Brady bids for fourth in a row
April 08, 2008
The stage is set for the DALKIA All-Ireland Senior Singles Final as Cavan's Paul Brady faces Corkman Tony Healy in his bid to retain the coveted title at O'Loughlin Gaels in Kilkenny.
The brightest lights of a golden generation of 40x20 players, Brady and Healy have dominated this particular championship since the turn of the century, with the exception of 2001 when Eoin Kennedy landed his sole title, and last year when the Dubliner piped Healy in a 21-20 semi before going under to Brady in the decider.
It's no surprise they have qualified for the showpiece once more. Both are driven athletes, and there is a real sense that both are on a mission this season. Brady is gunning for four in a row, Healy aiming for redemption following four years in the wilderness.
The Breffni man will also contest the Senior Doubles Final in two weeks time, but he will have only one thing on his mind this Saturday.
"It's great to be in the two finals, but I'm taking it one weekend at a time and this weekend my sights are firmly set on retaining the senior singles crown," said the 28-year-old Mullahoran man.
Brady and Healy have met on numerous occasions over the past few years, and their 2003 World Championship final meeting will be remembering in the sporting annals for generations. The duo met again in the 2006 final in Canada, but Brady proved too hot for the Rebel to handle.
"Games are always close between us, but this year we both seem to have all guns firing and I'm really looking forward to the final," said Brady. Healy will need to continue he form he has produced in the championship so far if he is to end his four year famine.
Curtain raisers to the grand final are the Minor Singles and Ladies Senior Singles finals. Mayo's Stephen Cooney faces a tough meeting against Meath's Gary McConnell in the Minor Final, while clubmates, Antrim's Aisling Reilly and Fiona Shannon will contest the Ladies Final in what looks set to be a cracker. Let the games begin.
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