Quinn’s drive to All-Ireland handball glory

Aoife Quinn to achieve historic All-Ireland Juvenile title


It’s a long way from Clare to Castleconnor but that is the journey that Aoife Quinn will be taking on Sunday as she goes in search of that elusive and historic All-Ireland Juvenile handball title, writes Michael McGee

Sligo handball starlet Aoife Quinn is just one game away from creating Sligo handball history. The Castleconnor club star takes on Kerry’s Michaela O’ Donoghue in the All-Ireland Girls U-15 singles decider in Tuamgraney the home of the legendary Kirby brothers. Quinn defeated Mayo’s Emily Sweeney 15-8, 15-0 in the Connacht final and received a bye in the semi-final. O’Donoghue defeated Kilkenny’s Sarah Molloy in her semi-final. It is the Castleconnor girl 2nd All-Ireland final appearance this year having lost out to Kerry’s Katie Fleming 15-10, 15-5 in the All-Ireland Girls U-15 singles 40 x 20 final in O’Loughlin’s Kilkenny last April.


Quinn has made steady progress in the last number of years winning a number of Connacht College’s titles. Last year Quinn was a member of the Connacht Provincial Girls team of 10 that defeated Ulster in the final. It is a tremendous achievement for the Castleconnor Club who have achieved so much for Juvenile handball in the County. For the past number of years Tom Foody & Aoife’s Dad Oisin have been instrumental in much of the Club’s success at Juvenile level.

Should Quinn win it will even more remarkable as the Castleconnor club don’t have a 60 x 30 court of its own and it means that their rising young star has to travel to the Collooney Club and to Williamstown in Galway for games.

Quinn’s disappointment in the 40x 20 final will drive her on even more and with greater focus and determination should propel her to All-Ireland gold

There could be case of double celebration in Castleconnor on Sunday as Martin Cooney plays in the All-Ireland Silver Masters B singles final in Williamstown.

All-Ireland Juvenile championships 60 x 30 finals

Sunday 19th August 2012
at Tuamgraney, Clare, 12pm
Girls U-15 Singles: Aoife Quinn (Sligo) v Michaela O’Donoghue (Kerry)

Cooney , McCann & Walsh to seal All-Ireland handball titles for Sligo

Francis Mc Cann


Martin Cooney


Paddy Walsh to renew rivalry with Dublin's Mick O' Brien

Cooney , McCann & Walsh to seal All-Ireland handball titles for Sligo
McCann to lead the way as Sligo aim for treble of All-Ireland handball titles, writes Michael McGee

Winning All-Ireland handball titles for Francis McCann is nothing new since that historic day in 1977 when the champion handballer won his first All-Ireland handball when winning the All-Ireland minor hardball doubles championships with the late Michael Porter. McCann followed this up 2 years later winning the U-21 doubles and in 1981 the Junior titles followed. The Ballymote man is aiming to bring his All-Ireland medal haul to 18th at the weekend an astonishing record. McCann meets Kildare’s Mick Dowling for the second time this year. The Kildare man defeated McCann in the 40 x 20 final last March in Curraghboy. The Sligo stalwart is the reigning champion in this grade having collected the title in Roscommon in 2011 with a 21-11, 21-13 win over Cavan’s Mickelleen Brady. McCann is in superb form all season and his only real test in this year’s campaign came in the Connacht final. The champion opened well and took the first game by 21-9. His opponent in Mayo’s Martin Vahey came back strongly in game two with some outstanding play thus bringing to a tie breaker. Mc Cann, undaunted by this is a teak tough seasoned campaigner having coming through many memorable triumphs in a long and distinguished playing career. Despite being on “the ropes” the Yeats man recovered well and incredibly only allowed Vahey one further score for the remainder of the match. McCann had the advantage of Ballymote for his semi-final outing and he made it count with an impressive 21-1, 21-14 over Monaghan Conor McDonnell.
“ McCann’s determination and willingness to work hard has certainly stood the test of time. His undoubted natural skills and inspirational battling qualities have won him many outstanding achievements in the heat of battle. The Sligo man’s superior fitness and greater experience in finals should see him once again stand again on the summit as he embarks on bringing back another historic All-Ireland handball title back to the Ballymote club.
Path to the final:
Connacht final: Golden Masters A singles: Francis Mc Cann dft Martin Vahey 21-9, 13-21, 21-1
All-Ireland semi-final: Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann dft Conor McDonnell (Monaghan) 21-1, 21-14
Walsh’s wizardry to win out
Legendary Sligo Handball players Paddy Walsh goes in search of another All-Ireland title when he takes on takes on Dublin’s Mick O’Brien in the Over 70’s singles All-Ireland final. Walsh from the St. Mary’s club in Sligo is going for an unprecedented 29th All-Ireland handball title in an illustrious career. Walsh won his first All-Ireland title back in 1974. Walsh has also won 7 Senior County GAA titles with Collooney/Ballisodare in the 1970’s and 1 title with St. Mary’s. Walsh’s great battles with Meath’s Christy Lynagh has become part of handball folklore in Sligo and National handball circles. The last time these two players met was in the All-Ireland Ruby Masters singles semi-final in Collooney two years ago. On that occasion the Dubliner beat the Yeats County man over 3 games.”Walsh looks better prepared this time training twice a week for the past number of months. His experience and utter determination to win every game is part of Walsh’s DNA. He still has the hunger, heart and passion to achieve in what will be another historic achievement for Sligo’s greatest ever handball player. “
Cooney’s power to knock out Frazier
Castleconnor’s Martin Cooney play’s in his first All-Ireland final and like McCann is in arguably the best form of his life. Forced out through injury in 2011 Cooney’s performances in this year’s championships make for very impressive reading In his Connacht final appearance he defeated his great nemesis in Mayo’s George Miller by 21-6, 21-12 while an even greater display awaited him in the semi-final when he blitzed Down’s Sean McNally in straight games. Cooney’s thunderous power play has been the catalyst that has seen the Castleconnor man reach the final. Cooney’s opponent will be Limerick’s John Frazier. Frazier demolished Kilkennny’s Paul Dowling 21-1, 21-8 in his semi final. In recent training sessions Cooney has been in flying form pushing the likes of McCann & Mayo’s Jason Judge to their limits. The former Monaghan native will go in as favourite. The Masters player will give it all and come Sunday evening Cooney & the Castleconnor club should be celebrating in what will be notable achievement.
“The Castleconnor club man is very well equipped to take his first All-Ireland title with his blistering power and precision strokes. Cooney’s positional alertness around the court will prove crucial and with that little extra bit of determination, strength of mind & court craft needed to win All-Ireland’s it should be enough to secure the title.
Path to the final:
Conancht final Silver Masters B singles: Martin Cooney dft George Miller (Mayo) 21-6, 21-13
All-Ireland semi-final Silver Masters B singles: Martin Cooney dft Sean McNally (Down) 21-4, 21-5.

M Donnelly GAA Handball All Ireland 60x30 Softball Championship Finals 2012
Saturday 18th August 2012, in St. Coman's, Roscommon:
5pm: Golden Masters A Singles: Francis McCann Sligo v Mick Dowling Kildare
6pm: Over 70 Singles: Paddy Walsh Sligo v Mick O’Brien Dublin


Sunday 19th August 2012, in Williamstown, Galway:
1pm: Silver Masters B Singles: Martin Cooney Sligo v John Frazier Limerick

Two Connacht Juvenile titles for Sligo, Cooney & McCann reach All-Ireland handball finals

Harte, Trill & Quinn star for Sligo in Connacht handball titles success


Sligo Juvenile handball players claimed 2 Connacht Juvenile A 60 X 30 titles in Willliamstown Galway last Saturday writes, Michael McGee

Stanley Harte Jnr & Tommy Trill gave a scintillating display in the final of the Boys U-17 doubles final over Mayo’s Nathan Massey& Daniel Bradwell played in Williamstown Galway. Both teams were very evenly matched throughout the contest but when it mattered most Harte & Trill combined well to thwart a Mayo comeback that very nearly happened. Harte who reached the All-Ireland U-17 doubles semi-final last year showed his great experience and appetite in the heat of battle and with Thrill making a welcome return to handball demonstrating his undoubted talents and skills the duo stormed to a great win over their Mayo teenagers.

Castleconnor’s Aoife Quinn captured her second Connacht Juvenile handball title of the year when claiming the Girls U-15 singles in Williamstown Galway today. In the final Quinn played the better handball and controlled the game. In a close first game Quinn held the advantage throughout and powered her way to an impressive win in the second leaving her opponent Emily Sweeney from Mayo scoreless.

Sligo’s other representatives Ross Taheny Boys U-15 singles, Patrick Fox all had to settle for silver in Provincial finals. Jason Earlis reached the semi-final of the Boys U-16 grade

Results Connacht Juvenile A 60 x 30 championships finals:
Girl U-15 singles final: Aoife Quinn dft Emily Sweeney Mayo 15-8, 15-0
Boys U-15 single final: Ross Taheny lost to Neil Joyce (Mayo) 1-15, 6-15.
Boys U-17 Doubles final: Tommy Trill & Stanley Harte Jnr dft Nathan Massey Daniel Bradwell Mayo) 21-17, 21-13
Boys U-17 singles final: Patrick Fox lost to Conor Noone Galway 3-21, 12-21

Cooney & McCann in All-Ireland handball finals

Sligo’s Martin Cooney & Francis McCann will be appearing in All-Ireland handball finals following comfortable victory’s in semi-finals played in Ballymote on Saturday. As expected Cooney in the Silver Masters B singles had a facile win on Down’s Sean McNally in the opening contest.
Local hero Francis McCann had a whirlwind start in his Golden Masters A Singles against Monaghan’s Conor McDonnell. The Monaghan man came more into the contest in the second but McCann came through to claim his place in the final. The reigning champion will be hoping to retain his title and gain All-Ireland number 18 in an outstanding handball career in the process.
The All-Ireland finals are set to take place on Sunday 19th August next

All-Ireland handball championships 60 x 30 semi-finals results:
Silver Masters B singles: Martin Cooney dft Sean McNally (Down) 21-4, 21-5
Golden Maters A singles: Francis McCann dft Conor McDonnell (Monaghan) 21-1, 21-14

Cooney & McCann to reach finals

Cooney & McCann to reach All-Ireland handball finals

Ballymote will host 2 All-Ireland handball semi-finals tomorrow evening. First into action will be Martin Coooney in the Silver Masters B singles category. Cooney from the Castleconnor club had an impressive 21-6, 21-12 victory over Mayo’s George Miller in the Connacht final two weeks ago. Cooney takes on Down’s Sean McNally for a place in this year’s All-Ireland final and should have the necessary fire power to overcome the Ulster champion.
In the following game Francis McCann has home advantage as he faces Monaghan’s Conor McDonnell. McCann chasing his 18th All-Ireland handball title is the reigning champion following his victory over Cavan’s Mickelleen Brady in last year’s final. McCann like Cooney had an impressive Connacht campaign when getting the better of Mayo’s Martin Vahey in the provincial final over 3 games. Both players should progress to the finals

All-Ireland handball championships 60 x 30 semi-finals
Saturday July 28th in Ballymote at 4 p.m
Silver Masters B singles: Martin Cooney v Sean McNally (Down)
Golden Maters A singles: Francis McCann v Conor McDonnell (Monaghan)


Saturday July 28th in Williamstown Galway starting at 11 am
Connacht Juvenile 60 x 30 championships semi-finals
Sligo Juveniles will take centre stage in Williamstown tomorrow in the Provincial semi-finals
Boys U-15 single: Ross Taheny. Taheny is from the Collooney Club and last won a Connacht Juvenile A 60 x 30 title in 2010.
Boys U-16 singles : Jason Earlis: Already has a Connacht title under his belt this year when he claimed the Boys U-16 singles 40 x 20 title. Earlis from the Castleconnor club is a member of the Sligo GAA Juvenile development team that lost to Roscommon last weekend.
Boys U-17 doubles: Tommy Trill & Stanley Harte. Tommy Trill & Stanley Harte both from the Collooney club are expected to do well. Harte teamed up Jason Earlis in last year’s campaign and were just pipped by Waterford for a place in the All-Ireland final. Trill a future great prospect for the club is a very talented and versatile player and has shown glimpses of what he is capable off.
Girls U-15 singles: Aoife Quinn. Castleconnor starlet Aoife Quinn is the sole representatives in the girls grades from Sligo. Quinn surprised many by reaching this years All-Ireland Girls U-15 singles 40 x 20 final but lost out to Cork’s Katie Fleming in straight games. Quinn may struggle in the wider expanses in the bigger 60 x 30 court.

Sligo doubles pairings crash out of Connacht 60 x 30 championships

Sligo handballers out of luck

It was a classic case of Friday 13th which proved unlucky for Sligo players in Connacht finals. In Williamstown on Friday evening the trio of Sligo handball doubles pairings all were defeated by Mayo teams, writes Michael McGee

In the Golden Masters A doubles Francis McCann & Hugh McGarry were expected to do well as reigning Connacht champions. Francis McCann went into the final with a back injury that seriously hampered their chances as Mayo’s Martin Vahey & John Staunton controlled the game right from the start. Despite a revival in the second McCann & McGarry’s comeback fell short against the well drilled Mayo pairing.

Things didn’t get any better for Sligo’s Emerald Masters A doubles pairing of Mick McMorrow & John McLoughlin. It was always going to be an uphill struggle against the favourites in Mayo’s Kevin Geraghty & Martin Cronin. The Sligo men were second best throughout the final and Geraghty & Cronin coasted to what was an easy win in the end.

Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte put up a brave display in the Golden Masters B doubles final. Despite losing the opening game the Sligo men rallied strongly and in a pulsating game Chambers & Harte held firm to take the second by 21-18. However their exertions in getting back into the game took its toll on them as Mayo’s Joe Cummins & John Conroy found an extra gear in the tiebreaker and raced away to take the spoils.

Castleconnor duo Tom Foody & Joe Gorman put up a very gritty display against a strong Mayo pairing in Martin McAndrew & Sean Sweeney in the Junior C doubles final. Foody & Gorman Connacht 40 x 20 champions in 2009 had chances of winning the Connacht title but struggled to deliver the knock out blows in both games. Instead it was the Mayo pairing that got over the line to win an entertaining contest in St. Coman’s last Saturday.

Overall it was a disappointing Connacht 60 x 30 campaign for Sligo handballers who ended up with just 2 Connacht titles this season.

Connacht handball championships 60 x 30 finals
Golden Masters A doubles: Francis McCann & Hugh McGarry lost to Martin Vahey & John Staunton (Mayo) 6-21, 13-21
Emerald Masters A doubles: Mick McMorrow & John McLoughlin lost to Kevin Geraghty & Martin Cronin (Mayo) 5-21, 7-21
Golden Masters B doubles: Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte lost to Joe Cummins & John Conroy (Mayo) 16-21, 21-18, 21-6
Junior C doubles: Joe Gorman & Tom Foody lost to Martin McAndrew & Sean Sweeney (Mayo) 15-21, 16-21

Connacht titles for Cooney & McCann

Francis McCann Golden Masters A singles Connacht 60 x 30 champion


Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte in Sundays Connacht Golden Masters B doubles final

Handballers aiming for Connacht gold
The Yeats county are in 4 Connacht handball championships doubles finals and just like the Sligo senior football team will be hoping to make it a successful weekend for Sligo G.A.A, writes Michael McGee

The Golden Masters A doubles pairing of Francis McCann & Hugh McGarry travel to Williamstown for their contest with Mayo’s Martin Vahey & John Staunton. The Sligo men are the reigning Connacht champions in this grade. Last year the duo reached the All-Ireland semi-final but had a narrow loss to Tipperary’s Pat Griffin & Tony O’Flaherty. McCann who won the singles final last weekend against Vahey is in superb form judging by recent performances and with McGarry solid as a rock on the right giving little away it all counts to a Sligo victory here.
In the Emerald Masters A singles Mick McMorrow and John McLoughlin have it all to do against Mayo’s Mayo’s Kevin Geraghty & Martin Cronin. Morrow & McLoughlin went all the way in 2011 winning the All-Ireland Emerald Masters B doubles final against Kilkenny’s Gerry Murphy & Jim Dooley. The duo have yet to play a competitive game together in 2012 and the step up to the A grade maybe beyond their reach this time round.
The Junior C pairing of Tom Foody & Joe Gorman will also be hoping for progress. Foody & Gorman defeated a Roscommon pairing two weeks ago in the semi’s. Connacht 40 x 20 champions in 2009 the pair are going all out to win the big court title. Foody & Gorman were tested to the full in their semi-final victory over Roscommon. Gorman is a strong left sided player while Foody controls the right side of court. If the Castleconnor men can repeat their semi-final performances they stand a great chance of adding to their Connacht success of three year’s ago. Their final opponents Mayo’s Martin McAndrew & Sean Sweeney advanced to the final with a victory over Leitirm’s Dessie McKeever & Frank McDonagh.
The Golden Masters B pairing of Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte could be best described as the sleeping giants in Sligo handball at present. The duo reached the All-Ireland silver masters B doubles semi-final in 2010 but have struggled to reach the heights of 2 years ago. In the last number of weeks the pair is doing well in training and just coming into form at the right time. On their day Chambers & Harte have a “big game” in them and could it be the Connacht final that will see their championship credentials season re ignited.
Connacht championships 60 x 30 doubles finals fixtures:
Friday 13th July in Williamstown at 7 p.m.
Golden Masters A doubles: Francis McCann & Hugh McGarry v Martin Vahey & John Staunton (Mayo) match 1
Emerald Masters A doubles: Mick McMorrow & John McLoughlin v Kevin Geraghty & Martin Cronin (Mayo) match 2
Saturday 14th July in St. Coman’s at 5 p.m.
Junior C doubles: Joe Gorman & Tom Foody v Martin McAndrew & Sean Sweeney (Mayo) match 2
Sunday 15th July in Williamstown at 2 p.m.
Golden Masters B doubles: Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte v Joe Cummins & John Conroy (Mayo) match 1

Connacht titles for Cooney & McCann
In a mixed weekend of handball action Sligo players were successful in 2 Connacht singles finals. Castleconnor’s Martin Cooney made a welcome return to competitive handball following a troublesome shoulder injury that kept him out of the game for the past 15 months. Cooney return was enough to see off the challenge of Mayo’s George Miller in the Silver Masters B singles contest. Francis McCann showed his undoubted class retaining the Connacht Golden Masters A singles title. McCann was taken to three games by Mayo’s Martin Vahey in an high tempo match. The Ballymote man took the opening game by 21-9. Vahey hit back strongly in the second with some impressive play. In the tie breaker McCann’s relentless work rate finally broke the Mayo man’s spirited challenge. McCann took a firm grip on proceedings thereafter only allowing the Mayo man one point in the third. McCann now goes forward to the All-Ireland semi-finals where he could meet Cavan’s Mickeleen Brady in a repeat of last year’s final. In 3 other finals involving Sligo players all went down to Mayo opponents. Oxfield’s Colin Slevin will have to wait at least another year before having a crack at winning his first Connacht 60 x 30 title following a straight sets defeat to Mayo’s Eamon Higgins. Mick McMorrow step up to the A grade proved too much against the experienced Kevin Geraghty.
Results: Connacht handball 60 x 30 championships finals
Junior C singles: Colin Slevin lost to Eamon Higgins (Mayo) 4-21, 8-21
Golden Masters A singles: Francis Mc Cann v dft Martin Vahey 21-9, 13-21, 21-1
Emerald Masters A singles: Mick McMorrow lost to Kevin Geraghty (Mayo) 5-21, 12-21
Silver Masters B singles: Martin Cooney dft George Miller (Mayo) 21-6, 21-13
One Wall Nationals
Castleconnor’s Jason Earlis, Oisin Quinn, Aoife Quinn & Odhran Quinn all took part in the One Wall Nationals that took place in Citywest over the weekend.

Connacht singles finals switched from St. Coman's to Ballymoe

Handballers in 4 Connacht 60 x 30 singles finals

Sligo handball players will be appearing in 4 provincial singles finals next weekend. Francis McCann should retain his Connacht title while Martin Cooney, Michael McMorrow & Colin Slevin face difficult assignments.

There will be a feast of handball on Friday evening involving 3 Sligo players and Michael McGee looks forward to the weekend’s handball action involving players from the Yeats County

Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann v Martin Vahey/Michael Heraty (Mayo)

Francis McCann is chasing another Connacht title in a long and illustrious handball career. The Ballymote man is the reigning champion in this grade having defeated Cavan’s Mickeleen Brady 21-11, 21-13 in last year’s final. This will be Mc Cann’s first test as he embarks on retaining his All-Ireland title. McCann will face either Martin Vahey or Michael Heraty who will be playing off their refixed tie during the week. McCann has been in consistent form off late and should have that little bit extra experience to qualify for the semi-final and a crack at winning an astonishing 18th All-Ireland handball winners medal.

Silver Masters B singles: Martin Cooney v George Miller (Mayo)
Castleconnor’s Martin Cooney & George Miller meet in the final of the Silver Masters B. Both players have not met since last year’s Connacht 40 x 20 semi-final clash which Miller won. Cooney picked up a shoulder injury in that match that has kept him out of handball for the past 15 months and is just returning to action. There is never much between these players meet and it could go down to a deciding 3rd game. Another fantastic match is in prospect and if Cooney can get control of the game he could win out in Connacht.

Emerald Masters A singles: Mick McMorrow v Kevin Geraghty (Mayo)
St. Mary’s Club man Michael McMorrow will be on a wing and a prayer as he has the unenviable task of trying to take the scalp of favourite Kevin Geraghty in the Connacht Emerald Masters A singles final. McMorrow an All-Ireland Emerald Masters B doubles champion with John McLoughlin in 2011 is certainly up against it against the Swinford club man. McMorrow will have to give his best performance in years and even that may not be good enough. McMorrow has impressed in training but will need to move up an extra gear or two if he is to challenge Geraghty for provincial honours.

Junior C singles: Colin Slevin v Eamon Higgins (Mayo)
For Oxfield’s Colin Slevin this is new territory playing in a Connacht 60 x 30 final. On Friday evening last Slevin justified his place in the provincial final with a fully merited 21-12, 21-17 victory over Roscommon’s Liam O’Ceallaigh. More at home in the 40 x 20 court the Oxfield man shocked O’Ceallaigh in straight games in Collooney. The question is can Slevin maintain this form and surprise Higgins to claim his first Connacht 60 x 30 title at adult level.
Connacht handball championships 60 x 30 finals
Friday 6th July in Ballymoe Roscommon at 7 p.m.

Junior C singles: Colin Slevin v Eamon Higgins (Mayo)- match 1
Golden Masters A singles: Francis Mc Cann v Martin Vahey/Michael Heraty - match 2
Emerald Masters A singles: Mick McMorrow v Kevin Geraghty (Mayo) match 3
Saturday 7th July in Ballymoe Roscommon at 5 p.m
Silver Masters B singles: Martin Cooney v George Miller (Mayo) – match 2

Slevin, Foody & Gorman reach finals
Sligo handballers had finally something to smile about following last weekend’s disappointment in the singles. In the last singles game to be played Oxfield’s Colin Slevin defeated Roscommon’s Liam O’ Ceallaigh to set up Connacht final with Mayo’s Eamon Higgins while Castleconnor’s Tom Foody & Joe Gorman came away from St. Coman’s on Saturday evening securing their Connacht final place with a hard fought 21-11, 21-14 win over a Roscommon pairing.
Results:
Connacht handball 60 x 30 championships semi-finals
Junior C singles: Colin Slevin (Sligo) dft Liam O’Ceallaigh (Roscommon) 21-12, 21-17
Junior C Doubles: Tom Foody & Joe Gorman dft Roscommon 21-11, 21-14

GAA Handball introduction to Sligo Cul Camps a success
Last Thursday in the Collooney handball court over 25 young Sligo G.A.A Coaches led by Liam Og Gormley, Sligo GAA games manager attended a handball introduction course. It proved an outstanding success. Peter Chambers Sligo GAA Handball County Chairman welcomed all the Coaches to Collooney and spoke on handball. Michael McGee Sligo GAA Handball Secretary also welcomed Liam Og Gormley, John Cawley Tubbercurry N.S. teacher who recently returned from a school trip to Poland where he introduced the game, and the Coaches to Collooney. The Co. Secretary demonstrated a number of handball drills that can be used in the Cul Camps. Afterwards Shane Bruen, Stanley Harte Jnr, Peter Chambers & Connell Cannon gave exhibitions in the one-wall & 60 x 30 code with many of the coaches participating in the games and a number of them already showing a flair for handball.