club mate Steven Cooney by 21-3, 21-15. Marianna Rushe became the ladies champion. In Munster .Limerick's Seamus O'Carroll and Kerry's Maria Daly captured the Munster Open Mens & Ladies 40x20 titles respectively. O'Carroll out manoeuvred young Cork star Killian Carroll in an superb final. Carroll was forced to come through 2 tie breaks over Ger Coonan & Diarmuid Nash. O'Carroll qualified for the final with wins over Cork's Colm Jordan & Kerry's Dominic Lynch. Kerry's Maria Daly also forced to go to a tie break before seeing off the challenge from Catriona Casey in the ladies final by 9-21, 21-12, 21-17. In Ulster Paul Brady & Fiona Shannon were tops in Ulster. Gavin Buggy & Shauna Hilley became Leinster provincial champions. In the 2nd weekend of provincial finals in the doubles the Ulster winners were Cavan's Paul Brady & Michael Finnegan who defeated Antrim's Ricky McCann & Seamus O'Tuama 21-9, 21-15.Ballaghaderreen's Dessie Keegan & Joe McCann powered their way to an 21-8, 21-15 over Roscommon's Damien Martin & Rickki O' Gara in the Connacht final. Roscommon sisters Marianna & Hilary Rushe won the ladies final. Tipperary's Ger Coonan & Fergal Collins had an great 21-13, 21-15 triumph over Limerick's Seamus O'Carroll & C.J. Fitzpatrick. Cork's Catriona Casey & Aisling O'Keeffe shocked All-Ireland champions in Kerry's Maria Daly & Ashley Prendiville 21-20, 21-13 in the Munster finals.

Wicklow's Michael Gregan & Johnny Willoughby had an excellent 21-10, 21-10 victory over Wexford's Gavin Buggy & Paul Lambert in Leinster.

In the Gael Linn final played in Kilkenny it was an all Galway final with Micheal Breathnach's Cian O Conghaile, Majella Nic Dhonncha defeating dft Williamstown Nathan Feeney, Heather Spellman 44-32

Casey & O'Carroll Intervarsity 40 x 20 champions

Kingscourt and neighbouring clubs hosted this year Intervarsity championships. Over 160 young players from all over the country took part 12 grades. DCU took 3 titles.

Men's Open: Seamus O' Carroll (LIT) dft Martin Mulkerrins (DCU) 11-21, 21-18, 11-6

Men's A: Peter Hughes ( DCU) dft Cathal Hannon (UL) 21-18, 21-6

Men's B: Marcus Sheridan (UCD) dft John Farrell (IT Carlow) 21-11, 21-5

Men's C: Colum Keavney (UCC) dft Ciaran O'Sullivan (DCU) 21-10, 21-3

Men's Con: Colin Sheridan (Tallaght IT) dft Eddie Nolan (Carlow IT) 21-3, 21-7

Men's Challenger: Alan O'Brien (IT Tralee) dft Padraig Condron (NUIG) 21-8, 21-12.

Men's Beginners: John Murphy (IT Tralee) dft Dan Barry (TCD) 21-16, 21-13.

Women's Open: Catriona Casey (UL) dft Lorraine Havern (UUJ) 21-11, 21-6

Women's A: Amy Corrigan (IT Sligo) dft Leona Doolin (NUIG) 21-5, 21-10

Women's B: Ciara McManamon (NUIG) dft Avril McKenna (LYIT) 21-8, 21-5

Women's C: Aileen Quinn ( DCU) dft Anna Mabine (QUB) 20-21, 21-15, 11-6

Cons: Siobhan Brennan DCU dft Laura McEnaney DCU

Brady back to his brilliant best - 8th in a row of Irish 40 x 20 titles

Thirty two players entered the race to become Men's Open singles champion 2012. Cavan's Paul Brady seeded no.1 was the favourite to his 8th title. They began on Saturday 18th February and the first shock in this year's championships came in Crinkle when Mayo's Dessie Keegan was defeated by Limerick's CJ Fitzpatrick. In the semi-finals played in Roscommon Paul Brady defeated Brian Carroll 21-6, 21-10 while Robbie McCarthy defeated Diarmuid Nash 21-14, 21-12.

Brady was back to his brilliant best in the final when he displayed an stunning display in the G.A.A/O'Neill's final defeating Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy. It was Brady's 8th title on the trot and 9th overall and confirmed his no.1 status. The maestro will go into the history books as the greatest Irish handball 40 x 20 player of all time. McCarthy who had an unbelievable 2011 simply had no answer to Brady's onslaught. The Cavan controlled the game and won out by 21-5, 21-1. Leitrim's Donal Wrynn created his piece of history as he became the first player from Leitrim to win the Minor singles 40 x 20 final in its 37 year history. Antrim's Fiona Shannon & Sibeal Gallagher defeated reigning champions in Kerry's Maria Daly & Sibeal Gallagher in a thrilling tie break victory by 21-17, 17-21, 21-16

Cavan deny the Royals in epic doubles final

Cappagh in Limerick hosted the All-Ireland doubles finals and supporters there were treated to 3 top class finals with 2 resulting in tie break victory's by one ace. The minor doubles got the programme off to a flying start with Clare's Colin Crehan & Niall Bolton defeating Tyrone's Pol Clarke & Gaghainn McCrystall by 21-12, 17-21, 21-20. In the ladies final Antrim's Fiona Shannon returned to the summit of ladies handball after defeating Kerry's Maria Daly by 21-14, 21-17. Nobody was expecting the closeness and fare of the Men's Doubles final. Meath's Tom Sheridan & Brian Carroll took the opening game comfortably by 21-9. Cavan hit back immediately in the second by 21-11. Sheridan was outstanding early in the 3rd delivering top notch corner kills. Meath hit the front by 6-1 but Cavan drew level at 8-8. Carroll's three brilliant returns from Brady's kills put Meath 15-8 up. Six points in succession from Cavan left it 15-14 to Meath. Sheridan & Carroll drove on and were almost over the line leading by 20-15. The reigning champions used all their experience to get back into the game and reduced the lead to 20-19. Meath had two hands to finish it but incredibly didn't. Instead it was Breffni men that broke the Royal hearts with 2 late points to steal victory in one of best ever doubles finals ever witnessed. It was the Cavan pair 8th doubles title together



GAA/O' Neill's All-Ireland (40X20) Championships (Finals):
At: St. Coman's, Roscommon Town:
Men's Open Senior Singles: Paul Brady (Cavan) bt Robbie McCarthy Jnr.
(Westmeath) 21-6, 21-1.
Minor Singles: Donal Wrynn (Leitrim) bt Galen. Riordan (Wexford) 9-21, 21-13, 21-9.
Women's Open Senior Doubles: Fiona Shannon & Sibeal Gallagher (Antrim) bt Marie
Daly & Ashley Prendiville (Kerry) 21-17, 17-21, 21-16.

Minor Doubles: Clare (Colin Crehan/Niall Bolton) dft Tyrone (Pol Clarke/Gabhainn McCrystall) 21-12, 17-21, 21-20

Ladies Singles: Antrim (Fiona Shannon) dft Kerry (Maria Daly) 21-14, 21-17

Senior Doubles: Cavan (Paul Brady/Michael Finnegan) dft Meath (Brian Carroll/Tom Sheridan) 9-21, 21-11, 21-20



All Ireland 40x20 Finals results

Masters A Singles: Kilkenny (Michael Walsh) dft Antrim (Paddy Crothers) 21-5, 21-14

Over 35A Singles: Wexford (Gavin Buggy) dft Antrim (Sean Devine) 7-21, 21-9, 21-7

Minor Singles: Leitrim (Donal Wrynn) dft Wexford (Galen Riordan) 9-21, 21-4, 21-8
Ladies SD Final: Antrim (Fiona Shannon/Sibeal Gallagher) dft Kerry (Maria Daly/Ashley Prendiville) 21-17, 17-21, 21-16

Mens Senior Singles Final: Cavan (Paul Brady) dft Westmeath (Robbie McCarthy) 21-5, 21-1

Silver Masters B Singles: Tipperary (Jim O Brien) dft Down (Sean McNally) 21-17, 21-18

Junior B Singles: Tipperary (John Ferncombe) dft Antrim (Brendan Herron) 21-6, 21-16

Golden Masters B Singles: Clare (John Cawley) dft Galway (Denis Phelan) 21-10, 21-7

Masters B Singles: Cork (John Kiersey) dft Galway (Morgan Duggan) 21-10, 21-11

Diamond Masters B Singles: Galway (Gerry Ó Fátharta) dft Cork (Dave Stack) 16-21, 21-12, 21-4

Emerald Masters B Singles: Louth (John Kelly) dft Mayo (Joe Neary) 21-18, 21-9

Golden Masters A Singles: Kildare (Michael Dowling) dft Sligo (Francis McCann) 21-12, 21-7

Ladies Junior Singles: Mayo (Clodagh McMenamin) v Westmeath (Aoife McCarthy) Not Played

Junior Singles: Clare (Cathal Hannon) dft Monaghan (Terry Kiernan) 21-12, 21-8

Under 21 Singles: Kilkenny (Patrick Funchion) dft Monaghan (Terry McElvaney) 21-13, 21-6

Ruby Masters Singles: Tipperary (Jim Ryan) dft Galway (Morgan Darcy) 21-11, 21-12

Intermediate Singles: Galway (Martin Mulkerrins)dft Tipperary (Ger Coonan) 5-21, 21-11, 21-13

Over 35B Singles: Limerick (Paul Hedderman) dft Galway (Trevor Hannon) 2-1

Ladies Junior B Singles: Kilkenny (Rachel Hogan) dft Mayo (Jennifer Fahy) 9-21, 21-15, 21-14

Silver Masters A Singles: Kilkenny (Billy Bourke) dft Mayo (Joe Dowling) 21-9, 21-5

Diamond Masters A Singles: Carlow (John Rossiter) dft Mayo (Martin Cronin) 21-15, 21-9

Ladies Minor Singles: Roscommon (Lauren O'Riordan) dft Limerick (Martina McMahon)

Emerald Masters A Singles: Limerick (Tom O Brien) dft Mayo (Kevin Geraghty)

Junior B Doubles: Wexford (Darren O'Toole/Malachy Whelan) dft Monaghan (Christopher McKenna/Eamonn Todd) 21-5, 21-4

Junior Doubles: Kildare (Paul Moran/Niall O'Connor) dft Monaghan (Terry Kiernan/James Gavaghan) 21-9, 21-5

Under 21 Doubles: Kilkenny (Patrick Funchion/Peter Funchion) dft Monaghan (Terry McElvaney/Chris McKenna) 21-16, 21-20

DMBD Galway (Gerry Ó Fatharta/Meati Ó Fatharta) dft Limerick (Pat Henerbry/JohnJoe Fahy) 21-13, 21-12

GMAD Galway (Eamon Conneely/Martin Conneely) dft Cork (John Hedigan/John Herlihy 21-13, 21-9

Diamond Masters A Doubles: Carlow (Andy Ryan/John Rossiter) w/o Roscommon (Seamus McHugh/Noel Raftery) injured

ID Cork (Brendan Fleming/Killian Carroll) dft Galway (Pat Conway/Ollie Conway) 21-12, 21-10

SMBD Kilkenny (Chris Dunne/Paul Dowling) dft Galway (Denis Phelan/Brendan McNeela) 21-12, 21-14

GMBD Kilkenny (Eamonn Purcell/Jimmy Purcell) dft Galway (Willie Corcoran/Mike Shaughnessy) 21-14, 13-21, 21-14

Over 35A Doubles: Antrim (Sean Devine/Seamus O'Tuama) dft Wexford (Gavin Buggy/Tony Breen) 21-3, 21-10 Masters A Doubles: Kilkenny(Michael Walsh/DJ Carey) dft Antrim (Paddy Crothers/John McGarry) 21-7, 21-10



Ruby Masters Doubles: Cavan (Patsy Hand/Greg Sheridan) v Kilkenny (Paddy Reilly/Seamus Reade)

MBD Meath (Joe Lynch/Christy McGovern) dft Mayo (Jason Judge/Patrick Foy) 21-11, 21-13

EMBD Mayo (Eugene Maloney & Michael Munnelly) dft Cork (Ray Norris/Sean Daly) 21-11, 21-17

LID Cork (Catriona Casey/Aishling O'Keefe) dft Mayo (Pauline Gallagher/Amy Corrigan) 13-21, 21-11, 21-10

O35B Doubles: Limerick (Paul Hedderman/Ken Bourke) dft Sligo (Shane Bruen/Mark Murphy) 21-5, 21-11

Ladies MD Kilkenny (Ciara Mahon/Mary Phelan) dft Limerick (Martina McMahon/Louise O Riordan) 21-12, 21-14

Ladies JBD Kilkenny (Rachel Hogan/Marie Walshe) dft Roscommon (Aoife McDonagh/Marina Kilduff) 21-7, 21-4

EMAD Kilkenny (Joe Hennessy/Johnny Brennan) dft Mayo (Kevin Geraghty/ Martin Cronin) 21-16, 21-10

Ladies Intermediate Singles Final Cork (Catriona Casey) dft Mayo (Pauline Gallagher) 21-9, 21-3

Silver Masters A Doubles: Dublin (Egin Jensen/Frank Daly) v Antrim (Eddie Mallon/Joe McAllister)
Ladies Junior Doubles: Mayo (Clodagh McMenamon/Ciara McMenamon) v Westmeath (Aoife McCarthy/Niamh Egan)

Colleges titles for Carroll & O'Riordan

Kingscourt hosted the All-Ireland 40 x 20 colleges finals on Saturday 18th February last. Cork's Killian Carroll (Patrician Academy Mallow continued his metoric rise in handball with an impressive 15-2, 15-8 win over Gaghainn McCrystal (Dean Maguire College, Carrickmore) in the Singles singles. In the Girls final Roscommon's Lauren O'Riordan (Convent of Mercy, Roscommon) was equally impressive with a straight sets win over Martina McMahon (Colaise Na Trocaire, Rathkeale 15-4, 15-8. Full results were

Finals Results:

Boys Senior Singles: K. Carroll (Patrician Academy, Mallow) dft G.McCrystal (Dean Maguire College, Carrickmore) 15-2, 15-8.
Boys Senior Doubles: P.Herlihy & C.Buckley (Patrician Academy,Mallow) dft M.Lalor & A.Kelly (St. Mary's College,Galway) 15-9, 15-12.
Boys Intermediate Singles: C. Crehan (Ardscoil Ris, Limerick) dft D.Doherty (St. McCartan's College, Monaghan) 15-14, 15-11.
Boys Intermediate Doubles: C.Corbett & N. Bolton (St. Joseph's College, Tulla) dft C. Noone & E. Kelleghan (St. Mary's College, Galway) 15-7, 15-5.
Boys Junior Singles: E. Sheridan (St. Ciaran's CS, Kells) dft R. Mullan (Omagh CBS) 15-5, 15-13.
Boys Junior Doubles: A. Kerins & S. Foley (Boherbue CS) dft R. O' Beolain & C. Conghaile (Colaiste Colm Chille, Indreabhan) 15-6, 15-8.
Girls Senior Singles: L. O' Riordan (Convent Of Mercy, Roscommon) dft M. McMahon (Colaiste Na Trocaire, Rathkeale) 15-4, 15-8.
Girls Senior Doubles: A. O' Keeffe & K. Fleming (Boherbue CS) dft E.Gargan & N. Farrell (St. Louis College, Carrickmacross) 15-2, 15-6.
Girls Junior Singles: C. Ni Churraoin (Colaiste Na Coirbe, Galway) dft R. Cahill (Borrisokane CC) 15-3, 15-0.
Girls Junior Doubles: N. Coleman & A. Doran (St. Mary's College, Lurgan) dft H. Dagg & A. O' Keeffe (Colaiste Chiarain, Leixlip) 15-12, 15-7.

U.S. Collegiates titles for Mulkerrins, Casey & Loughnane

Twenty Irish students made the journey out to thisyears U.S. Collegiates Championships.Martin Mulkerrins UCD captured the U.S. Men's singles title in Springfield Missouri in dramatic fashion against Daniel Cordova (University of Texas -El Paso). After a tense opening two sets that was shared. Codova controlled the second game and well on course to take the title leading by 10-7 in the tie breaker. Mulkerrins in an exciting finish managed to get the 4 points for victory to take the title Cork's Catriona Casey slammed in the ladies events winning the ladies open singles and doubles. Casey from U.L. defeated Maria Dugas Lake Forest and in the doubles partnered Lisa Loughnane to overall victory.

The 2012 National handball congress was held in the Landmark Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon on Sunday 18th March last.

Clare's Nash & Malone win UCD one-wall doubles final

Clare's Diarmuid Nash & Niall Malone defeated Steven Cooney & Niall O'Connor in the final of the U.C.D. 1-wall doubles tournament. Full results below

Open: Diarmuid Nash/Niall Malone dft. Stephen Cooney/Niall O'Connor

Open Plate: Liam O Ceallagih/David Coyle dft. Christopher Gavaghan/Sam Temple

B Cup: Andrew Dowling/Pauric Townsend dft. Dan Breen/Stephen O'Dwyer
B Plate: Hilary Rushe/John Burke dft. Connor Callagan/Reamonn Martin
C Cup: Peter Clinton/David Finlay dft. Peter Harte/Conor Conway

C Plate: Colm McElwain/Ronan McQuillan dft. Sophie O'Connor/James Greevy

Shanks wins in New York

Armagh's Charly Shanks continued his American sojourn with an top class finish in the 41ST Annual NYAC/Burk Kossoff Invitational on Sunday 1st April last. The event took place in the New York Athletic club. Shanks was in scintillating from defeating Tyree Bastidas & David Fink in the qualifying round before getting the better of Allan Garner in the final.



All-Ireland Juvenile 40 x 20 finals



Tyrone captured 4 Juvenile titles followed closely by Armagh full results are as follows:

GAA Handball All Ireland JUVENILE 40x20 Championship Finals



BU14 Singles: Tyrone (Sean Kerr) dft Tipperary (Jason English) 15-13, 15-13

BU14 Doubles: Limerick (Nigel O Callaghan/Evan Murphy) dft Tyrone (Matthew McCartan/Shane McCrystall) 15-6, 8-15, 15-6

BU15 Singles: Armagh (Brian McAnenly) dft Wexford (Oisin Foley) 12-15, 15-14, 15-5

BU15 Doubles: Tyrone (Jack Campbell/Pauric Mullan) dft Kilkenny (Padraig Cooney/Niall Walsh) 15-14, 15-4

BU16 Singles: Clare (Colin Corbett) dft Monaghan (Eugene McGeough) 21-5, 21-16

BU16 Doubles: Tyrone (Johnny Woods/Ryan Mullan) dft Kilkenny (Emmet Landy/Brian Mahon) 21-10, 21-9

BU17 Singles: Limerick (Padraig Quish) dft Antrim (Jordan O Neill) 21-8, 21-10

BU17 Doubles: Down (Pat Havern/Stephen Digney) dft Cork (Michael Dunne/Aidan Kerins) 21-7, 21-5

GU14 Singles: Armagh (Niamh Coleman) dft Kerry (Aileen Twomey) 11-15, 15-9, 15-8

GU14 Doubles: Armagh (Aoibhinn Henderson/Alana Doran) dft Clare (Clodagh Nash/Doireann Murphy) 15-4, 15-11

GU15 Singles: Cork (Katie Fleming) dft Sligo (Aoife Quinn) 15-10, 15-4

GU15 Doubles: Galway (Heather Spellman/Elaine Mitchell) dft Kerry (Aisling O Brien/Michaela O Donoghue) 15-3, 15-10

GU16 Singles: Galway (Ciana Ní Churraoin) dft Kilkenny (Kirsty Maher) 21-2, 21-3

GU16 Doubles: Tyrone (Maeve McElduff/Aoife Kelly) dft Clare (Natasha Coughlan/Michelle Nihill) 21-1, 21-1

GU17 Singles: Kildare (Kate Dagg) dft Tyrone (Zara Girvan) 21-0, 21-1

GU17 Doubles: Kilkenny (Mary Buggy/Ashling Maher) dft Mayo (Shona Ruane/Clare Shannon) 21-9, 12-21, 11-7















The GAA Handball Nationals took place from Friday 20th April - Sunday 22nd in Kingscourt & Ulster venues.

McCarthy & Reilly defend Irish National 40 X 20 titles

Westmeath's Robbie Mc Carthy successfully defended his title he won last year. Paul Brady did enter due to injury and Charlie Shanks returned from the U.S. to take part.

Mens Open Final: Sunday 22nd April 2012, in Kingscourt. Antrim's Aisling Reilly did likewise in the ladies final


Robbie McCarthy (Westmeath) dft Michael Gregan (Wicklow) 21-9, 21-9

Mens 23 & Under: Stephen Cooney (Mayo) dft CJ Fitzpatrick (Limerick) 21-6, 17-21, 11-6

Masters Singles: Ducksy Walsh (Kilkenny) dft Tom Sheridan (Meath) 21-12, 21-11

Golden Masters Singles: John Herlihy (Cork) dft Michael Dowling (Kildare) 21-4, 17-21, 11-6


Ladies Open: Aisling Reilly (Antrim) dft Fiona Shannon (Antrim) 21-14, 21-2

Ladies 23 & Under Final: Lorraine Havern(Down) dft Martina McMahon (Limerick) 21-15, 21-13

Mens A : Carl Browne (Meath) dft Jerome Willoughby (Wicklow) 21-19, 21-10

Mens B: Terry Kiernan (Monaghan) dft Ciaran Neary(Kilkenny) 21-14, 14-21, 11-6

Mens C: Peter O'Reilly(Meath) dft Brendan Burke(Kilkenny) 21-17, 21-3

Mens Challenger: Sean Murphy(Limerick) dft Anthony Donnelly(Limerick) 10-21, 21-16, 11-10

Mens 35+ Singles: Sean Devine (Antrim) dft Paul Graham (Antrim) 21-12, 21-4

Masters B Singles Singles: Morgan Duggan (Galway) dft Jason Judge (Mayo) 21-12, 21-19

Silver Masters Singles Sean McNally (Down) dft Paul Dowling (Kilkenny) 21-8, 18-21, 11-4

Golden Masters B Singles Conor McDonnell (Monaghan) dft Denis Phelan (Galway) 21-12, 21-16

Diamond Masters Singles John Rossiter (Carlow) dft Eugene Kennedy (Dublin) 15-21, 21-4, 11-0

Emerald Masters Singles Anthony Caddell (Antrim) dft Gerry McGrath (Wicklow) 21-5, 21-17

Ruby Masters Seamus Graham(Antrim) dft Morgan Darcy (Galway) 21-19, 21-11

Mens 23 & Under B Christopher McKenna (Monaghan) dft Dan Breen (Kilkenny) 21-8, 21-17

Ladies B Singles Laura Keaver (Abbeyside) dft Niamh Egan (Westmeath) 21-10, 21-20

Ladies Challenger Singles Christina Donoghue (Offaly) dft Collette Connaughton (Galway)
Worlds Junior Trials Finals

B15 & Under FINAL: Robert Fox(Meath) dft Daniel Hayes (Tipperary) 16-21, 21-11, 11-2

B17 & Under FINAL: Colin Crehan (Clare) dft Darren Doherty (Monaghan) 21-6, 21-13

B19 & Under FINAL: Martin Mulkerrins (Galway) dft Niall O'Connor (Kildare) 21-19, 21-18

G15 & Under FINAL: Fiona Tully (Roscommon) dft Aoife McConville (Armagh) 21-7, 21-16

G17 & Under FINAL:Ciana Ní Churraoin (Galway) dft Lauren O'Riordain (Roscommon) 21-14, 21-10

G19 & Under FINAL:Catriona Casey (Cork) dft Fionnuala McKenna (Armagh) 21-6, 21-3





Brady &Fitzpatrick win D.I.T one wall final



The D.I.T. held a successful one wall doubles tournament in Croke Park on Saturday April 28th last. The Cavan pairing of James Brady & Paul Fitzpatrick took the premier event.

DIT One wall results:

Open Final:
Paul Fitzpatrick & James Brady dft Seamus Casserley & Darren Flynn 15-10, 15-9.

A Final:
Liam O'Ceallaigh & David Coyle dft Chris Gavaghan & Peter Cassidy 15-7, 15-8.

B Final:
Frank Semple & Danny Reilly dft Colm Devine &Noel Mulryan 15-10, 15-7

C Final:
Jareth Colye & Michael Finneran dft Niall McCormack & Eoin Cleary 21-8





Irish doubles representatives for World championships finalised

Mc Carthy/Carroll & Shannon/Gallagher won the trials to represent Ireland in World Doubles championships in the Men's & Ladies doubles finals respectively. Recent All-Ireland doubles champions Paul Brady & Michael Finnegan were defeated in an absorbing Men's doubles final played in Kingsscourt. Meath's Brian Carroll & Robbie McCarthy teamed up to defeat the All-Ireland winners in a very exciting tie breaker by 9-21, 21-7, 11-5. Antrim's Fiona Shannon & Sibeal Gallagher the reigning champions came through in another tie-breaker by 13-21, 21-7, 11-5

Results:

Team Ireland World Open Handball Doubles trials

Ladies Open Doubles Trials Semi Finals: Fiona Shannon and Sibeal Gallagher (Antrim) dft Marianna Rushe (Roscommon) and Anna Spence (Kildare) 21-6, 21-8; Maria Daly and Ashley Prendiville (Kerry) dft Catriona Casey and Aisling O'Keefe (Cork) 21-6, 21-13

Mens Open Doubles Trials Semi Finals: Paul Brady and Michael Finnegan (Cavan) dft Padraig McGlinchey and Darragh Daly (Tyrone) 21-3, 21-6; Robbie McCarthy (Westmeath) and Brian Carroll (Meath) dft Charly Shanks (Armagh) and Ciaran Curran (Tyrone) 21-14, 21-9.

Ladies Open Doubles Trials Final: Fiona Shannon and Sibeal Gallagher (Antrim) dft Maria Daly and Ashley Prendiville (Kerry) 13-21, 21-7, 11-5

Mens Open Doubles Trials Final: Robbie McCarthy (Westmeath) and Brian Carroll (Meath) dft Paul Brady and Michael Finnegan (Cavan) 9-21, 21-15, 11-9

Crehan's Clare team win Grogan Tournament

An exciting weekend of handball in Carrickmore culminated in an narrow but deserved victory of Colin Crehan's side over Team Monaghan led by Darren Doherty in the 3rd Paddy Grogan Memorial Tournament. It was Doherty's county star Ramunas Ramuskas that ensured victory of Team Clare when he held on for the win over Tyrone's Johnny Woods.

Winners:

Team Clare - Colin Crehan (Clare) Ramunas Ramuskas (Monaghan) Jason English (Tipperary) & Eilise McCrory (Tyrone) dft Team Monaghan - Darren Doherty (Monaghan) Johnny Woods (Tyrone) Ronan McKay (Tyrone) & Anna Ni Odhran (Galway)

Senior hardball double titles for O'Carroll

Limerick star Seamus O'Carroll secured his first All-Ireland senior title when claiming the All-Ireland senior singles titles at the expense of Meath legend Tom Sheridan in a well contested final played in Williamstown. O' Carroll followed this up with a win in the doubles with C.J. Fitzpatrick. There was also notable doubles victory's for Meath Tom Sheridan in the Masters finals while Kildare's Niall O'Connor also both Junior titles.

Kildare's Niall O'Connor took home the junior singles when he defeated Wexford's Jason Murphy by 21-19, 21-9. Limerick also won the Minor singles title with Hospital Clubman Padraig Quish getting the better of Wexford's Padraig Foley by 21-14, 21-15.

Senior Hardball Singles Final: Seamus O'Carroll (Limerick) dft Tom Sheridan (Meath) 21-18, 21-14

Senior hardball doubles final: Seamus O'Carroll/CJ Fitzpatrick (Limerick) dft Vinnie Moran/Campbell Brennan (Mayo) 21-8, 21-4

Minor Hardball Singles Padraig Quish (Limerick) dft Padraig Foley (Wexford) 21-14, 21-15

Minor Hardball doubles final: Michael Hedigan, &Daniel Relihan (Cork) dft Galen Riordain, Padraig Foley (Wexford) 21-11, 21-5

Junior Hardball Singles: Niall O'Connor (Kildare) dft Jason Murphy (Wexford) 21-19, 21-9

Junior hardball doubles final: Niall O'Connor, Paul Moran (Kildare) dft Keith Kavanagh,James Gregan (Wicklow) 21-1, 21-4

Masters singles final Final:Tom Sheridan (Meath) bt Michael. Dowling (Kildare) 21-8, 21-18

Masters doubles final: Tom Sheridan/ Joe Cummins (Meath) dft Michael Dowling/Neil Morrison (Kildare) 21-19, 21-8



Inis Mor 1 wall titles for Havern & Carroll



Over 100 players from all over the country took part in the very successful island tournament. With grades from U-10 to Masters it proved very enjoyable. Cork's Killian Carroll took the men's title while Down's Lorraine Havern was the ladies champion.



Results

Girls

Under 10; Aoife nic Giolla Deá Inis Mor dft ,Shauna Clogher Mount Talbot

Under 13 ;Heather Spellman Baile Liam dft, Elaine Nee Baile Liam

Pláta; Aine Nic Giolla Deá Inis Mor; dft Orlagh Forde, Baile Liam

Under 15; Andrea Noone Maigh Cuillinn dft. Elaine Mitchell Baile Liam(12-11)

Pláta; Orna Ní Iarnain Inis mór dft. Ciara Ní Ghoill Inis Mor,(13-11)

Under 17; Noreen Maloney Maigh Cuillinn, dft.Orla Ní Iarnáin Inis Mór(22-12)



Boys

Under 10; Stephen o Conghaile Micheal Breathneach dft Joey ó Flaithearta Inis Mor

Under 13; Cian O Conghaile M.Breathnach dft Dara o Maoilchiarain Maigh Cuillinn(16-13)

Pláta; Mark Clogher Mount Talbot, dft Cathal Tracey Mount Talbot(26-7)

Under 15; Niall Allison Carrickmore dft. Desmond Coneely Maigh Cuillinn (23-14)

Pláta Jonathan o Dioráin Inis Mór dft Eamonn O Maoilchiaráin Inis Mór (18 -8)



Mens C ; Conor Noone Maigh Cuillinn dft Richard MacNally Down (23-11)

Plata: Frank Quinne Mount Talbot dft Darach O Braonain (28-8)



Mens B: Ryan Daly Carrick More dft Fintan Creamer Abbeylara (31-8)

Plata: Pat Havern Down dft Liam O Ceallaigh Mount Talbot (13-11)



Men's Open Killian Carroll (Mallow) dft Darragh Daly (Carrickmore) 21-15

Mens Open Plate: Conall McCavitt dft Vinnie Moran (26-15)

Womens C; Carrie Ní Thuathail Inis Mór dft. Audrey Murtagh Mount Talbot(25-18)

Ladies Open Lorraine Havern (Down) dft Catriona Casey (Cork) 17-15

Masters: Eamonn Conneely Maigh Cuilinn dft Morgan Duggan Annaghdown (16-11)

Plata: Brian Havern Down dft Marcus Henry Brian Boru (16-12)



The Collooney club in Sligo officially turned the sod for its 40 x 20 court on Friday 18th May last.

Michael Black Softball (60X30) Memorial Invitational Tournament (Finals):
At: Kells, Co. Meath:
Men's Senior Doubles: Tom Sheridan & Brian Carroll (Meath) bt Barry Goff & Colin
Keeling (Wexford) 21-15, 21-17.
Men's Intermediate/Junior Doubles: Joe Cummins & Evan Sheridan (Meath) bt
J. B. Molloy & John Leahy (Meath) 21-12, 21-14.

McCavitt takes Wiliamstown 1-wall tournament final

It was an all Armagh Men's Open which seen rising young star Conall McCavitt defeat James Doyle in a three game thriller.

Mullin's Engineering Men's Open Conall McCavitt dft James Doyle Armagh 12-15, 15-5, 15-7

E.M.P. FURNITURE Ladies Open Cianna Ní Churraoin Indreabhán dft Pauline Gallagher from Mayo 15-9, 15-4.IMorgan's Bar Men's C Cormac McMahon Cavan dft Mark McCartan Tyrone 15-0,15-3.

Raftery's Oakland Hotel Ladies B Karen Lawlor Louth dft Siobhán Tully St. Coman's 30-6

David Burke Electrical Services Men's Challenger John Fitzgerald Kilkenny dft Ballyporeen's Anthony Crotty Kerry 15-12, 15-10.

Glenamddy Credit Union Ladies Challenger Ellen O'Connor Kildare dft Jacqueline Hanley Roscommon 30 - 6.

Correlea Court Hotel Boy's U18 Jason Cahill Tipperary dft Conor Noone Galway 31-11

Burke Motors Boy's U16 Niall Allison Tyrone dft Niall Joyce on a score line of 15-13, 13-15, 15-13.

Sparky's Discount Stores Girl's U14 Eimear Ní Bhiadha defeated Tyrone's Elisha McCrory 23 - 10.

Boy's U14 Seán Kerr Tyrone dft Jason English Tipperary by 15-13, 13-15, 15-7

Girl's U12 Niamh Masterson dft Michaela McCartan 21-13.

TARMEY'S TAVERN Masters David King Carlow dft Sean McNally Down

Keith Hevican, Consulting Engineer, Building, Planning and Engineering Services Men's B Declan Connaughton Galway dft Nevan McCartan 15-10, 15-12

DG ROOFING Girl's U16 Mary Fahy dft Áine O'Keefe Kildare 15-12, 15-

Clifford & Dowd are Army handball doubles champions



The first handball doubles in over 14 years took place on 31st May in the Handball Centre, Custume Barracks, Athlone. All three infantry brigades were represented as well as the Air Corps (playing for 2 E Bde). The championships were comprised of 2 teams from each brigade (one junior and one senior), with the senior prize the All Army Handball Doubles trophy that was first awarded in 1923, making it one of the oldest trophies in the Defence Forces and highly sought after in the handball family.

1 S Bde Senior Team:

Cpl Eddie Clifford (3 Inf Bn)

Pte Denis Dowd (3 Inf Bn)

1 S Bde Junior Team:

Pte Tommy Dillon (4 Inf Bn)

Pte JP Ryan (1 LSB)

2 E Bde Senior Team:

Tpr Stephen Smullen (EUBG)

Tpr Sean Walsh (EUBG)

2 E Bde Junior Team:

Sgt John O'Brien (2 E Bde HQ)

Armn James Byrne (Air Corps)

4 W Bde Senior Team:

Pte Conor Laffey (4 BTC)

Pte Chris Samuels (4 LSB)

4 W Bde Junior Team:

Cre Michael Merrigan (1 Cn Cois)

Pte Padraig Lyons (USAC)

Brady Canadian Champion.

Paul Brady continued his world dominance in handball when taking the Canadian nationals in Montreal. Brady overcame Tyree Bastidas U.S. in the final. Mayo's Joe McCann reached the semi finals in both the Men's Open singles & doubles competition. Westmeath's Niamh Egan reached the final in the ladies B competition.

Kells, Ballydesmond & Crinkle club 60 x 30 champions 2012

The club championships had a new look to it this year with 2 doubles timed games of 25 minutes and it was the Kells club stronghold in Meath that were the big beneficiaries. Ballaghaderreen aiming for their 15th All-Ireland club were shocked in the first doubles game when Carl Browne & Christy McGovern stunned Dessie Keegan & Joe McCann by 38-37 and Tom Sheridan & Brian Carroll comfortably beat Vinny Moran & Steven Cooney 46-24 to take the title.

Kells Meath (Carl Browne, Christy McGovern, Tom Sheridan, Brian. Carroll & Gary McConnell) dft Ballaghaderreen Mayo (Dessie Keegan, Joe McCann, Vinny Moran, Steven Cooney, Paul Flynn & Campbell Brennan) 84-61.

Junior: Ballydesmond, Cork (D. O' Dea, J. O' Keeffe, B. Fleming, D.
Quinn & J.Guiney dft Coolboy, Wicklow (J. Willoughby, J. Gregan, K. Kavanagh, C. Doyle (+
sub, R. Willoughby)) 73-54.

Junior B: Crinkle, Birr, Offaly (K. Cooke, N. O' Brien, S. Ryan, J.
Mullins & D.Cooke dft Kells, Kilkenny (A. Martin, D. Breen, B. Burke, D. Burke) 78-72.

The official launch of Salthill Handball Clubs new One wall Court took place on Saturday 9th June last.

Goff & Keeling retain Irish 60 x 30 Nationals doubles title

Wexford Barry Goff & Colin Keeling once again retained their Irish Nationals open doubles title following wins over Nicky Anothony & Brian Manogue in the quarter finals and followed this up with an impressive 31-13 over Robbie Mc Carthy & Michael Gregan. In the final the Slaneysiders defeated the Eoin Kennedy & Michael Finnegan partnership by 31-24

M DONNELLY GAA Handball Irish 60x30 Nationals 2012

Boys 13 & Under Doubles final:
Sean Kerr/Pauric Mullan (Tyrone) dft Shane Dunne/Ciaran Cooney (Kilkenny) 31-10

B13D PLATE Final:Daniel Kavanagh/Patrick Boland (Wexford) dft Anthony Butler/Adam Walsh (Wexford) 21-16

Boys 15 & Under Doubles final:

Daniel Hayes/Ryan Mullan (Tipperary/Tyrone) dft JJ English/Sean Carey (Kilkenny) 31-13

B15D PLATE Final:
Oisin Foley/Tomas Hall (Wexford) dft Evan Murphy/Denis Donegan (Meath/Limerick) 21-4

Boys 17 & Under Doubles final:

Martin Mullins/Galen Riordain (Carlow/Wexford) dft Michael Hedigan/Daniel Relihan (Cork) 31-22

B17D PLATE Final:
Brian Mahon/John Walsh (Kilkenny) dft Jason Cahill/Mikey Maher (Tipperary) 21-18

Girls 13 & Under Doubles final:

Hannah Dagg/Fiona Tully (Kildare/Roscommon) dft Sinead Meagher/Ella Donnellan (Tipperary) 31-14

G13D PLATE Final:

Aoife Holden/Dearbhaill O'Keefe (Kilkenny) dft Leah Doyle/Niamh Masterson (Kildare) 21-16

Girls 19 & Under Doubles final

Lauren O'Riordain/Ciana Ní Churraoin (Roscommon/Galway) dft Ciara Mahon/Mary Phelan (Kilkenny) 31-5

G19D PLATE Final:

Maeve McElduff/Aoife Kelly (Tyrone) dft Denise Love/Aishling Maher (Kilkenny) 21-8



Men's Open Doubles final: Barry Goff/Colin Keeling (Wexford) dft Eoin Kennedy/Michael Finnegan (Dublin/Cavan) 31-28

MO PLATE Final: Dessie Keegan/Joe McCann (Mayo) dft Dominick Lynch/Gavin Buggy (Kerry/Wexford) 31-29

Mens B doubles Final: Donnacha O'Dea/Brendan Fleming (Cork) dft David Hope/Paul Lambert (Offaly) 31-25

Mens B PLATE Final: David Hickey/Michael Carroll (Tipperary) dft John Keyes/Ken Bourke (Limerick) 21-15

Mens C Doubles Final:Diarmuid Burke/Brendan Burke (Kilkenny) dft Sean Murphy/Anthony Donnelly (Limerick) 31-15

Mens C PLATE Final: Michael Donovan/Mike O Toole (Laois/Limerick) dft Noel Moroney/Kevin Kennedy (Tipperary) 31-16

Ruby Masters Doubles Winners:

Seamus Reade/Paddy Reilly (Kilkenny)

Masters Doubles Winners:

Tommy Hynes/Paul Carthy (Wexford)

Masters B Doubles Winners:

Mike O Connor/Pat Murphy (Limerick)

Golden Masters Doubles Winners:

Andy Ryan/John Rossiter (Carlow)

Mens 23 & Under Doubles Winners:

Ciaran Neary/Patrick Funchion (Kilkenny)

Sheridan & McCarthy O'Sullivan tournament winners

The Hospitel club in Limerick organised the Annual Danny O'Sullivan & Paul Russell Memorial Tournaments. Sixteen of the top senior 60 x 30 players took part and it was a mixture of experience and youth that won it. Legendary Meath handballer Tom Sheridan holder of 22 All-Ireland doubles titles and Robbie McCarthy teamed up to take the title after a titanic battle with Wexford's Barry Goff & Colin Keeling. In a 3 game thriller it was the Meath/Westmeath combination that won out.

Hospital 60x30 Tournament Results QF:

Goff/Keeling dft Coonan/Hedderman 16-21, 21-5, 21-10
Sheridan/McCarthy dft Carroll /Fitzpatrick 21-17, 21-11
Keegan/McCann dft Lynch/Buggy 21-4, 19-21, 21-19
Kennedy/Finnegan dft Browne /Mullins 21-9, 21-18

SF:Goff/Keeling dft Keegan/McCann 21-4, 21-18.

Sheridan/McCarthy dft Kennedy/Finnegan 21-16, 21-19

Final:Sheridan/McCarthy dft Goff/Keeling 17-21, 21-17, 21-17



Paul Russell Memorial Invitational winners

Limerick's John Keyes & Ken Bourke defeated JP O'Connor & Paddy Donovan by 10-21, 21-11, 21-12. JP injured his shoulder and replaced by his brother Mike but it failed to stop Keyes & Bourke claiming victory.

The club hopes thats it original aim to provide ideal preperation for the One Wall Nationals next week was realised and wants to wish all players the very best in Citywest.





The Julie Long annual memorial tournament took place St. Bridget G.A.A club. The tournament now in its 5 year remembers the late Julie Long who won national & international titles. Maria McCarthy & Conor O' Connor teamed up to defeat Anna Wrynn & John Farrell in the final.





Doyle & Havern one wall champions in Mount Talbot tournament



Over 270 players from 27 county's took part in what is fast becoming the top club organised tournament in Ireland. Three courts in the Mattie McDonagh centre Ballygar, two courts in Mount Talbot were used and the newly constructed indoor court in Tisrara Community Centre, Four Roads when the weather deteriorated. Down's Lorraine Havern defeated Mayo's Pauline Gallagher by 15-9, 15-10 in the ladies final while Armagh's James Doyle had to dig deep before securing the Men's Open title with a tie break victory over Galway's Martin Mulkerrins.



Mount Talbot One Wall results


Adult Results:

Kildea Concrete Mens Open:

Cup: James Doyle (Ard Mhaca) dft Martin Mulerins (Gaillimh) 8-15,15-6,11-5,

Plate:Conall Mc Cavitt (Ard Mhaca) dft Darren Flynn (An Longfoirt) 20-5,


Treacy Classic Cutz Ladies Open:

Cup: Lorraine Havern (An Dún) dft Pauline Gallagher (Maigh Eo) 15-8, 15-6

Plate: Deirdre Donoghue (Ros Comáin) dft Karen Lawlor (An Lú) 22-8,

Traynors Garage Mens B:

Cup: Ian Mc loughlin (Maigh Eo) dft Nevan Mc Cartan (Liathrom) 15-12, 15-4

Plate: Philp O Connor (Ros Comáin) dft Eddie Mc Halligan (An Cabhan) 17-13


DMAC (James Donnell) Fencing Ladies B

1st Sinead Ni Ainli (Gaillimh) 52 points

2nd Siobhan Tully (Ros Comáin) 35 points

3rd Laura Keever (Port Lairge) 30 points

Hughes Bar Ballinamore Bridge Mens C

Cup: Cathal Sheridan (An Cabhain) dft Richie Mc Nally (An Dún) 28-9

Plate: Eoin Cleary (An Mhi) dft Daniel Connaughton (Gaillimh) 14-9

Cathy Quine Little Stars Creche Ladies C

Cup: Bairbre Ni Ainli (Gaillimh) dft Ellen O Connor (Cill Dara) 18-12

Plate: Marina Kilduff (Ros Comáin) dft Mairead Kelly (Mount Talbot) 23-9

Peter Raferty Bus and Cab Hire Mens Challenger

Cup: Andrew Hussey (Gaillimh) dft Niall Mc Cormack (Corcaigh) 19-18

Plate: Micheal Dillon (Gaillimh) dft Alan Armstrong (Loch Garman) 21-11

S. Moran Plastering Services Ladies Challenger

Cup Janet Flanagan (Gaillimh) dft Deirdre Kelly (Mount Talbot) 28-13

Plate: Valerie Hynes (Mount Talbot) dft Audrey Murtagh (Mount Talbot) 28-8

Fallons Bar Ballygar Mens Novice

Cup: Kevin Kelleghan (Mount Talbot) dft Coman Coyle (Mount Talbot) 14-12

Plate: James Kilduff (Roscomáin) dft Niall Mc Govern (Mount Talbot) 24-11

Holmes Centre Ladies Novice

Cup: Aoife O Leary (Cill Mhantáin) dft Linda Connaughton (Gaillimh) 31-7

Plate: Kate Coyle (Mount Talbot) dft Maedbh Ni Chumhaill (Mount Talbot) 20-14

Liam O Malley Veterinary Masters (40+)

Cup: David King (Ceathlarach) dft Aidan Heneghan (Mount Talbot) 19-15

Plate: Aenghus Cunningham (Roscomáin) dft Chris Curran (Tir Eoghain) 14-2

Ballygar Credit Union Golden Masters (50+)

Brian Havern (An Dún) dft Martin Mc Entee (Muineachain) 19-12

Colm Tully Veterinary Supplies Roscommon Ruby Masters (65+)

1st Nicky John Clancy (Gaillimh)

2nd Seamus E O Faratha (Gaillimh)

3rd Marcus Henry (Ath Cliath)


Juvenile Results:

Kepak Athleague Boys U10

Cup Eoghan Mc Ginnity (Muineachain) dft Jason O Thuathaill (Muineachain)

Plate Cathair Munroe (Tir Eoghain) dft Liam Egan (Ros Comáin)

Sean Collins Livestock Agent Boys U12

Cup: Cormaic Munroe (Tir Eoghain) dft Dylan (Ros Comáin)

Plate Justas Dambinskas (Muineachain) dft Paul Conneely (Gaillimh)

Coyle Brothers Garage Roscommon Boys U14

Cup: Sean Kerr (Tir Eoghain) dft Jason English (Tiobraid Arann) 28-13

Plate Micheal Varley (Ath Cliath) dft Matthew Linehan Maigh Eo)

Mal Hevehan Satelite, Aerial and CCTV Services Boys U16

Cup Johnny Woods (Tir Eoghain) dft Jack Campbell (Tir Eoghain) 16-12

Plate Jason Earlis (Sligeach) dft Thomas Treacy (Mount Talbot)

Doyles Corner Boys Minor

Cup Patrick Mc Crory (Tir Eoghain) dft Pat Havern (An Dún) 15-13, 11-15, 11-8

Plate Jason Cahill (Tiobraid Arann) dft Conor Noone (Gaillimh) 16-13

Connacht Gold Athleague Girls U10

Cup Cailiosa Ni Dhúill (Ard Mhaca) dft Shauna Clogher (Mount Talbot) 14-11

Plate Andrea Delaney (Gaillimh) dft Aisling Treacy (Mount Talbot)

Bridge House Athleague Girls U12

Cup Leah Doyle (Cill Dara) dft Mollie Dagg (Cill Dara)

Plate Emer Kerr (Tir Eoghain) dft Orlaigh Forde (Gaillimh)

Conor Hynes Construction Girls U14

Cup Fiona Tully (Roscomáin) dft Elisiha Mc Crory (Tir Eoghain) 19-19, (5-2 Tie Breaker)

Plate Heather Spellman dft Andrea Noone (Gaillimh) 7-7 (5-0 in tie breaker)

Hamrocks Bar Athleague Girls U 16

Cup Maeve Mc Elduff (Tir Eoghain) dft Aoife Quinn (Sligeach) 31-2

Plate Kate Dagg dft Noreen Maloney (Gaillimh) 14-9

Brady US Nationals champion for 7th time, Reilly Ladies champion on the double

Cavan's Paul Brady claimed his 7th U.S. Men's open title at the 62nd USHA championships which took place in the Los Caballeros Racquet & Sports Club in FountainValley California. Brady defeated Suhn Lee (Lake Forest, Illinois) 21-1, 21-13 and Andy Nett (Winona, MN) by 21-15, 21-10, Dave Fink in the semi-finals by 21-12, 21-11. In the final he faced Armagh's Charly Shanks the U.S. number 4. Shanks defeated over Dylan Hernandez (California) 21-9, 21-8, Jonathan Iglesias (Miami) 21-10, 21-16, Sean Lenning 21-10, 17-21, 11-0. In the semi-final he defeated Luis Moreno 21-19, 21-10. Brady who defeated Shanks in the Irish finals in 2010/11 was unstoppable in the final coming through in emphatic style by 21-11, 21-10. Brady is undefeated in Ireland & in the U.S. for the past 8 years a remarkable achievement. Michael Ducksy Walsh at 46 and 38 All-Ireland senior champion had an excellent win in the Men's 35 + singles winning in style over Raul Jasso (San Jose) by 21-7, 21-6. Ducksy also made it to the final of the masters singles but possibly to the huge number of games played he fell to Chris Watkins in a tie breaker by 16-21, 21-7, 5-11.Wexford's Paul Lambert beat Eddie Marez California 21-6, 21-11 in the A final. Lambert made it a double when teaming up with Cavan's Patrick Clerkin in the Men's A doubles.Waterford's David Walsh won the Men's B with victory over Tyler Stoffel 21-11, 21-18. Walsh also won two titles when winning the Men's B doubles. Kilkenny's Peter Funchion raced away with the Men's C with a big 21-9, 21-4 win over Colm Luna California.Galway's Morgan Darcy lost out in his first US Nationals final to Greg Raya (Florida) in the Veteran Super Masters (65+).In the Super Masters SIngles (60+), Dublin's Eugene Kennedy fell at the quarter final stages to California's Edward Campbell in a thrilling contest, losing out by 21-11, 11-21, 8-11.



Antrim's Aisling Reilly & Roscommon's Marianna Rushe met in an All-Irish ladies final. And it was Reilly that retained her U.S. title with an 21-11, 21-4 success. Reilly slammed in the ladies doubles when partnering Kerry's Asley Prendiville with a straight sets win over Tracey Davis & Bailey Chanler by 21-12, 21-9.

Hilary Rushe beat Oregan's Heather Murback 21-19, 21-2 in the ladies B final. Overall the Irish won 10 titles at the U.S. Championships.



Irish Players competing at the USHA Nationals:

Paul Brady - Cavan,

Charly Shanks - Armagh

Peter Funchion - Kilkenny

Patrick Funchion - Kilkenny

Paul Lambert - Wexford

Michael Ducksy Walsh - Kilkenny

Aisling Reilly - Antrim

Marianna Rushe - Roscommon

Hillary Rushe - Roscommon

Ashley Prendiville - Kerry

Morgan Darcy - Galway

Eugene Kennedy - Dublin

Patrick Clerkin - Cavan

David Walsh - Waterford

McCarthy & Havern claim One-wall nationals titles

Over 500 players took part in the 2012 nationals. Twenty five grades were organised an a brilliant weekend of handball action in the Citywest Hotel. Westmeath's Robbie Mc Carthy dft Clare's Diarmuid Nash in an gripping final. Nash was 8-1 up in tie breaker before McCarthy let rip with a 10 point riposte winning an exciting tie breaker by 11-9. Down's Lorraine was in incredible form all weekend and easily brushed aside the challenge of Antrim's Fiona Shannon in the ladies final

The one-wall team for the world championships was completed with the following names:



Mens Open: Diarmuid Nash (Clare)

Ladies Open: Marianna Rushe (Roscommon)

Masters: Tom Sheridan (Meath)

Mens 23 & Under: Caolan Daly (Tyrone)

Ladies 23 & Under: Pauline Gallagher (Mayo)

Boys 19 & Under: Killian Carroll (Cork)

Boys 17 & Under: Conall McCavitt (Armagh)

Boys 15 & Under: Jack Campbell (Tyrone)

Girls 19 & Under: Lauren O'Riordan (Roscommon)

Girls 17 & Under: Martina McMahon (Limerick)

Girls 15 & Under: Niamh Coleman (Armagh)



Mens Open Singles semi-finals

Robbie McCarthy (Westmeath) dft Darragh Daly (Tyrone) 23-21

Diarmuid Nash (Clare) dft James Doyle (Armagh) 25-20

MENS OPEN FINAL: Robbie McCarthy (Westmeath) dft Diarmuid Nash (Clare) 15-9, 12-15, 11-9

Ladies Open Singles Semi Finals

Lorraine Havern (Down) dft Sibeal Gallagher (Antrim) 31-4

Fiona Shannon (Antrim) dft Marianna Rushe (Roscommon) 23-21

LADIES OPEN FINAL: Lorraine Havern (Down) dft Fiona Shannon (Antrim) 15-2, 15-0



Girls 11 & Under Singles Final: Dearbhla Coleman dft Leah Doyle

Girls 13 & Under Singles Final: Fiona Tully dft Hannah Dagg

Girls 15 & Under Singles Final: Niamh Coleman dft Aoife McConville 18-17

Boys 11 & Under Singles Final: Eoghan McGinnity dft Cian O'Driscoll 23-12

Boys 13& Under Singles Final: Sean Kerr dft Diarmuid Mulkerrins 31-7

Boys 15 & Under Singles Final: Jack Campbell dft Ronan Ó Beolain 24-13

Boys 17 & Under Singles Final: Conall McCavitt dft Darren Doherty 31-6

Boys 19 & Under Singles Final: Killian Carroll dft Conor McElduff 23-16



Ladies Challenger Singles Final: Avoureen Coleman dft Michelle Warren

Ladies B Singles Final: Karen Lawlor dft Ellen O'Connor

Ladies 23 & Under Singles: Winner - Pauline Gallagher, Runner-up - Amy Corrigan

Girls 19 & Under Singles: Winner - Catriona Casey, Runner-up - Lauren O'Riordain

Girls 17 & Under Singles: Winner - Ciana Ní Churraoin, Runner-up - Martina McMahon

Mens 23 & Under Singles Final: Stephen Cooney dft Caolan Daly 23- 21

Mens 23 & Under B Singles Final: Christopher McKenna dft James Smith 23-10

Mens B Singles Final: Johnny Willoughby dft Dan Fenlon

Men's Challenger: David Coyle dft Eamon McRory 20-13

Mens C Singles Semi Finals: Cathal Sheridan dft Fintan Creamer 20-10

Masters (40+) Singles Final: Tom Sheridan dft David King 22-14



Silver Masters (45+) Singles Final: Padraig Maguire dft Paul Cassidy 20-8

Golden Masters (50+) Singles Final: Conor McMahon dft Conor McDonnell 18-17

Emerald Masters (55+) Singles Final: Brian Havern dft Peter Larkin 26-16

Diamond Masters Singles (60+): Winner - Richard Willoughby, Runner-up - Eugene Kennedy

Ruby Masters (65+) Singles Semi Finals: Morgan Darcy dft Colm Ó Cuailin 24-20





Brackey & Clann Eireann take Feile in Dublin.



Dublin hosted this year's Feile and it proved a tremendous success. The Brackey Club in Tyrone won the Boys Division with Sean Kerr, Tiarnan McCrystall, Turlough Clarke & Mattew McCartan members of the winning team. Clann Eireann from Armagh took the Girls Division 1 title with victory over Galway's Micheal Breathnach side. Clann Eireann were represented by Aoibheann Henderson, Megan McCann, Niamh Coleman, Alana Doran, Méabh McMahon.



Féile na nGael Results 2012

Boys Division 1 - Brackey dft Ballyporeen 21-6, 21-1
Brackey: Sean Kerr, Tiarnan McCrystall, Turlough Clarke, Matthew McCartan.
Boys Division 2: - Kilkishen dft Mallow 21-15, 20-21
Kilkishen: Tiernan Agnew, Gary Cooney, Ben McLoughlin, Killian Nugent, Sean Murphy.
Boys Division 3: - St Patricks dft Ballydesmond 16-21, 21-16, 11-4
St Patricks: Caolan Smith, Stephen Smith, Shane McVeety, Thomas Edward Donohue.
Boys Division 4: - Tuamgraney dft Clarecastle 21-1, 13-21
Tuamgraney: Oran Treacy, Ian Murray, Cian Minogue, Sean Pearl, Ciaran Hickey.
Boys Division 5: - Mallow 3 dft Crinkle 1 15-21, 21-9
Mallow 3: Cian O Driscoll, Eoin Buckley, Conor Walsh, Michael O'Malley, Niall Delaney.
Boys Division 6: - Brian Boru dft St Brigids 21-4, 21-9
Brian Boru: Ciaran Flanagan, Eoin Flanagan, Michael Varley, Killian Prendergast, Killian Ambrose.

Girls Division 1: Clann Eireann dft Micheal Breathnach 21-7, 21-19
Clann Eireann: Aoibheann Henderson, Megan McCann, Niamh Coleman, Alana Doran, Méabh McMahon.
Girls Division 2: Tuamgraney dft Kilkishen 21-18, 21-5
Tuamgraney: Clodagh Nash, Fiona Hayes, Amy Barrett, Ciara Doyle.
Girls Division 3: Kilfane dft Lahorna 21-6, 21-15
Kilfane: Aoife Holden, Ailish O Shea, Aoife Walsh, Dearbhail O'Keefe, Caoimhe Kenny.

Boys 60x30 Division 1: Broadford dft Clogh 16-21, 21-8
Broadford: Evan Murphy, Nigel Callaghan, Risteard Duggan, Timmy Brosnan, Declan Leahy.
Boys 60x30 Division 2: Castlebridge dft Mothel 21-16, 21-8
Castlebridge: Thomas Hall, Adam Hanrahan, Paddy Berry, Michael Lawlor, Finn Callan-Lyons.

Féile 2012 Skills Winners:

Boys 40x20
Gold: Sean Kerr, Breacach, Tyrone
Silver: Diarmuid Mulkerrins, Moycullen, Galway
Bronze: Tiernan Agnew, Kilkishen, Clare

Girls 40x20
Gold: Fiona Tully, St Coman's,Roscommon
Silver: Hannah Dagg, Leixlip, Kildare
Bronze: Anna Ní Ódhran-Ní Mhurchú, Mícheál Breathnach, Galway

Boys 60x30
Gold: Shane Dunne, Clogh, Kilkenny
Silver: Evan Murphy, Broadford, Limerick
Bronze: Thomas Hall, Castlebridge, Wexford

Féile Hero 2012 Awards:

Winner Club County

Doireann Murphy Clarecastle Clare
Stephen Frain Clooney-Quinn Clare
Lorcan McBride Carrickmore Tyrone
Josh McCloskey Clara Offaly
Daniel Kavanagh St Joseph's Wexford
Darragh Canavan Carrickmore Tyrone
Sophie Smith Annaghdown Galway
Elise McCrory Breacach Tyrone
Eoin Doheny Cullohill Laois
Eimear Ní Bhiadha Micheál Breathnach Galway
Cathal Barry Clogh Kilkenny
Cillian Lafford Kells Kilkenny

Parade Awards

Best Banner Home Brian Boru
Best Presented Team Home Brian Boru
Best Banner Away Mícheál Breathnach, Galway
Best Presented Team Away Crinkle, Offaly

McCarthy retains Softball singles title as Carroll & Sheridan royals reign in doubles

Twenty eight players entered in the Men's Open GAA Handball Martin Donnelly sponsored 60 x 30 softball singles. The Championships started on Saturday July 14th last. Fourteen pairings entered the doubles. Reigning champion Robbie McCarthy made it through to the semi-finals with a 21-9, 21-8 win over Tom Sheridan while Tipperary's Ger Coonan dented Brian Carroll's hopes with a thrilling 21-15, 11-21, 21-15 finish. In the doubles semi-finals played in Thurles Mayo's Dessie Keegan & Joe McCann dft Kilkenny's Michael Ducksy Walsh & Michael Clifford by 21-7, 21-16. Meath's Tom Sheridan & Brian Carroll got the getter of Wexford Barry Goff & Colin Keeling the 2011 champions in a 3 game thriller. The Meath men coming out on top by 21-19, 10-21, 21-13. In the softball singles semi-finals Robbie McCarthy defeated Mayo's Dessie Keegan by 21-10, 21-6 while Eoin Kennedy had an easier than expected passage to the final with victory over Tipperary's Ger Coonan by 21-0, 21-6. In the doubles final in Abbeylara Meath's Tom Sheridan & Brian Carroll overwhelmed Mayo's Dessie Keegan & Joe McCann. Meath champions in 2008 & 2010 were in sensational form as they tore Mayo's title ambitions to shred's. The Meath machine was unstoppable as they pulverised Mayo to take the title on a scoreline of 21-12, 21-6. Tom Sheridan announced it was to be his last senior title bowing out as one of the greatest big alley doubles player of all time. It was a first Minor doubles title for Leitrim with Donal Wrynn & Shane Doonan while Limerick's C.J. Fitzpatrick defeated Galway's Martin Mulkerrins in the Intermediate singles final. Abbeylara was again the venue for the Men's singles final and in a repeat of last year's final. Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy retained his title with a hard fought 21-16, 21-12 win over 8 time champion Eoin Kennedy. Limerick's Padraig Quish took the minor while Kilkenny's Ciaran Neary & Timmy Clifford became Intermediate champions

MS Limerick (Padraig Quish) dft Leitrim (Donal Wrynn) 21-3 , 21- 9

ID Kilkenny (Ciaran Neary/Timmy Clifford) dft Galway (Ollie Conway& Martin Mulkerrins) 21-9, 21-8

SS Westmeath (Robbie McCarthy) dft Dublin (Eoin Kennedy) 21-16, 21-12

MD Leitrim (Donal Wrynn / Shane Doonan) dft Cork (Michael Hedigan/Daniel Relihan) 21-14, 21-12
IS Limerick (CJ Fitzpatrick) dft Galway (Martin Mulkerrins) 21-9, 21-8
SD Meath (Tom Sheridan/Brian Carroll) dft Mayo (Dessie Keegan/Joe McCann) 21-12, 21-6

Cork's Catriona Casey won her first senior title when getting the better of Mayo's Pauline Gallagher in the Ladies singles final by 21-4, 21-4 while the Ladies doubles was won by Mayo's Pauline Gallagher & Amy Corrigan) who dft Cork's Aishling O'Keefe &Catriona Casey) 21-11, 21-20, 21-14

M Donnelly GAA Handball All Ireland JUVENILE 60x30 Championship Finals 2012

Tyrone won 4 Juvenile titles followed with 3 titles by Kilkenny & Mayo. St. MacCartans College Monaghan, Abbeylara, Crinkle & Tuamgraney hosted the finals

GU14S: Roscommon (Fiona Tully) dft Kilkenny (Aoife Holden) 15-12, 13-15, 15-8

GU14D: Galway (Heather Spelman/Elaine Mitchell) dft Kildare (Hanah Dagg/Saoirse Sunderland) 15-13, 15-8

BU14S: Tyrone (Sean Kerr) dft Kilkenny (Roy Cullen) 15-1, 15-6

BU14D: Wexford (Thomas Hall/Daniel Kavanagh) dft Cavan (Stephen Smith/Thomas Donohue) 15-4, 15-5


GU15S: Kerry (Michaela O'Donoghue) dft Sligo (Aoife Quinn) 15-5, 6-15, 15-6

GU15D: Galway (Anna Ní Odhrain Ní Mhurchú/Eimear Ní Bhiadha) dft Wexford (Chloe Cash/Courtney Browne) 15-1, 15-14

BU15S: Kilkenny (Padraig Cooney) dft Mayo (Niall Joyce) 12-15, 15-8, 15-5
BU15D: Kilkenny (Sean Carey / Dylan Caulfield) dft Tyrone (Jack Campbell & Aaron Owens) 15-11, 15-14


GU16S: Galway (Ciana Ní Churraoin) dft Laois (Niamh Dunne) 21-1, 21-3
GU16D: Tyrone (Aoife Kelly/Maeve McElduff) dft Kildare (Áine O Keeffe/Kate Dagg) 21-3, 21-6

BU16S: Kilkenny (John Walsh) dft Monaghan (Ramunas Ramauskas) 21-4, 21-11
BU16D: Tyrone (Johnny Wood /Ryan Mullan) dft Tipperary (Padraic O'Donoghue/Daniel Hayes) 6-21, 21-17, 11-9

GU17S: Mayo (Shona Ruane) dft Brid Hogan (Cork) 0-21, 21-12, 11-6

BU17S: Tipperary (Jason Cahill) dft Galway (Conor Noone)

BU17D: Tyrone (Pól Clarke/Gabhainn McCrystal) dft Limerick (Shane Murphy/Denis Donegan) 21-3, 21-15

M Donnelly GAA Handball All Ireland 60x30 Softball Championship Finals 2012

Ladies Minor Singles: Limerick (Martina McMahon) dft Roscommon (Lauren O'Riordain) 21-17, 21-16

Ladies Junior B Singles: Mayo (Jennifer Fahey) dft Kerry (Aine Casey) 21-13, 21-2

Ladies Intermediate Singles: Cork (Catriona Casey) dft Westmeath (Aoife McCarthy) 21-5, 21-4

Ladies Open Singles: Cork (Catriona Casey) dft Mayo (Pauline Gallagher) 21-3, 21-4

Under 21 Singles: Kilkenny (Patrick Funchion) dft Galway (Seamus O'Conghaile) 21-1, 21-3
Junior B Singles: Limerick (Mike O Toole) dft Mayo (Peter Cassidy) 21-17, 21-7

Junior Singles: Tipperary (David Hickey) dft Cavan (James Brady) 21-2, 21-7

Intermediate Singles Final: Limerick (CJ Fitzpatrick) dft Galway (Martin Mulkerrins) 21-9, 21-8

Over 35 A Singles: Kerry (Dominic Lynch) dft Mayo (Vinnie Moran) 21-4, 21-3

Over 35 B Singles: Limerick (Ken Bourke) w/o Roscommon (Billy Kelly) inj

Masters A Singles: Kilkenny (Michael Walsh) dft Tyrone (Niall Kerr) 21-4, 21-1

Masters B Singles: Mayo (Jason Judge) dft Kilkenny (Noel Holden) 13-21, 21-14, 21-15

Silver Masters A Singles: Carlow (John Ryan) dft Roscommon (Anthony O'Donnell) 21-6, 21-13

Silver Masters B Singles: Limerick (John Frazer) dft Sligo (Martin Cooney) 21-11, 21-18

Golden Masters B Singles: Leitrim (Ed Lee) dft Kilkenny (Eamonn Purcell) 21-5, 21-3

Golden Masters A Singles: Kildare (Mick Dowling) dft Sligo (Francis McCann) 21-20, 21-14

Diamond Masters A Singles: Carlow (John Rossitor) dft Mayo (Martin Cronin) 21-14, 21-4

Diamond Masters B Singles: Mayo (Kevin Fahey) dft Louth (Sean Devlin) 21-7, 21-12

Emerald Masters A Singles: Tipperary (Billy Mullins) dft Mayo (Kevin Geraghty) 21-12, 21-7

Emerald Masters B Singles: Roscommon (James Coughlan) dft Louth (John Kelly) 4-21, 21-17, 21-15

Ruby Masters Singles: Kilkenny (Paddy Reilly) w/o Mayo (John Kenny) - inj

Over 70 Singles: Dublin (Mick O'Brien) dft Sligo (Paddy Walsh) 21-13, 21-5

Minor Doubles Final: Leitrim (Donal Wrynn/Shane Doonan) dft Cork (Michael Hedigan/Daniel Relihan) 21-14, 21-12

Under 21 Doubles Final: Kilkenny (Patrick Funchion/Peter Funchion) dft Galway (Seamus O'Conghaile/Alan Kelly) 21-0, 21-7

Junior B Doubles Final: Limerick (Sean Murphy/Anthony Donnelly) dft Roscommon (Paul Kelly/Philip O'Connor) 21-7, 21-8
Junior Doubles Final: Tipperary (David Hickey/Michael Carroll) dft Cavan(James Brady/Patrick Clerkin) dft 20-21, 21-14, 21-14

Mens Open Doubles Final: Meath (Tom Sheridan/Brian Carroll) dft Mayo (Dessie Keegan/Joe McCann) 21-12, 21-6

Over 35 B Doubles Final: Limerick (Ken Bourke/Mike O Toole) w/o Roscommon (John Kennedy/Billy Kelly)

Masters A Doubles: Wexford (Tommy Hynes/Paul Carthy)

Masters B Doubles: Adrian Benson & Christy Donnelly (Dublin) dft Mayo Michael Ginely/Jason Judge 19-21, 21-9, 21-8.

Golden Masters A Doubles Final: Kilkenny (Martin Lalor/Eugene Downey) dft Mayo (Martin Vahey/John Staunton) 21-13, 20-21, 21-5
Golden Masters B Doubles Final: Kilkenny (Eamonn PurcellJimmy Purcell) dft Antrim (Thomas Maguire/Pat Maguire) 21-11, 21-13

Diamond Masters A Doubles Final: Carlow (John Rositor/Andy Ryan) dft Mayo (Matt Coady/Seamus Clarke) 21-17, 21-7

Diamond Masters B Doubles Final: Mayo (Kevin Fahey/Gus Heraty) dft Limerick (John Joe Fahy/Pat Henerbry) 21-7, 11-0 (Limerick ret inj.)

Ladies Minor Doubles Final: Kilkenny (Ciara Mahon/Mary Phelan) dft Limerick (Martina McMahon/Niamh Blackburn)
Ladies Junior B Doubles Final: Kilkenny (Denise Doyle/Megan Clifford) dft Leitrim (Ciara McLoughlin/Mary Shanley) 21-11, 21-18

Ladies Junior Doubles Final: Kilkenny (Rachel Hogan/Claire Grace) dft Mayo (Stephanie Coleman/Mary Duffy) 21-19, 21-2

Ladies Intermediate Doubles Final: Cork (Catriona Casey/Aishling O Keeffe) w/o Kilkenny (Marie Walshe/Hazel Cuddihy)

Ladies Senior Doubles Final: Mayo (Pauline Gallagher/Amy Corrigan) dft Cork (Catriona Casey/Aisling O'Keefe)

SMAD Dublin (Egin Jensen/Frank Daly) dft Roscommon (Cormac O'Brien/Ronan Galvin) 21-6, 21-12
RMAD Cavan (Patsy Hand/Greg Sheridan) dft Kilkenny (Seamus Reade/Paddy Reilly) 21-10, 21-19

EMBD: Mayo (Tony Kenny/Jimmy Sheridan) dft Tipperary (Gerry Foley/Eamon Spillane) 21-14, 21-16
EMAD: Tipperary (Billy Mullins/Pakie Mullins) dft Mayo (Kevin Geraghty/Martin Cronin) 21-8, 21-14
O35AD: Tipperary (Paul Mullins/Adrian Johnson) dft Mayo (Vinnie Moran/Campbell Brennan) 21-20, 21-9

Silver Masters B Doubles Final: Kilkenny (Chris Dunne/Paul Dowling) dft Cavan (Phil Reilly/Brendan Gargan)

Ladies Junior Singles: Kilkenny (Rachel Hogan) v Mayo (Stephanie Coleman) PP

Nash is McGee Champion 2012

The 33rd McGee International Handball Tournament was hosted by Newport Handball Club over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Over 80 handball players from all over the Country atteneded. Mulranny, Castlebar, & Aughagower all hosted games. Clare's Diarmuid Nashe defeated Ballaghaderreen's Stephen Cooney in the Division 1 final while the ladies final was won by Newport's Clodagh McManamon with Una Wrynn Kildare the runner-up

Juveniles

Division 3
Runner Up: Conor Sheridan Newport
Winner: Darragh McNulty Newport

Division 2
Runner Up: Molly Dagg Kildare
Winner: Jack Hanley Mulranny

Division 1
Runner Up: Aaron McDermott
Winner: Cormac Moran

Seniors

Division 6

Plate: Niall Leavy Kildare

Runner Up: Peter Burke Newport

Winner: Vinny McLoughlin Newport

Division 5

Plate: Martin O'Malley Wicklow

Runner Up: Aidan Bell Claremorris

Winner: Steven McInerney Limerick

Division 4

Plate: Anna Wrynn Kildare

Runner Up: Pat Hopkins Claremorris

Winner: Marianna Rushe Roscommon

Division 3

Plate: Robert McGuire Kildare

Runner Up: Ciarán Buckley Cork

Winner: Peter Flanagan Meath

McGee Classic

Plate: Pat Masterson Offaly

Runner Up: John Mulloy Dublin

Winner: Morgan Darcy Galway

Division 2

Plate: Brian Heraty Aughagower

Runner Up: Padraic McGuire Kildare

Winner: Darren Doherty Monaghan

Ladies

Plate: Ellen O'Connor Kildare

Runner Up: Una Wrynn Kildare

Winner: Clodagh McManamon Newport

Division 1

Plate: Tadgh Carrol Cork

Runner Up: Steven Cooney Ballaghdereen

Winner: Diarmuid Nash Clare

Irealand sent out a strong representative side to Holland for One-Wall games on Monday August 27th last and the team consisted of:

Mens Team: Diarmuid Nash, Michael Gregan, Stephen Cooney, Killian Carroll and Conall McCavitt.

Ladies Team: Pauline Gallagher, Marianna Rushe. The C.I.J.B. International Cup was played in Freneker Holland. The Men's team of Michael Gregan & Conal McCavitt lost out to Belgium in the quarters while the ladies team of Pauline Gallagher & Marianna Rushe lost by the minimum to hosts Holland to finish fourth.

GAA/O' Neill's All-Ireland Softball (60X30) Juvenile Team
Championships (Finals):

U12/U13 FINALTipperary (Gerome Cahill, Colin Ryan, James Prentice, John McGrath, Sean Hayes, Sean McAdams) dft Tyrone (Turlough Clarke, Ciaran Cuddy, Darragh Canavan, Ronan Curran, Cormac Munroe, Lorcan McBride) 85-37

Under 14/15 Team of 6 FINAL: Cork (Eoghan Sheehan, Oisin Hickey, Kevin O Connell, Darrragh Moynihan, Jamie Kennelly, Aidan O Brien, Shane Flynn) dft Kilkenny (Shane Dunne, Jack Crehan, Marc Purcell, Dion Bourke, Niall Walsh, David Doyle, Maurice Walsh) 75-49

U16/17 60X30 Boys Team
Wexford (Bryan Keogh, Liam Shannon, Jack Roche, Aaron Wright Power, Stephen Greene, Ryan Bates) dft Limerick (Ben Walsh, Eoin Hegarty, Glen Mc Namara, Michael Whelan, Gearoid Lehane) .

McCarthy's Golden hands wins gloves

Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy retained the Golden Gloves title that he won last year with an thrilling 21-12, 21-14 over last year's beaten finalist in Cork Killian Carroll. McCarthy defeated Martin Mulkerrins, Gavin Buggy & Ricky McCann to reach the final while Carroll defeated Stephen Cooney & Michael Gregan. Cavan's Paul Brady was involved in the Cavan GFC senior final and couldn't attend. Antrim's Aisling Reilly defeated clubmate Fiona Shannon in the ladies final by 21-20, 21-1

Men's Open: Robbie McCarthy dft Killian Carroll

Men's A: David Hope dft Jerome Willoughby

Men's B: David Walsh dft Dale Cusack

Men's C: Anthony Donnelly dft Conor O' Connor

Boys 17: Darren Doherty dft Jordan O'Neill

Boys 15:Niall Allison dft Ronan McKay

Girls 15: Niamh Coleman dft Aoife McConville

World handball championships

Brady's historic 4th world title, Antrim's Reilly rallies to win her 1st. Fiona Shannon & Sibeal Gallagher win the ladies doubles as Ireland win record breaking 63 World handball titles.

Ireland hosted the 2012 World handball championships. With a record breaking 2,000 competitors from 30 countries it proved to be the best World games to date. Citywest with its specially built 21 court complex including the all glass show court was an achievement in itself and Chris Curran G.A.A Handball C.E.O. and all the staff in headquarters pulled it off. With over 5,000 spectators seated witnessing the main finals it was an historic occasion for all GAA Handball people.

The world handball championships got underway in citywest on Thursday 11th October last with a warm up Ireland v U.S.A Challenge. Paul Brady got the ball "rolling" with an 21-9 win over David Fink. In the 1st doubles Robbie McCarthy & Brian Carroll narrowly lost out 18-21 to the U.S. no.1 pairing of Luis Moreno & Andy Nett. Michael Gregan pushed Sean Lenning all the way before just coming up short by 20-21 and in the last doubles Tom Sheridan & Ducksy Walsh came close to defeating Naty Alvarado & Luis Cordova. The U.S. pairing taking it 21-18. Paul Brady qualified for the Men's open final with a21-10, 21-9 win over fellow county man and doubles partner Michael Finnegan. Luis Moreno defeated Robbie Mc Carthy 21-19, 21-8. McCarthy had a gruelling tie break win over Eoin Kennedy in the quarters. In the Ladies Open Fiona Shannon reached the final with an 21-6, 21-15 victory over Tracey Davis while fellow clubmate Aisling Reilly defeated Maria Daly 21-4, 21-16. In the Men's final Paul Brady had to come from 13-2 behind against Luis Morena before storming back to win an exciting first game by 21-19. He added the second 21-10 to win his fourth consecutive world men's title in a row and thus going into the history books as the greatest handball player of all time. Antrim's Aisling Reilly defeated clubmate Fiona Shannon in the ladies final that went to a tie breaker by 9-21, 21-6, 11-5. Fiona Shannon & sister Sibeal Gallagher retained their Ladies doubles crown at the expense of Kerry's Maria Daly & Ashley Prendiville.


Michael Ducksy Walsh completed the three in a row of world masters singles titles and followed with a successive doubles title with Wexford's Tommy Hynes. Egin Jensen did the silver masters double and another Dublin Eugene Kennedy slammed in the Diamond Masters. Willie Love won the Men's C singles with 192 entrants. Ireland won the Mens A, B, & C singles and doubles. Limerick's Bernie Hennessy doubles success was remarkable in the fact not alone did she win the Over-40 singles but had the notable achievement of winning the over-30 singles one-wall event beating Peurto Rico's Michelle Melendez. Melendez later won the ladies open doubles title. The Willoughby brothers created their own piece of handball history when all 6 brothers took part in the championships. Sammy & Robbie had plenty to sing about when Winning Men's C doubles and dad Richard also won a world title winning the Diamond Masters doubles with Pat Doyle

Conall McCavitt's cliff hanger battle with Robert Lee in the under-17 singles was hugely impressive. The young Armagh man had to dig deep before defeating the American by 11-6 in the tie breaker

Clare's Colin Crehan is going to be a huge star in handball with a double at U-17 level.

Tipperary's Daniel Hayes took the U-15 singles and doubles with partner Jason English.

The girls under-15 competitions were dominated by Armagh club Clann Eireann, to the extent that the one wall doubles final involved four girls from the club. Niamh Coleman and Aoife McConville proving the victors. It was Niamh Colman's 4 world title at these championships.

The remarkable Clann Eireann success story didn't end there because Aoibheann Henderson was a class act in the under-13 grade and came away with two gold medals, winning the singles title in both 40x20 and one-wall.

Clare's Ella Donnellan and Doireann Murphy added further gold medals to their county's impressive tally when they captured the under-13 doubles title in both codes. Leitrim's Alan Wrynn and Jarlath Scollan followed up with Donal Wrynn's success in 2009 winning the U-13 doubles.

Lorcan McBride won 3 Gold medals in the under-11 grade, winning three gold medals in 40x20 singles and doubles and one-wall singles.

WORLD 40X20 Four Wall CHAMPIONSHIPS

ROLL OF HONOUR 2012

Mens Open Singles

Winner: Paul Brady (Cavan); Runner-up: Luis Moreno (USA)

Mens Open Doubles

Winners: Luis Moreno & Andy Nett (USA)

Runners-up: Paul Brady & Michael Finnegan (Cavan

Womens Open Singles

Winner:Aisling Reilly (Antrim); Runner-up: Fiona Shannon (Antrim)

Womens Open Doubles

Winners: Fiona Shannon & Sibeal Gallagher (Antrim)

Runners-up: Maria Daly & Ashley Prendeville (Kerry)

Over-30 Womens Singles

Winner: Anna Spence (Kildare); Runner-up: Jessica Gawley (Canada)

Over-30 Womens Doubles

Winners: Stefanie Weaver & Donna Mosely (USA)

Runners-up: Una Mulgrew & Brid Kerr (Antrim)

Over-35 Mens Singles

Winner: Dominic Lynch (Kerry); Runner-up: Ciaran Curran (Tyrone)

Over-35 Mens Doubles

Winners: Dominic Lynch (Kerry) & Gavin Buggy (Wexford)

Runners-up: Seamus O Tuama & Sean Devine (Antrim)

Masters (40+) Womens Singles

Winner: Bernie Hennessy (Limeriick); Runner-up: Lavonah Madden (USA)

Masters A Singles

Winner: Michael Ducksy Walsh (Kilkenny); Runner-up: Chris Watkins (USA)

Masters A Doubles

Winners: Michael Ducksy Walsh (Kilkenny) & Tommy Hynes (Wexford)

Runners-up: Tom Sheridan (Meath) & Niall Kerr (Tyrone)

Masters B Singles

Winner: Adrian Benson (Dublin); Runner-up: Morgan Duggan (Galway)

Masters B Doubles

Winners: Christy McGovern & Joe Lynch (Meath)

Runners-up: Martin McInerney & John Lee (Tipperary)

Silver Masters (45+) A Singles

Winner: Egin Jensen (Dublin); Runner-up: John Libby (USA)

Silver Masters A Doubles

Winners: Egin Jensen (Dublin) & Billy Bourke (Kilkenny)

Runners-up: John Ryan (Carlow) & Paddy Donovan (Laois)

Silver Masters B Singles

Winner: Padraig Maguire (Kildare); Runner-up: Sean McNally (Down)

Silver Masters B Doubles

Winners: Ned Kealy & Eamon Rice (Wicklow)

Runners-up: Paul Dowling & Eamon Purcell (Kilkenny)

Golden Masters (50+) A Singles

Winner: Danny Armijo (USA); Runner-up: John Herlihy (Cork)

Golden Masters A Doubles

Winners: Vern Roberts & Chris Roberts (USA)

Runners-up: Danny Bell & John Cammett (Canada)

Golden Masters B Singles

Winner: Pat Ryan (Tipperary); Runner-up: John Cawley (Clare)

Golden Masters B Doubles

Winners: Tony O'Flaherty & Pat Griffin (Tipperary)

Runners-up: Paul Ruane & Cyril Kaar (Kildare)

Emerald Masters (55+) A Singles

Winner: Dave Steinberg (USA); Runner-up: Michael Linnick (USA)

Emerald Masters A Doubles

Winner: Kevin Geraghty (Mayo) & Tom O'Brien (Limerick)

Runners-up: Craig Trull (USA) & Merv Deckert (Canada)

Emerald Masters B Singles

Winner: Jerry Guiney (Cork); Runner-up: Joe Santilli (Australia)

Diamond Masters (60+) A Singles

Winner: Eugene Kennedy (Dublin); Runner-up: John Rossiter (Carlow)

Diamond Masters A Doubles

Winners: Eugene Kennedy (Dublin) & Ned Buggy (Wexford)

Runners-up: John Rossiter & Andy Ryan (Carlow)

Diamond Masters B Singles

Winner: Chris Kilday (USA); Runner-up: Neville Farrelly (Dublin)

Ruby Masters (65+) Singles

Winner: Dan Scilley (USA); Runner-up: Jim Ryan (Tipperary)

Ruby Masters Doubles

Winners: Jim Ryan (Tipperary) & Morgan Darcy (Galway)

Runners-up: Patsy Hand & Greg Sheridan (Cavan)

Veteran Masters (70+) Singles

Winner: Vic Di Luzio (Australia); Runner-up: Edward Grossenbacher (USA)

Veteran Masters Doubles

Winners: Vic Di Luzio (Australia) & Bill Flowers (USA)

Runners-up: Edward Grossenbacher & Steven Lee (USA)

Veteran Diamond Masters (75+) Singles

Winner: Kevan Del Grande (USA); Runner-up: Curtis Creed (USA)

Mens A Singles

Winner: Carl Browne (Meath); Runner-up: Rikki O'Gara (Roscommon)

Mens A Doubles

Winners: Rikki O'Gara & Damian Martin (Roscommon)

Runners-up: Carl Browne (Meath) & Jerome Willoughby (Wicklow)

Womens A Singles

Winner: Pauline Gallagher (Mayo); Runner-up: Patricia Doyle (Wicklow)

Womens A Doubles

Winners: Catriona Casey & Aisling O'Keefe (Cork)

Runners-up: Ciana Ni Churraoin (Galway) & Lauren O'Riordan (Roscommon)

Mens B Singles

Winner: Tadhg Carroll (Cork); Runner-up: Barry Devlin (Tyrone)

Mens B Doubles

Winners: Ciaran Neary (Kilkenny) & Michael O'Brien (Offaly)

Runners-up: Tadhg Carroll & Dale Cusack (Cork)

Womens B Singles

Winner: Martina McMahon (Limerick); Runner-up: Clodagh McManamon (Mayo)

Womens B Doubles

Winners: Roisin Ni Chonghaile & Sinead Ni hAinli (Galway)

Runners-up: Lisa Falvey & Sharon Twomey (Kerry)

Mens C Singles

Winner: William Love (Kilkenny); Runner-up: Brendan Burke (Kilkenny)

Mens C Doubles

Winners: John Ferncombe & Denis White (Tipperary)

Runners-up: Darren O'Toole & Malachy Whelan (Wexford)

Womens C Singles

Winner: Aine Casey (Kerry); Runner-up: Laura Keaver (Waterford)

Under-11 Boys Singles

Winner: Lorcan McBride (Tyrone); Runner-up:Jakub Szkup (Monaghan)

Under-11 Boys Doubles

Winners: Lorcan McBride (Tyrone) & Eoin McGinnity (Monaghan)

Runners-up: Antoin Fox and Dara Curran (Tyrone)

Under-11 Girls Singles

Winner: Leah Doyle (Kildare); Runner-up: Dearbhla Coleman (Armagh)

Under-11 Girls Doubles

Winners: Leah Doyle & Mollie Dagg (Kildare)

Runners-up: Dearbhla Coleman (Armagh) & Ciara Mullan (Tyrone)

Under-13 Boys Singles

Winner: Colin Ryan (Tipperary); Runner-up: Daniel Kavanagh (Wexford)

Under-13 Boys Doubles

Winners: Daniel Kavanagh (Wexford) & Tadhg O'Neill (Cork)

Runners-up: Colin Ryan & Jerome Cahill (Tipperary)

Under-13 Girls Singles

Winner: Aoibhinn Henderson (Armagh); Runner-up: Sinead Meagher (Tipperary)

Under-13 Girls Doubles

Winners: Ella Donnellan & Doireann Murphy (Clare)

Runners-up: Heather Spellman & Eimear Ni Bhiadha (Galway)

Under-15 Boys Singles

Winner: Daniel Hayes (Tipperary); Runner-up: Fergal Coughlan (Clare)

Under-15 Boys Doubles

Winners: Daniel Hayes & Jason English (Tipperary)

Runners-up: Daniel Curry (Wicklow) & Robert Fox (Meath)

Under-15 Girls Singles

Winner: Niamh Coleman (Armagh); Runner-up: Aoife Kelly (Tyrone)

Under-15 Girls Doubles

Winners: Niamh Coleman & Aoife McConville (Armagh)

Runners-up: Aoife Kelly & Elise McCrory (Tyrone)

Under-17 Boys Singles

Winner: Colin Crehan (Clare); Runner-up: Ryan Harkin (Cork)

Under-17 Boys Doubles

Winners: Colin Corbett & Niall Bolton (Clare)

Runners-up: Darren Doherty (Monaghan) & Patrick McCrory (Tyrone)

Under-17 Girls Singles

Winner: Ciana Ni Churraoin (Galway); Runner-up: Martina McMahon (Limerick)

Under-19 Mens Singles

Winner: Killian Carroll (Cork); Runner-up: Martin Mulkerrins (Galway)

Under-19 Mens Doubles

Winners: Martin Mulkerrins (Galway) & Niall O'Connor (Kildare)

Runners-up: Killian Carroll (Cork) & Patrick Herlihy (Cork)

Under-23 Mens Singles

Winner: Diarmaid Nash (Clare); Runner-up: Caolan Daly (Tyrone)

Under-23 Mens Doubles

Winners: Seamus O'Carroll and CJ Fitzpatrick (Limerick)

Runners-up: Diarmaid Nash & Niall Malone (Clare)

Under-23 Womens Singles

Winner: Catriona Casey (Cork); Runner-up: Lorraine Havern (Down)

World handball championships one-wall roll of honour 2012

Ireland win 20 one-wall world championships

Big Ball Mens Open Singles

Tywan Cook (USA) dft Yuber Pee Wee Castro (USA)

Big Ball Mens Open Doubles

Herman Mendez/Wally Amaro (Puerto Rico) dft Willie Polanco/Cesar Sala (USA)

Big Ball Womens Open Singles

Michelle Melendez (Puerto Rico) dft Jessica Lopez (Puerto Rico)

Big Ball Womens Open Doubles

Bernice Torres/Karen McConney (USA) dft Jessica Lopez/Jessica Santiago (Puerto Rico)

Big Ball Mens 23&U Singles

Danny Torres (Mexico) dft Luke Thomson (UK)

Big Ball Womens 23&U Singles

Danielle Daskalakia (USA) dft Sandy Ng (USA)

Big Ball Mens B Singles

Iker Gordan (Basque Country) dft Bryant Mellow Simmons (USA)

Big Ball Mens B Doubles

Danny Torres/Tony Ferrugia (USA) dft Juan Martinez/Jose Martinez (Puerto Rico)

Big Ball Womens B Singles

Martina McMahon (Limerick) dft Amaia Araisteigi Mendize (Basque Country)

Big Ball Womens B Doubles

Veronica Figueroa/Yolanda Monroe (USA) dft Alethia Mendez/Bernice Torres (USA)

Big Ball Mens C Singles

Sheathiel Rodriguez (Puerto Rico) dft Donis Alberto (USA)

Big Ball Mens C Doubles

Robbie Willoughby/Des Willoughby (Wicklow) dft Shane Briody/Ciaran Neary (Cavan/Kilkenny)

Big Ball Womens C Singles

Jenny Florabell Lee (USA) dft Lisa Loughnane (Clare)

Big Ball Mens Masters (40+) Singles

Juan Martinez (Puerto Rico) dft Eddie Gary Vivas Guijarro (Ecuador)

Big Ball Mens 40+ Doubles

Tony Roberts/George Figueroa (USA) dft Niall Kerr/Tom Sheridan (Tyrone/Meath)

Big Ball Womens 30+ Singles

Berni Hennessy (Limerick) dft Michelle Melendez (Puerto Rico)

Big Ball Womens 30+ Doubles

Loreen Belfor/Lian Chin (USA) dft Bernadette Mee/Fionnuala Mee (Leitrim)

Big Ball Mens 45+ Singles

George Figueroa (USA) dft Brian Deitrich (USA)

Big Ball Mens 50+ Singles

Paul Williams (USA) dft Pedro Rivera (Puerto Rico)

Big Ball Mens 50+ Doubles

Dominic Caddell/Thomas Maguire (Antrim) dft Conor McDonnell/Conor McMahon (Monaghan/Armagh)

Big Ball Mens 55+ Singles

John Molloy (Meath) dft Joe Santilli (Australia)

Big Ball Mens 55+ Doubles

Damian Walker/Bob Winter (Australia) dft Joe Santilli/David Gouge (Aust)

Big Ball Mens 60+ Singles

Pedro Rivera (Puerto Rico) dft Eugene Kennedy (Dublin)

Big Ball Mens 60+ Doubles

Richard Willoughby/Pat Doyle (Wicklow) dft Denis Uffer/Bob Winter (USA/Australia)

Big Ball Mens 70+ Singles

Vic Di Luzio (Australia) dft Nicky John Clancy (Galway)

Big Ball Boys 11 & U Singles

Lorcan McBride (Tyrone) dft Eoghan McGinnity (Monaghan)

Big Ball Boys 13 & U Singles

William Cassart (Belgium) dft Jarlath Scollan (Leitrim)

Big Ball Boys 15 & U Singles

Fergal Coughlan (Clare) dft Jack Campbell (Tyrone)

Big Ball Boys 17 & U Singles

Conall McCavitt (Armagh) dft Robert Lee (USA)

Big Ball Boys 19 & U Singles

Michael Zhou (USA) dft Killian Carroll (Cork)

Big Ball Boys 11 & U Doubles

Dara Curran/Antoin Fox (Tyrone) dft Lorcan McBride/Eoghan McGinnity (Tyr/Mon)

Big Ball Boys 13 & U Doubles

Alan Wrynn/Jarlath Scollan (Leitrim) dft Cormac Munroe/Darragh Canavan (Tyrone)

Big Ball Boys 15 & U Doubles

Niall Allison/Fergal Coughlan (Tyr/Clare) dft Ben Walsh/Evan Murphy (Limerick)

Big Ball Boys 17 & U Doubles

Conall McCavitt/Johnny Woods (Armagh/Tyrone) dft Colin Crehan/Darren Doherty (Clare/Monaghan)

Big Ball Boys 19 & U Doubles

Michael Zhou/Robert Lee (USA) dft Niall O'Connor/Martin Mulkerrins (Kildare/Galway)

Big Ball Girls 11 & U Singles

Dearbhla Coleman (Armagh) dft Mollie Dagg (Kildare)

Big Ball Girls 13 & U Singles

Aoibhinn Henderson (Armagh) dft Ella Donnellan (Clare)

Big Ball Girls 15 & U Singles

Niamh Coleman (Armagh) dft Fiona Tully (Roscommon)

Big Ball Girls 17 & U Singles

Ciana Ni Churraoin (Galway) dft Maeve McElduff (Tyrone)

Big Ball Girls 19 & U Singles

Catriona Casey (Cork) dft Ciara Mahon (Kilkenny)

Big Ball Girls 11 & U Doubles

Dearbhla Coleman/Ciara Mullan (Armagh/Tyrone) dft Leah Doyle/Mollie Dagg (Kildare)

Big Ball Girls 13 & U Doubles

Ella Donellan/Doireann Murphy (Clare) dft Eimear Ni Bhiadha/Heather Spelman (Galway)

Big Ball Girls 15 & U Doubles

Niamh Coleman/Aoife McConville (Armagh) dft Alanah Doran/Aoibheann Henderson (Armagh)

Big Ball Girls 19 & U Doubles

Ciana Ni Churraoin/Maeve McElduff (Galway/Tyrone) dft Catriona Casey/Aoife McCarthy (Cork/Westmeath)

Congratulations also to Con Moore former President of G.A.A. Handball who was elected to the role of President of the World Handball Council and to Tony Hannon also a former G.A.A. President who was elected as the first President of the new WWBA. The Secretary General of this new body is also an Irish man Chris Curran the C.E.O. of G.A.A Handball.

WIT win Collegiates 60 x 30 team title.

Kilkenny was the venue for the Collegiates 60 x 30 singles and Intervarsity championships

WIT won their 5th consecutive A Teams title defeating DCU in the final. WIT winning team members were Ger McGrath, Patrick Function, Peter Function and Noel Hoolahan.UCC took C Team's trophy Lee side once again. They were represented by PJ O'Brien, Fergal Lawlor, Donal Horgan, Laura Keever and Shauna Carroll. In the Open grade Martin Mulkerrins UCD got the better of Ciaran Neary DCU 21-11, 21-8.In the A grade John Fitzgerald UL had an exciting 21-11, 21-15 over Darryl Dolan TCD. In the B grade Fergal Lawlor (UCC) beat Neil McEnaney (DIT) 21-11, 21-18 while Pat Mulhearn (UCD) drove to victory with success over Tyrnan Ruane (UCD) in the C final. In the contender grade DIT club mates Emmett O'Neill and Ciaran McCarthy fought it out in the final where O'Neill came out on top; 21-6, 21-4. The Beginners grade consisted of 3 players that were taking up handball for the very first time. Aidan Crimp (UL) who is an Erasmus student from New Zealand defeated both Zac Lennon (DCU) and Adam Matthews (DIT) to win his first ever handball event.

Brady & Reilly win Simple Green U.S. Open of handball.

Just a week after being crowned World champions Cavan's Paul Brady and Antrim's Aisling Reilly were crowned U.S open of handball champions. The event took place at Los Caballeros, Fountain Valley Los Angeles. Brady had to come through a tough semi-final with top U.S. player in Arizona's Sean Lenning. The world champion squeezing through by 21-7, 16-21, 11-9. Armagh's Charly Shanks reached the final beating fancied Luis Moreno 21-14, 21-7. In the final Brady came through by 21-15, 21-12. In the ladies final Aisling Reilly breezed through to win the final with an 21-12, 21-7 win over Megan Mehilos. In the Men's doubles final Michael Gregan & Ger Coonan were edged out by Naty Alvarado & Octavio Silveyra in an exhilarating 3 set thriller. The final score in the Americans favour was 18-21, 21-15, 11-8

McCarthy & Keegan Billy Duggan winners

Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy & Mayo's Dessie Keegan teamed up successfully to take the Billy Duggan Memorial Invitational final. The duo defeated Cork's Tony Healy & Brendan Fleming in straight games.

Billy Duggan (40X20) Memorial Invitational Tournament:
At: Broadford, Co. Limerick:
Men's Open Senior Doubles (Semi-Finals):
Robbie McCarthy Jnr. (Westmeath) & Dessie Keegan (Mayo) bt Vinny Moran & Stephen
Cooney (Mayo) 21-6, 21-15.
Tony Healy & Brendan Fleming (Cork) bt Seamus O' Carroll & C. J. Fitzpatrick
(Limerick) 21-10, 21-14.
Men's Open Senior Doubles (Final):
Robbie McCarthy Jnr. (Westmeath) & Dessie Keegan (Mayo) bt Tony Healy & Brendan
Fleming (Cork) 21-12, 21-16.

Tipperary's historic treble

Tipperary teams of 6 teams recorded a treble of All-Ireland wins in O'Loughlin's Kilkenny. Tipperary's Under 12/13 team had a great win over Monaghan while the U14/15 side also recorded a final victory over Monaghan. In the U16/17 decider Tipperary made it a great day for the premier county with an exciting 8 point (50-42) win over Wexford.

U-12/13 final: Tipperary (Gerry Cahill, Colin Ryan, James Prentice, John McGrath, Sean McAdams, Sean Hayes) dft Monaghan (Eoghan Mc Ginnity, Jakub Szkup, Justas Dambinskas, Caoilean Myles, Ryan Mohan, Aaron Mohan)

U14/15 final:Tipperary (Aidan O Flaherty, Adrian English, Con Bonner, Liam Bradshaw, Aran Hogan, Mike Maher) dft Monaghan (Conor Leonard, Gary Mc Kenna, James Mc Kenna, Gary Treanor, Mark Mc Donnell, Gavin Coyle.)

Under 16/17 final Tipperary (Ronan Burke, Eoin Maher, Ciaran Casey, Dillon Madden) dft Wexford ( Bryan Keogh, James Kelly, Liam Shannon, Nicky Lawlor.





All-Ireland 40 x 20 Club titles for Kells Meath, Williamstown, Ballydesmond & Kells Kilkenny



Kells Handball Club in Meath ended the year on a high when securing the double of club titles this year. Tom Sheridan, Brian Carroll, Carl Browne & Gary McConnell proved too strong for a gallent St. Coman's Roscomon in the final. Williamstown took the intermediate, Ballydesmond the Junior and the Junior B title went to the Kells club in Kilkenny



GAA Handball All-Ireland 40X20 Club Championships Finals:

At: Moycullen, Co. Galway:

Open Club Championships: Kells, Meath (T. Sheridan, B. Carroll, C. Browne, G. McConnell) dft

St. Coman's, Roscommon (D. Martin, A. Cunningham, R. O' Gara, O. Naughton (+ sub, C. Doolin)) 67-22.

1st Doubles Match

T. Sheridan & B. Carroll (Kells) dft D. Martin & A. Cunningham (St. Coman's) 48-10.

2nd Doubles Match: C. Browne & G. McConnell (Kells) dft R. O' Gara & O. Naughton (St.

Coman's) 19-12.

Intermediate Club Championships:

Williamstown, Galway (N. McHugh, P. Conway, O. Conway, A. Tierney (sub, D. Connaughton) dft Brackey, Tyrone (S. O' Neill, B. Corcoran, R. Kelly, B. Devlin) 39-20.

Williamstown, Galway (N. McHugh, P. Conway, O. Conway, A. Tierney (sub, D. Connaughton) dft Liscarroll, Cork (D. Relihan, T. O' Neill, A. O' Neill, D. O' Neill) 43-41.



Junior Club Championship:

Ballydesmond, Cork (J. Casey, John O' Keeffe, D. O' Dea, Joseph O' Keeffe) dft Brackey, Tyrone (P. Clarke, G. McCrystall, C. McElduff, J. Woods) 36-26.

1st Doubles Match: J. Casey & John O' Keeffe (Ballydesmond) dft P. Clarke & G. McCrystall (Brackey) 16-14.

2nd Doubles Match: D. O' Dea & Joseph O' Keeffe (Ballydesmond) dft C. McElduff & J. Woods (Brackey) 20-12.

Junior B Club Championships

Kells, Kilkenny (B. Burke, D. Burke, D. Breen, A. Martin (+ sub, C. J.
Delaney) bt
Broadford, Limerick (P. Murphy, J. Noonan, A. Donnelly, S. Murphy (+
sub, P. Donnelly) 40-32.
1st Doubles Match
B. Burke & D. Burke (Kells) bt P. Murphy & J. Noonan (Broadford) 25-20.
2nd Doubles Match
D. Breen & A. Martin (Kells) bt A. Donnelly & S. Murphy (Broadford) 15-12.

John Gaffney Memorial tournament

In the last major handball event of 2012 the qualifying games for the 4th Annual John Gaffney 40 x 20 Memorial tournamnent took place. Niall O'Connor / Rikki O'Gara & Stephen Cooney/Peter Funchion will play off to see who will qualify for the 2013 event on Friday 11th January next.

A number of Irish Juniors will take part in the 57th USHA Junior 4 wall nationals which will take place in Lattoff YMCA in Des Plaines Chicago from December 27th-30th. We wish them all the very best of luck.

On behalf of everyone associated with GAA Handball I would like to take this opportunity to wish all handball players, supporters, officials, sponsors and their families a very happy Christmas and for a prosperous and sporting new year.



Michael McGee






Obituaries - Friends we lost in 2012

Eugene 'Gene' O' Reilly: Father of Eugene Irish Handball Coach of the year winner in 2010 & Crossakiel Handball Club. Suddenly at home on Wednesday February 1st last. Beloved husband of Nancy and adoring father of Orlagh, Elva and Eugene, doting grandfather of Keira, brothers Frank and James, sisters Mai and Winifred, son-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Removal on Saturday morning 4th February to The Church of the Assumption, Ballinlough for funeral mass at 12oc noon. Burial followed in adjoining cemetery

Mary Doyle (nee Fitzgerald): Wife of Pat Doyle former Wicklow Handball County Chairman and mother of Patricia Doyle Coolboy Handball Club on Sunday 19th February last. Removal to St. Mary's Church Coolafancy on Tuesday 21st February arriving for Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Maurice "Mossy" Herr:

Father of Paul Herr Hospital Handball Club Limerick and husband of Betty Herr past PRO of Limerick County Handball Board on Thursday 22nd March last. Reposing at Davern's funeral home Hospital from 5pm to 7pm, with Mass on Sunday 25th March at 11am and burial in the old cemetry in Knocklong Limerick.

Paddy Murphy: Cloonkeelane, Enniscrone Co Sligo on Monday 28th May last. Father of Mark Murphy Sligo Handball Board fixtures secretary. Peacefully at his residence. Remains reposing at his residence Removal on Thursday 31st May to Kilglass Church arriving for 11am requiem mass with burial afterwards in Killanley Cemetery.

Eamon Murphy: Peacefully, at Marymount Hospice, Cork on Tuesday 29th Mary last. A long standing member of the Mallow Handball Club and former officer of the Cork Handball Board. Beloved husband of the late Carmel, much loved father of Margaret, Ger, Deirdre, Annette, Eddie, Noelle, Brendan and the late Fr Tom and brother of Margaret. Sadly missed by his loving family, sister, sons-in-law. Requiem mass at the Church of the Resurrection Mallow. Burial afterwards to St. Gobnait's Cemetery Mallow.

Mary O' Connor: Bray Co. Wicklow and late of Kilflynn Co. Kerry, passed peacefully, but suddenly, at St. Columcille's Hospital on Friday October 5th.. Mary will be sadly missed by her devoted husband Tom Bray Handball Club, children David, Alan, Cathrice, Lisa, Claire, Seán, Siobhán, Rónán and Colm, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, sisters Margaret, Delia and Monica, extended family and friends. Removal on Tuesday 9th October at 9.30am from Thomas Murphy and Sons Funeral Home, Boghall Rd, Bray to St. Anne's Church, Shankill for 10.00am Funeral Mass followed by interment in Shanganagh Cemetery, Shankill, Co Dublin.

Damien Deegan Crinkle, Birr Co. Offaly tragically on Sunday 11th November. Damien held the role of Vice Chairman of Crinkle Handball Club for past 3 years. Life long member of the club and represented the club at Juvenile & adult level. Sadly missed by parents Michael, Brenda and family

Joe Maxwell Howth and formerly of Ballymun. Joe represented Dublin and won a number of All Ireland titles. Peacefully on December 15th, dearly loved husband of Bríd (Milton) and the late Mary, loving father of Niall and the late Owen; he will be sadly missed by his sisters Chrissie and Norrie, his daughter-in-law Geraldine, grandchildren Áine, Meadhbh and Pauric, his step- children, sisters-in-law, brothers- in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends. Reposing at his home. Removal to Church of the Assumption, Howth, arriving at 6 o'c. Funeral Mass on Tuesday 18th at 11.30 o'c. followed by Burial in Swords Cemetery. Tweet

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