McCarthy And Kennedy Reach Handball Championship Final

Sports - Other Sports

Sunday, 29 August 2010 18:55

Written by Stephen Davis

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Just two remain in the hunt for All-Ireland 60x30 Senior Singles honours, following a weekend of exciting GAA Handball action.

Defending champion, Dublin's Eoin Kennedy was in devastating form in the first semi-final at the Abbeylara venue in Longford on Saturday. The St Brigid's clubman, who is bidding for a seventh consecutive crown, stormed to a 21-5, 21-9 victory over Model County handballer, Gavin Buggy.

"I'm delighted with the win," said the Dubliner. "In championship handball, you can never take your foot off the pedal and thankfully things worked out well for me today."

In the second semi at the midlands venue, Westmeath young-gun, Robbie McCarthy also impressed the large gallery with an exciting performance against Kilkenny handball legend, Michael 'Ducksy' Walsh. McCarthy was clinical in the first game and opened with intent, taking a 21-10 win as Walsh found the power of the youngster too tough to handle.

In the second game, the experience of the Kilkenny man told as he battled back and at 19-15 up, looked like forcing a third game. But the Lake County man showed great character and notched off the aces to bring the pair level at 19-19, before McCarthy sealed his final place with two fantastic finishes to set up a rematch of the 2009 final.

"It's all to play for now," said McCarthy, in the aftermath of his victory. "My goal was to get back to the final; I'm there now, and we'll just have to see what happens."

RESULTS:
GAA Handball All Ireland 60x30 Senior Singles Semi-Finals:
Dublin (Eoin Kennedy) dft Wexford (Gavin Buggy) 21-5, 21-9
Westmeath (Robbie McCarthy) dft Kilkenny (Ducksy Walsh) 21-11, 21-19