Sligo handball report
December 11, 2013National handball title for Aoife Quinn
Castleconnor Connacht Interclub 60 x 30 champions. Three World Police & Fire games medals for Gerry Coleman. All-Ireland handball title for Paddy Walsh. Colloony handball club begin work on its new 40 x 20 handball court. Paddy Walsh honoured with Civic Reception. Juveniles continue to impress with 9 Connacht titles coming to the County some of the highlights in another great year in Sligo handball.
Cooney's team champions in Sligo handball team final
The first Sligo handball gathering of the year was the Sligo handball team final. Thirty Players from Mayo, Leitrim & Sligo took part. The games started last November. Martin Cooney's & Shane Bruen team both finished on 29 points qualifying for the final. Castleconnor with its bright new court on show hosted the final on Wednesday 9th January last. In a rollercoaster first doubles match seen Martin Cooney & Jamie Murray taking on Shane Bruen & Tommy Trill both from the Collooney club. In a highly entertaining game that was level on no less than 5 occasions it was the Bruen & Trill that finished the stronger to take the first game by 21-18. Cooney & Murray the favourites came back strongly in the second game completely dominating the second game all too easily by 21-2 thus forcing the tie break game. Murray was having a great game on the left and with Cooney coming more into the game it looked like they would go on to take the match. However Bruen & Trill didn't read the script and stormed out of the blocks to stun Murray & Cooney. Bruen and talented teenager Trill who was making a welcome return to handball went swiftly into a big lead with a flurry of points leading by 8-2. Bruen & Trill were now in the driving seat and blew the heavy hitters of Cooney & Murray away with a storming finish by 11-2.
In the second doubles match Mark Murphy & Micheal Bruen proved too strong for Seamus Duffy & Larry Jones by 21-2, 21-6.
The last doubles match between Colin Conlon /Gerry Coleman & Tom Foody & Micheal Jones both from the Castleconnor club proved very exciting. Foody & Jones had a big lead of 18-6 in the opening game but Conlon & Coleman found their range and hit back in impressive style. Despite a spirited comeback it was Foody & Jones that held firm to win the first game by 21-12. Going into the final game Shane Bruen's & Martin Cooney were level on points with both sets of supporters getting fully behind their players. Colin Conlon from the near Bunniconlon club in Mayo & Gerry Coleman the Collooney club man greater team work put Martin Cooney's team well out in front by 17-7. Conlon's strong play and Coleman's expert serving and creativity opened up Foody & Jones shortcomings.
Staring defeat in the face it was Jones & Foody that set the momentum for what could have been a famous victory for Shane Bruen's team. Jones was lively all over the court and the hard working Tom Foody on the left brought the battle to Conlon & Coleman. Conlon & Coleman confidence was tested to the full with Foody & Jones hitting back with 8 points on the trot leaving only 2 points in it at 17-15. The game and match was delicately poised. Conlon & Coleman looked to have weathered the Castleconnor Tsunami when getting 2 important points to lead by 4. Foody & Jones gritty displayed seen them on the shoulders of Conlon & Coleman at 19-18. With both sets of fervent supporters getting fully behind their players it was Conlon & Colman that emerged winners in a frenetic finish. Conlon was the hero in the end with an expertly taken kill shot into the right corner sealing the win for Martin Cooney's team by 21-18 in a memorable Sligo handball team tournament. Sligo G.A.A Handball Treasurer Oisin Quinn presented the winners and runners-up with their trophies afterwards.
Team E Martin Cooney's team of Jamie Murray, Jason Earlis, Michael Bruen, Gerry Coleman, Mark Murphy, and Colin Conlon defeated Team B of Shane Bruen's team Seamus Duffy, Larry Jones, Tommy Trill, Tom Foody, and Micheal Jones 125-79
Connacht Award for Martin Cooney
Fresh from his team's victory in the team final Martin Cooney was nominated by the Connacht handball council for its "Special Achievement Award".
McCann & Harte Gerard Jones Memorial Cup champions 2013
Francis McCann & Stanley Harte made a winning combination when claiming the 2013 Gerard Jones Memorial Cup in Castleconnor on Sunday January last. Twelve doubles teams entered in this year's tournament. The eventual winners defeated Castleconnor due Tom Foody & Michael Browne in the final by 31-15. Michael Ginley standing in for the injured Jason Earlis and Micheal Jones won the plate at the expense of Mark Murphy & Larry Jones by 31-21. It was a day of celebration for the Castleconnor club as this was the first year the tournament was held since a new glass back wall and viewing area was installed.
Bruen's brilliant display reaches Connacht final
There was mixed fortunes for Sligo handball players in the Connacht handball championships semi-finals against Galway opponents last Sunday. St. Mary's handball club hosted 3 matches and Ballymote's Martin Golden got Sligo off to a winning note. Golden made a slow start against Galway's Willie Corcoran and it was the Galway man early running that earned him the opening game by 21-13. Golden then took control. With some winning aces to Corcoran's right side and strong passing shots the Ballymote man built up a big 14-3 lead. Golden was killing the ball into the right corner and controlling the strategic centre court where he was able to dictate play. Corcoran had a mini revival with 3 points in a row but it was near enough as strong play from the Ballymote seen him take the second game by 21-10. In the tie break Golden's greater fitness began to tell as Corcoran's fight back wilted under the constant pressure exerted by the Sligo man. Golden raced away in the tie breaker comfortable winning it by 21-13 to qualify for the Provincial final. St. Mary's Michael McMorrow was never fully extended in his match with Galway's Pierce Lalor and could always have upped an extra gear or two if he was forced too. McMorrow eased his way into the final with a composed 21-10, 21-13 victory over the Galwegian. Seamus Duffy in the Emerald Masters A singles met an inform Tony McInerney. The more clinical McInerney punished Duffy for any mistakes. Despite a battling performance in the second game Duffy's fight back just fell short with McInerney recording a straight sets victory.
Castleconnor also hosted 2 games. Collooney's Shane Bruen (Masters B singles) was expecting a tough battle against Galway's Morgan Duggan. Duggan went in as the clear favourite following the Galway man's finishing runner up in last year's World handball championships Masters B singles final in Citywest. It was the Sligo man that took the fight to Duggan right from the start. Bruen was on fire and shocked Duggan with a near flawless performance. Bruen was on top for most of the game and with great hunger and instinctive play brushed aside Duggan's challenge quite easily in the end by 21-11, 21-5. Michael Browne lost out to Darren Beattie in the Junior B singles while Francis McCann Golden Masters A singles and Paddy Walsh Over 70's both received walkovers. In 2 delayed fixtures Martin Cooney & Micheal Jones lost out at the semi finals in the singles.
Sligo singles players come up short
It was a black weekend in Sligo handball with the County's handball players losing 3 titles. Martin Golden in the Golden Masters B singles lost out to Mayo's Tom Byrne. Byrne from the Kiltimagh club was superior in all areas. Golden tried everything to get back into the contest but Byrne's greater skills won the day. Golden's club mate Francis McCann had an agonizing 1 point defeat to Roscommon's Ger Walsh in the Golden Masters A singles decider. St. Coman's hosted 2 games on Sunday February 17th last Shane Bruen in the Masters B singles fell to Mayo's Michael Ginley in a great contest that went to a tie breaker. In a thrilling finale it was Ginley that finished the stronger. As it transpired Shane ended up in hospital later that evening and had to undergo surgery for his injured finger. In the other tie involving Sligo, Mick McMorrow in the Emerald Masters B singles staged a Lazarus style recovery that almost seen him past the finishing line. McMorrow only got 2 points in the first game against Mayo's Columba O'Halloran. In a great battling performance McMorrow hit back immediately in the second game taking it by 21-19. And in tremendous tussle in the tie break the Sligo man threw everything he had into it. However victory was cruelly snatched from the St. Mary's club man as he was just edged out 21-20 in the tie break. In the doubles semi-finals v Galway only the Junior C, Emerald Masters B, & Golden Masters A doubles made it through to finals.
Connacht title for Hugh McGarry & Mick McMorrow
In the last weekend of Connacht handball action in the 40 x 20 championships Sligo came good in the guise of Mick McMorrow & Hugh McGarry in the Emerald Masters B doubles final. Trailing by 10-15 in the second the duo stormed back to force a tiebreaker. In the final game our boys raced away to take the title to Sligo. It was the first adult Connacht 40 x 20 title of the year. Unfortunately for our Golden Masters A doubles of Francis McCann & Martin Golden just came up short 15-21, 15-21 to Ger Walsh & Dermot Doolin. In the Junior C doubles Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen were defeated by Mayo's Vinny McLoughlin & Sean Sweeney by 13-21, 13-21. Sligo ended up with 2 Connacht 40 x 20 titles
Sligo were represented in seventeen grades in this year's 40 x 20 Connacht championships and with only one "live" title to show for it was a disappointing season overall for the County.
In the All-Ireland semi-finals Paddy Walsh had a comprehensive 21-3, 21-10 victory over Dublin's John Kiely played in St. Bridget's court in Dublin. Paddy & Padraig Maye received a bye into the doubles final following an injury to one of the Dublin players
McMorrow & McGarry frustrated in All-Ireland semi-final
Hugh McGarry & Michael McMorrow had home advantage for their All-Ireland Emerald Masters B doubles semi-final against Louth's Charlie Kelly & Michael Tiernan. It looked like it was going to be an easy Sligo win with our boys leading 17-7 in the opening game. However the Louth men came more into it and hit a purple patch with 9 points in a row. Hugh & Mick managed to weather the storm and gained the next four scores to take the opening game. In the second game Sligo led 12-3 & 14-7 and looked well on course to reach the final. But alarmingly with the finishing posts in sight Sligo lost their way and amazingly Louth came back strongly to even the match winning game two by 21-17. In the deciding game the match was very even with both sides level on 4 occasions at 4,8, 12 & 17. Unbelievably it was to be Sligo's last score as Louth stole the match winning it by 21-17. Mick McMorrow was outstanding on the day and nothing passed him while Hugh McGarry was certainly up for it and played with great passion & vigour. I am sure Mick & Hugh were very disappointed at letting this one get away. They were by far the better team and with big leads in the first 2 games should have closed it off but somehow allowed Louth back into it and they took full advantage. Hopefully Mick & Hugh will learn a harsh lesson from this and make sure to close out games in next year's championships.
No joy for Paddy Walsh
Legendary Sligo handball star Paddy Walsh seeking his 29TH All-Ireland handball title faltered in Tuamgraney Clare. His opponent Cork's Pat O'Brien took an early grip on proceedings and Walsh struggled to remain in contention. The Corkonian eventually taking the title by 21-11, 21-11 in both games.
Mark Murphy & Jamie Murray victorious in Michael Hannon Cup
Ballymote hosted the Annual Michael Hannon memorial cup. Eight doubles teams entered with players from Roscommon, Mayo & Sligo taking part. In the Cup final the duo of Mark Murphy & Jamie Murray went all the way defeating Michael McMorrow & Joe Dowling in a exciting final. The plate final was won by Stanley Harte Jnr & Peter Chambers who defeated Stanley Harte snr & James Towey. Stanley Harte Jnr was presented with the young player of the tournament. Collooney organised a 60 x 30 tournament which consisted of 4 teams of eight. The games were played on Monday & Wednesday evening in May & early June.
The One-Wall season started for Sligo players in Williamstown Oisin Quinn took part in the Golden Masters singles and
Collooney organised the annual 60 x 30 tournament. Thirty two players entered and divided in four teams of eighth. After 3 weeks of competitive action Team A & C reached the final. It looked all over after the first doubles match with Jason Earlis & Seamus Duffy blitzing the hapless Peter Davey & Micheal Jones from Team B only allowing them 2 points in the entire match. Team A next pairing of Joe Mc Cann & Martin Golden kept up the lead but only after a determined showing from Martin Cooney & Peter Chambers. Mc Cann & Golden narrowly taking it in a tie breaker winning by 21-17, 12-21, 11-8. Team B pairing of Tom Foody & Joe Gorman reduced Team A big lead with a comfortable 21-10, 21-5 over Padraig Maye & Joe Gorman. And in the final match Aoife McDonagh & Ross Taheny had that little bit more court craft to win out by 21-10, 21-8 over Emmett & Martin Brannigan Team B. The final score in favour of Team A was 138-108. Chairman of the Sligo Handball Board Shane Bruen congratulated both teams on an exciting final. Bruen also thanked Connell Cannon the Co.Secretary who organised the tournament.
Collooney handball 60 x 30 team tournament final result:
Team A - Seamus Duffy, Jason Earlis, Joe McCann, Martin Golden, Padraig Maye, Gerry Coleman, Aoife McDonagh & Ross Taheny dft Team C- Micheal Jones, Peter Davey, Martin Cooney, Peter Chambers, Larry Jones, Tom Foody, Michael & Emmett Brannigan & John Colleran 138-108
Mount Talbot One Wall
Oisin got a bye to the semi-final in the Masters One Wall grade but was beaten by Roscommon's Dermot Doolin. In the plate final Oisin was out of luck as Down's Brian Havern proved that little bit stronger
In the One Wall Nationals Oisin Quinn was the only adult taking part from Sligo. In his opening game he defeated London's Oliver O'Sullivan 31-3 but was beaten by Down's Brian Havern 21-12. Oisin then played in the plate final in the Golden Masters with Oliver O'Sullivan losing narrowly 16-11 in a great final
Castleconnor club Connacht handball champions for their first time in their history,
The Castleconnor Club defeated Roscommon's Mount Talbot in the Connacht final played in Williamstown Galway. Castleconnor defeated the Roscommon Club champions 113-89 in a well contested final. In their semi-final contest Castleconnor scored a comfortable 83-39 win over Galway's Loughrea Club the previous day. Earlier Castleconnor outscored Collooney 120-94 in the Sligo final. In the All-Ireland Interclub semi-final played in my home club of Crossakiel Castleconnor took on Leinster champions Kells club from Kilkenny but lost out 96-65. It was a brave display by the Castleconnor men but the youthful Kells club had that little bit extra for the Sligo men. There was some consolation for Castleconnor when Kells ran out convincing winners over Broadford of Limerick in the final. Castleconnor team members were Jason Earlis, Mark Murphy, Tom Foody, Martin Cooney & Joe Gorman.
Connacht handball 60 x 30 championships
Sligo had home advantage in the Connacht championships singles semi-finals v Galway. Emmett Brannigan lost out to Colin Mitchell Galway 12-21, 14-21 in the Junior C singles. Brannigan making his debut in the championships can be very pleased with his performance. Peter "the great" Chambers had a hard fought win over Roscommon's John Kilboy by 21-12, 21-17 in the sweltering heat in Collooney in the Golden Masters B.
Francis McCann had home advantage against Leitrim's Eddie Lee. There is never much between these players when they meet but McCann made light work of the Leitrim man's challenge racing home with an 21-8, 21-9 victory. In Collooney on Sunday Hugh McGarry's big challenge to Galway's John Ward just fell short. Ward took the opening game by 21-9 but McGarry made the Galwegin fight all the way in the second. Ward was relieved to get out of Collooney with a narrow 21-19 win in game two.
Sensational comeback by Harte & Chambers
It proved an excellent weekend for Peter Chambers along with Stanley Harte Snr in Williamstown in the Golden Masters B doubles semi-final. The duo had to pull out all the stops to reach the final in an immense battle. Chambers & Harte were leading 12-2 in the opening game against Galway's Willie Corcoran & Pierce Lalor but somehow contrived to hand the opening game to the Galway men. In the second Chamber & Harte played the more composed handball totally nullifying the threat from the Galway men taking game two by 21-9. In the tie breaker it looked all over for the Sligo men with Galway seemingly destined to qualify for the final forging well clear by 14-2. Somehow and from somewhere the Sligo men threw everything at it to get back into the championship and slowly they turned things around with a stunning comeback. Harte was sensational in the last game with sublime finishing and with Chambers full of running and great support play the Sligo men roared back into contention. The Galway men looked shell shocked as Sligo rallied strongly. Chambers & Harte comeback was simply inspirational. The Sligo men worked their magic were now infused. With their greater intensity they allowed the Galway men just one further score as the heroics of Harte & Chambers attitude of never giving up when all seemed lost proved the catalyst for an extraordinary victory in the end by 21-15. In the Junior C doubles semi-final there was another great win for the Sligo pairing of Martin Brannigan & Simon Kavanagh. Brannigan & Kavanagh fantastic, composed handball was enough to record an excellent 21-19, 21-5 win over Galway's Joe O'Connell & John Walsh in the Junior C doubles.
Connacht handball titles for Cooney & McCann
There was mixed results for Sligo handball players in Connacht singles finals. Peter Chambers was first into action against Mayo's John Conroy. Chambers was expected to do well but never got going against an inform Conroy. The Mayo man dominated right from the start and ran out a comfortable winner in the end in straight games. Castleconnor's Mark Murphy put up strong resistance against the favourite Michael Ginley in the Masters B singles final. Murphy pushed Ginley all the way in game one but Ginley finished the stronger taking it by 21-15. Murphy could not keep up the momentum going into the second and Ginley over ran a tiring Murphy in the second winning out by 21-5. The consistent Francis McCann again had a big win this time over Mayo's Kevin Macken in the Golden Masters A singles decider storming home by 21-5, 21-8 while Castleconnor's Martin Cooney was given a fright against Mayo's George Miller in the Silver Masters B singles. Cooney was given a stern test by the Charlestown club man before winning through by 21-20, 21-14.
Connacht doubles title for McCann & Golden
Francis McCann & Martin were the only Sligo winners in the Connacht handball doubles final. McCann & Golden had to battle all the way before winning out by 21-14, 21-19 beating Dermot Doolin & Ger Walsh (Roscommon). In the same venue in Williamstown the Junior B doubles of Martin Brannigan & Simon Cavanagh were beaten in the tie breaker by Roscommon's Liam O'Cealliagh & Joe Fallon. It was a close match throughout but the lads lost out in a exciting final19-21, 21-20, 21-12. It was their first appearance in a Connacht final and I am sure they will have many more Connacht titles to celebrate in the near future.
In the doubles finals Martin Foody & Tom Foody lost out 21-20, 19-21, 21-10. It was a game that could have went either way but unfortunately the Sligo men came out the wrong side of a narrow loss. For the second year in a row Stanley Harte & Peter Chambers lost to the same opposition John Conroy & Joe Cummins from Mayo in a Connacht 60 x 30 final this time in the Golden Masters B final section. The Sligo men lost out in straight games 21-13, 21-14. In a refixed Emerald Masters A doubles final to be played in Collooney Hugh McGarry & Mick McMorrow suffered a heavy loss to Mayo's Kevin Geraghty & Pat Hopkins by 4-21, 6-21.
In the singles semi-finals Castleconnor's Martin Cooney had a high noon showdown with Kilkenny's Martin Holden in Kilfane. Martin took the opening game by 21-9 but an injury picked up in the second game hampered his chances. And so it proved with Holden just edging it by 21-18, 21-16. Francis Mc Cann was forced to pull out of the Golden Masters A singles semi due to injury.
Sligo only representatives in the All-Ireland handball 60 x 30 championships doubles semi-finals Francis McCann & Martin Golden lost out to Meath's Christy McGovern & John "Boy" Molloy from Meath by 12-21, 13-21 in the Golden Masters A doubles. McCann recovered sufficiently from an injury the previous week to play the game and gave a terrific display. Despite McCann's gutsy performance the Meath pair overall strength unhinged Sligo and paved the way for the win for the Royal county men.
All-Ireland handball title for Paddy Walsh
Paddy Walsh made the long journey to Tuamgraney Clare to take on Cork's Pat O'Brien in a repeat of the 40 x 20 final between the pair. This time Paddy was ready for the Cork man. In a whirlwind start Walsh went in a huge 18-1 lead. O'Brien tagged on some points on the board but Walsh finished in fine style taking it by 21-6. In the second O'Brien came more into it and it was anyone's game with the scores tied at 13-13. Walsh weaved his magic and played some outstanding handball keeping O'Brien scoreless for the remainder. In a brilliant display the legendary Walsh has won All-Ireland title number 29th. I would like to congratulate Paddy on another outstanding achievement.
Gerry Coleman wins 3 medals at World Police & Fire games
The games took place in Belfast from July 31st - 3rd August last. Gerry Coleman from the Collooney club won a bronze medal in Masters singles one-wall, Sliver in the Masters singles & doubles 40 x 20. A great achievement for Gerry and I congratulate him on his achievements.
Kilmactigue handball gathering
Kilmactigue held a Gathering celebration on Sunday 4th August last. The game of handball took place after the 11 am Mass in Kilmactigue Church. This was to replicate what would have happened years ago when the locals would gather at the ball alley after Sunday Mass. A number of inspired locals have restored the alley to its former self especially Seamus O'Donnell, Matt Barren, Brendan Kennedy, Seamus Molloy, Milo Maye & Joseph Gallagher. An exhibition match took place in brilliant sunshine between Sligo's Francis McCann & Shane Bruen and Mayo's the Cassidy brothers Ollie & Peter. Seamus O'Donnell spoke prior to the start of the match and reminiscence about past players and games played in the old court that is 101 years old. Mayo won the match but more significant the handball alley again reverberating with the sound of handball being played brought back many cherished memories for the large crowd that attended.
I hope in 2014 that the Sligo handball board will be able to make use of courts such as Kilmactigue and Cully for competitions. These wonderful courts deserve and need to be preserved for future generations. I myself started my playing career playing in the 3 wall outdoor 60 x 30 court in Crossakiel back in 1985. There is something very special playing on courts like these and I earnestly hope the Co.Board will see fit to organise games in these historic old courts in Sligo in the coming year.
Collooney handball club start development
The Collooney club finally started the development of their 40 x 20 court. It has been 5 years in the planning meetings, more meetings, fundraising and great dedication & loyalty shown by all the members. The worked started on Monday August 12th 2013 last on a warm sunny afternoon with blue skies overhead. Present at the historic start were Hugh McGarry, Shane Bruen, Micheal Bruen, Micheal Flynn, Paddy Walsh, Connell Cannon, Michael McGee, Seamus Duffy & Stanley Harte. There was smiles all round to see the work finally getting underway and the man with the biggest smile was Hugh McGarry Club Chairman. I congratulate the club on their development and to have played my small part in the club's success story.
Civic Reception for Paddy Walsh
Our legendary Paddy Walsh received a Civic Reception from Sligo Lord Mayor Marcella McGarry on Thursday October 10th last. It was a prestigious honour for Paddy and well deserved. The Lord Mayor delivered a brilliant speech and I am sure it left Paddy speechless listening to it. It was a very special and historic occasion and I was delighted to see so many handball players & officials share with Paddy on his special day. To have photos of all the handball officials and players standing on the steps outside the borough council offices sharing Paddy's special achievement will live long in the memory. The following Sunday Paddy was feted by Sligo G.A.A when he was introduced to the crowd at half time of the Sligo G.A.A final in Markievicz Park along with Aoife Quinn & Gerry Coleman.
40 x 20 club championships
Castleconnor win Sligo 40 x 20 Interclub final
Three teams entered in the Sligo 40 x 20 club championships. Castleconnor A dft Castleconnor B. In the final the Castleconnor club dft Collooney with plenty to spare. Castleconnor (Mark Murphy, Tom Foody, Michael Browne, Martin Cooney) dft Collooney Gerry Coleman, Stanley Harte, Patrick Fox, Michael Bruen.
Castleconnor bow out of Connacht club Championships
The Castleconnor club who reached the All-Ireland handball club 60 x 30 semi-finals in June bowed out of this year's 40 x 20 championships at the Connacht semi-final stage. On Friday November 15th last the team went down to Mayo Champions Swinford by 121-89 played in Bofield.
In the opening game Castleconnor's Martin Cooney had a terrific battle with Swinford's Peter Cassidy. In a very even contest it finished 15-21, 21-16. In the doubles match Castleconnor's Tom Foody & Michael Browne took on George Miller & Peter Gavigan.The Castleconnor duo lost the opening game by 12-21. In the second game Tom Foody picked up a knee injury and this hampered the Sligo team's chances. Browne & Foody found themselves quickly 18-4 behind but staged a remarkable recovery. Their fight back just failed in the end by 19-21. In the final singles match Castleconnor's Mark Murphy was edged out by 10-21, 12-21 by Swinford's Seamus Casserly. Overall Swinford defeated Castleconnor by 121-89.
Connacht Junior B Interclub 40 x 20 Championships semi-finals
Castleconnor Sligo (Mark Murphy, Tom Foody, Michael Browne, Martin Cooney) lost to Swinford Mayo Peter Cassidy, George Miller, Peter Gavigan & Seamus Casserly 89-121.
The legenedary Paddy Walsh finished off a glorious season for the Sligo star when he received a Special Achievement Award from Sligo Champion Sports Editor Leo Gray at the Sligo G.A.A All-Star Awards night in the Radisson Hotel on Friday 14th November last.
Paddy Walsh, Aoife Quinn & Gerry Coleman all received special presentations from the Co. Board last month in Castleconnor in recognition of their outstanding achievements in 2013.
The adult 40 x 20 tournament is drawing to a close. Running since November the games have been competitive. Over 36 players took part divided into 6 teams of six. The final is due to take tomorrow evening.
Juveniles
Castleconnor hosted the Sligo Cumann na mbunscoil finals and resulted in wins for Aisling Foody Girls U-11, Rachel Foody Girls U-13 singles, Conor Finn Boys U-11 singles, Jason Dwyer Boys U-13 singles and Diarmuid & Vincent Harte Boys U-13 doubles winners. For the first time in many years Sligo played in the minor singles. Unfortunately Jason Earlis was defeated by Galway's Conor Noone.
College's handball
A number of Sligo players took part in the Colleges handball championships. Castleconnor's Sean Carrabine advanced in the junior boys singles. Collooney's Tony Fox defeated James Boland Enniscrone in the Boys 1st year singles. Jason Earlis Jesus & Mary Secondary School Enniscrone College defeated Collooney's Stanley Harte in the Intermediate singles. Shane Wright also representing Jesus & Mary College Enniscrone received a bye in Sligo.
Barry McLoughlin St. Tiernan's College Crossmolina lost out in the 1st round of the Mayo intermediate Colleges. Michael Tiernan St. Muredach's College suffered the same fate in the 1st year doubles event. Aoife Quinn Convent of Mercy Ballina had an agonizing 1 point defeat to Maggie Burns Kiltimagh 20-21. The Sligo winners will face the Galway Colleges winners in St. Mary's College on Friday 1st February.
In the Connacht Juvenile championships quarter finals Collooney's Patrick Fox defeated Leitrim's Alan Scollan by 21-14, 21-15. Castleconnor hosted the Connacht Cumann na mbunscoil finals but unfortunately had no winners. Oisin Harte (singles), Vincent & Diarmuid Harte were beaten by Mayo opponents. Castleconnor hosted the Cumann na mbunscol. All 5 Connacht counties were represented and 44 players in total played in competitions from Boys & Girls U11 & 13 singles and doubles. There were no winners though Rachel Foody finished 3rd in the Girls U-13 singles. The Connacht semi-finals took place in Claremorris and result in a win for Stanley Harte & Ross Taheny in the Boys U-17 doubles who defeated Galway's Ben Murray & Ronan Keane by 21-8, 21-12. Aoife Quinn received a walkover from Galway while Mary Foody was defeated by Galway's Aisling Ni Mhaolan in the semi-final which later transpired that it was a Connacht final. In the refixed Connacht U-17 doubles final played in Newport Stanley Harte Jnr & Ross Taheny lost out to Mayo pairing Conor Burke & Cormac Mahon 3021, 15-21. Aoife Quinn got a bye in Connacht and in the semi-final against Laois's Niamh Quinn.
Heartbreak for Quinn
In the All-Ireland Juvenile 40 x 20 championships semi-finals in Moycullen Sligo's Aoife Quinn was narrowly defeated by Laois's Niamh Dunne. Quinn was leading 19-16 in the first game but a number of errors allowed the Laois girl back into it and the Leinster champion gained the next 5 points to take the opening game. In the second Dunne took a big 18-7 lead. Quinn from the Castleconnor club played her best handball at this stage and fought back courageously and very nearly pulled it off. However Dunne gained control again and despite Quinn's heroics it was Dunne that advanced to the final.
All-Ireland Juvenile 40 x 20 championships semi-finals result:
Girls U-17 S: Sligo (Aoife Quinn Sligo lost to Niamh Dunne Laois 19-21, 16-21
Castleconnor hosted the Sligo Juvenile B 40 x 20championships and the results were as follows:
Under 11 singles: Conor Finn bt Cormac Finn (both Ballymote)
U-11 Doubles: Cormac Finn (Ballymote) & Oisin Harte (Collooney)
U-12 singles: Jason Dwyer (Ballymote ) bt Paul Layden (Collooney)
U-12 Doubles: Paul Layden & Colm Naughton. (Castleconnor)
U-13 singles: Barry Mulderrig (Castleconnor)
U-13 doubles: Diarmuid & Vincent Harte (both Collooney)
U-14 singles: Odhran Quinn (Castleconnor)
U-14 doubles: Michael Cahill & Tony Fox (Castleconnor/ Collooney)
U-15 singles: Brendan Foody (Castleconnor) bt Johnny Devaney (Ballymote)
U-17 Doubles champions: Pauric O' Dowd and Sean Golden both (Ballymote)
Girls U-16 singles: Catronia Swift (Castleconnor)
Castleconnor was also the venue for the Connacht Juvenile B championships quarter finals v Leitrim but unfortunately despite a number of encouraging performances only Odhan Quinn in the Boys U-14 singles emerged winning his tie.
U-11 singles: Conor Finn (Sligo ) lost to Cormac Scallon (leitrim ) 13-15, 15-10, 12-15
U-11 doubles: cormac Finn & Oisin Harte (Sligo ) lost to James Wrynn & Fergal McLoughlin (leitrim ) 0-15, 0-15
U-12 singles: Jason Dwyer (Sligo ) lost to Owen McLoughlin (leitrim ) 6-15, 7-15
U-13 singles: Barry Mulderrig (Sligo) lost to Robert McGuire (leitrim ) 8-15, 1-15
U-14 singles: Odhran Quinn (Sligo) bt David Wrynn (leitrim) 15-8, 15-10
U-17 singles: Brendan Tuffy (Sligo ) lost to Mark Leddy (Leitrim) 8-21, 21-10, 11-0
In the semi-finals against Galway in the Boys U-13 doubles Diarmuid & Vincent Harte lost 0-15, 1-15 to Liam Egan & Dave Coleman. Odhran Quinn in the Boys U-14 singles lost to Oisin O' Culain of Galway 8-15, 3-15. The Boys U-14 doubles of Michael Cahill & Paul Flynn recd a walkover from Galway.
Connacht Juvenile B finals
Boys U-14 doubles Michael Cahill & Paul Flynn lost to Mark Clogher & Mark Tracey Roscommon 3-15, 9-15
Boys U-17 doubles Padraic O'Dowd & Sean Golden v Thomas Geraghty & Eoin Lyons (Galway) )match not played.
Castleconnor's Aoife Quinn was a member of the Connacht Girls Interprovincial team of ten competition. It proved unlucky for Aoife & Connacht as the province went down by the minimum 67-66 in the final to Munster
National handball title for Aoife Quinn
It is a long way from Clare to here but the return journey was not too long for Castleconnor & Sligo star Aoife Quinn who captured the Girls 15 & Under B 40 x 20 title on Sunday April 21st last. It is Quinn's biggest achievement to date and much more success awaits Aoife Quinn in the years ahead.
In the quarter final Aoife defeated Laois's Leah Dunphy by 15-4 15-2. Her semi-final opponent was Dubliner Meadbh ni Dhalaigh. It proved a tougher test for the Castleconnor star but yet again Aoife was composed and played with great confidence on her way to the final with a sparkling display taking her into the final with a 15-8, 15-10 win. Her final opponent was Avril Deegan. Quinn was unstoppable right from the off. Deegan could not handle Quinn's accurate serving as the Sligo star racked up scores taking game one by 15-6. The second game Quinn was pushed all the way but she stayed strong and in one of her best performances to date she came through in a thrilling finish to capture the national handball title by 15-12. Quinn created a little piece of handball history as she became the first Sligo girl to win a National Juvenile girls handball title in over twenty years.
Her Dad Oisin trainer & mentor shared in his daughter's sensational achievement immediately after the final. Praise must go to the Castleconnor handball club and coaches who have been instrumental in nurturing the young handball talent in Sligo for many years. The results of a successful club Juvenile structure are now paying off.
Ballymote represented Sligo in the Boys U-13 community games handball competition but were beaten by Charlestown in Fenagh. The Ballymote team on duty were Jason Dwyer, Conor Finn, Cormac Finn, Cian Kilcoyne, Mark Mulligan & Luke Tarmey. Castleconnor Girls U-13 also represented Sligo in the community games. In the Connacht finals in Drumkeeran Castleconnor were narrowly beaten by the Mayo Champions Carra. The Castleconnor team consisted of Rachel, Laura & Lily Foody, Lauren Tuffy & Orla Naughton
Castleconnor keep churning out handball champions
The Castleconnor club hosted the County Juvenile One-Wall championships on Saturday May 4th last. Thirty players from Ballymote, Castleconnor & Collooney took part
Following on from Aoife Quinn's historic Girls victory in the GAA Handball 40 x 20 Nationals Castleconnor's young emerging stars continue to shine claiming four out of the seven County handball titles on offer.
In the Boys U-11 section six players took part. Castleconnor's Seamus Foody had a narrow 15-13 win over Oisin Harte from Collooney. It was the same score with Ballymote's Conor Finn defeating his brother Cormac. In the final it was the "flying Cormac Finn" who came out on top over Seamus Foody claiming his first County One Wall title by 15-4
The U-11 girls final was won by Castleconnor's Laura Foody who defeated club mate Elaine Naughton in 2 games.
In the Boys U-12 semi-finals narrow victories were recorded by Jack Branley & Fergal Boland over Darragh Barrins & Ronan Wilson respectively. In the final Castleconnor's Fergal Boland defeated Branley 15-8
It was an all Collooney final in the Boys U-13 singles with Diarmuid Harte defeating his cousin Vincent 21-11.
The Girls U-14 singles round robin competition was won by Castleconnor's Rachel Foody who emerged the winner on thirty points. Runners-up were Laura Finn & Lily Foody
Seven players entered in the U-17 singles. Newly crowned Girls 15 & under National 40 x 20 champion Aoife Quinn caused a huge shock when defeating a fancied Stanley Harte in the opening game by 18-17. In the semi-finals Castleconnor's talented handball teenager Jason Earlis had a good 21-11 win over Odhran Quinn. Collooney's Ross Taheny finally ending Aoife Quinn's great run winning 21-14. Taheny got a scare but managed to weather the Quinn storm to reach the final over the Girls National champion. There was no stopping Earlis in the final taking the title by 21-9 over the hard working Ross Taheny.
Sligo Juvenile Handball 2013 One-Wall championships results:
Girls U-11 singles: Laura Foody (Castleconnor)dft Elaine Naughton (Castleconnor) 15-5, 15-5
Girls u-14 singles: Rachel Foody (Castleconnor) dft Laura Finn (Ballymote)
Boys U-11 singles: Conor Finn (Ballymote) dft Seamus Foody (Castleconnor)15-4
Boys U-12 singles: Fergal Boland (Castleconnor) dft Jack Branley (Collooney) 15-8
Boys U-13 singles: Diarmuid Harte (Collooney) dft Vincent Harte (Collooney) 21-11
Boys U-17 singles: Jason Earlis (Castleconnor) dft Ross Taheny (Collooney) 21-9
In the Williamstown One-Wall tournament in the Boys U-14 singles grade Odhran Quinn was the sole competitor from Sligo at Juvenile level. Odhran played well but didn't progress beyond the opening stages of the competition
Gold medal for Collooney handballer Vincent Harte in modelmaking
Vincent Harte a member of the Collooney handball club created a little piece of history and a noted first when he won Gold for Sligo in model making in the Community Games finals in Athlone. A tremendous achievement for Vincent -
Testing time for Quinn's in Mount Talbot One-Wall Tournament
The Annual One Wall Tournament was again organised by the Roscommon Club. There were over 300 players taking part from all over the country ranging in grades from Boys U-10 singles right up to Ruby Masters level. The quartet of the Quinn family took part but found the going challenging.
Aoife Quinn reached the plate final in the Girls U-15 but was beaten by Kildare's Hannah Daag. Oisin Junior Boys U-10 & Odhran Boys U-14 failed to progress.
Aoife Quinn wins plate final in One-Wall Nationals
In the Irish One Wall Nationals held in Breaffy House in Castlebar. Sligo were represented by Odhran, Oisin & Aoife Quinn from the Castleconnor Club together with Laura & Conor Finn from Ballymote making their debuts in the One-Wall Nationals
Odhran was beaten by Cork's Eoghan Sheehan 18-14. In the plate Odhran partnered Ciaran Faulkner but were narrowly defeated by Gavin Coyle & Jack Tobin 21-19.
Aoife lost her opening match to Eimear Beatty. Exam commitments didn't help her preparation but had better luck in the plate when teaming up with Kildare's Hannag Dagg winning the final 16-8 over Mairead Kenny & Doireann Murphy.
Also representing Sligo were Laura & Conor Finn from the Ballymote Club. Conor took part in the Boys U-11 Singles grade. Conor won 2 out of his 3 contests before losing out to a Roscommon opponent 31-14. Laura Finn took part in the girls U-13 grade and in her first round easily overcame her Galway opponent. Laura was defeated 22-14 by Tyrone's Elizabeth McGarvey the eventual runner up in this grade. The Finn's making their competitive debut in the nationals did very well and no doubt we will be hearing much more about the "flying handball Finn's from Ballymote in the years ahead.
In the Juvenile A singles trials semi-finals played in Collooney. Stanley Harte defeted Padraic O'Dowd and Jason Earlis defeated Patrick Fox. In the final Earlis defeated Harte. Jason defeated Leitrim's Aaron Scollan in the Boys U-17 singles quarter final by 21-12, 21-7.
Earlis, Harte & Fox win Connacht handball titles
Sligo Juvenile players are continuing their huge potential and this was evident in the Connacht Juvenile Championships which took place in the newly opened 60 X 30 court in Belcarra on Saturday 31st August. Sligo was represented in the Boys U17 singles & doubles & Girls U16 singles. Sligo made it a U-17 double with Jason Earlis singles & Stanley Harte & Pat Fox all securing titles for the Yeats County.
Earlis from the Castleconnor club who has already cemented a great season for the Sligo teenager when he was part of the Castleconnor side that won an historic first Connacht Interclub 60 x 30 title in July. Earlis had a terrific battle with Galway's Ronan O'Beolain in the semi-final but came through a testing challenge by 21-12, 21-12. In the final he defeated Mayo's Pat Cummins comprehensively by 21-5, 21-4.
Representing Sligo in the doubles was an all Collooney combination of Stanley Harte Jnr & Patrick Fox who defeated Mayo's Nathan Massey & Alan Kenny in a hard fought match. The Sligo players went into a 16-8 lead but let it slip with a Mayo comeback. Harte & Fox's shot selection let them down at times and in a tense finale to the first game Sligo held their nerve and took the opening game by 21-17. In the second a more relaxed Harte & Fox played exceptional handball and took complete control with superior finishing winning out by 21-7. Sligo's prospects of a treble at the Connacht finals ended when Aoife Quinn was defeated by Roscommon's Fiona Tully in straight games in the Girls U-16 singles final.
Connacht Juvenile A 60 x 30 championships finals:
Boys U17 singles: Jason Earlis (Sligo) dft Pat Cummins (Mayo) 21-5, 21-4
Boys U-17 doubles: Stanley Harte & Patrick Fox (Sligo) dft Nathan Massey & Alan Kenny (Mayo) 21-17, 21-7
Girls U-16 singles: Aoife Quinn (Sligo) lost to Fiona Tully (Roscommon) 6-21, 5-21
Kilfane in Kilkenny was the venue for the All-Ireland Juvenile 60 x 30 championships semi-finals but unfortunately for Jason Earlis Boys U-17 singles & Patrick Fox & Stanley Harte Jnr U-17 doubles all went down to Kilkenny opponents.
Boys U-17 singles: Jason Earlis (Sligo) lost to J. J. English (Kilkenny) 8-21, 8- 21
Boys U-17 Doubles: Stanley Harte & Patrick Fox (Sligo) v Darragh O'Shea & Mark Dowling (Kilkenny) 10-21, 14-21.
In the Sligo Juvenile 60 x 30 championships just 2 grades were held they were in the Boys U-11 singles Cormac Finn dft Conor Finn by 15-3, 15-7 while the U-12 singles was won by Ronan Wilson who def Darragh Barrins in an exciting final by 6-15, 15-4, 15-8.
The Connacht Colleges 60 x 30 semi-finals/finals was held in Roscommon but there was no luck for our players. In the Intermediate singles semi-finals Patrick Fox representing St. Mary's Ballisodare lost out to Niall Joyce Claremorris by 15-1, 15-3 while Rachel Foody reached the final of the Girls 1ST Year singles but was defeated by Coran Conlon by 15-3, 15-0. Aoife Quinn & Marianna Foody received a bye in the Girls Junior doubles. However in the in the All-Ireland 60 x 30 Colleges semi-finals played in Ballymoe Sligo's Aoife Quinn & Marianna Foody representing Convent of Mercy Ballina were defeated by
Katie McCarthy/Laura Stack Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher, Limerick] by 4-15, 8-15.
Great weekend for Finn & Foody families in handball.
Two Connacht titles for Rachel Foody & Laura Finn
It was a great October bank holiday weekend for the Finn & Foody family in handball. The games were played in Balla Co. Mayo. Over the weekend Brendan Boys U15 singles, Rachel Foody & Laura Finn Girls U-15 doubles all won Connacht titles for Sligo. Added to that Laura Finn ( Colaiste Mhuire Ballymote) also won a Connacht Colleges B title. Laura's 2 titles added to her brother's Conor title won the previous week.
Brendan Foody staged a lazarous style recovery in the Boys U-15 singles semi-finals which took place in Belcarra Co. Mayo on Saturday. In his semi-final his opponent Declan Barry from Galway was well on the way to the final when taking the first game by 15-1 and was 14-1 up in the second and just needing 1 more point for victory. Somehow Foody conjured up an unlikely victory from the jaws of defeat. In a remarkable turnaround Foody fought back impressively and stunned Barry taking the second game by the minimum 15-14. In a rollercoaster game Foody raced away in the tie breaker winning it by 15-1. In the final against Mayo's Ross Bourke, Foody made no mistake taking the title by 15-2, 15-4.
In the Girls U-15 doubles decider Sligo's Laura Finn & Rachel Foody had an exciting win over Galway's Christina Hanley & Emma Cummins by 15-13, 15-11.
It was a busy weekend for Finn who won her second Connacht title of the weekend when winning the Connacht Colleges B title representing Colaiste Mhuire Ballymote. Finn defeated Karen Cosgrove Balla in the final. Rachel Foody (Convent of Mercy Ballina) also captured 2 Connacht titles in the 1ST Year Colleges final she defeated Karen Cosgrove of Balla Secondary School 15-1, 15-8
Connacht Juvenile B 60 x 30 championships Finals results:
Boys U-11 Singles: Connor Finn (Sli) dft Diarmuid Henighan (May) 15-3, 15-2
Boys U-11 Doubles: Cormac Finn, Kian Kilcoyne Sligo lost to Eanna Moran/Philip Halliday(Ros) 15-12, 13-15, 8-15
Boys U-15 Singles: Brendan Foody Sligo dft Ross Burke Mayo 15-2, 15-4
Girls U-15 Doubles Laura Finn & Rachel Foody Sligo dft Christina Hanley & Emma Cummins (Galway) 15-13, 15-11
Boys U-16 Singles: Conor Booth (Sligo) lost to Donal Egan ( Ros) 8-21, 8-21
Boys U-17 singles: Sean Golden (Sligo) lost to Brian Mannion (Ros) 4-21, 7-21
Connacht Colleges B 60 x 30 championships finals:
Girls Junior Singles: Laura Finn Colaiste Mhuire Ballymote Sligo defeated Karen Cosgrave, Balla Secondary School, Mayo
1st year girls: Rachel foody (Convent of Mercy Ballina ) dft Caitronia Henneghan (St.Joseph's Castlebar) 15-1, 15-8
Junior Boys singles: Odhran Quinn (Muredachs Colllege ) dft Ross Bourke (Balla Secondary School Mayo 21-1. 21-5
The She's Ace handball event took place in Castlebar and surrounding clubs. Aoife Quinn & Laura Finn took part both reaching the finals of the mixed team event. In an exciting final that went to the tiebreaker Aoife Quinn part of Team Warren defeated Martina McMahon's team that included Laura Finn. The weekend's handball action was an all girls (over 120 took part) event and all proceeds from it went to Breast Cancer Ireland
Mixed Team Event:Team Warren (Michelle Warren, Aoife Quinn, Doireann Murphy, Kara Owens) dft Team McMahon (Martina McMahon, Emma Lyttle, Laura Finn, Claire Reynolds) 5-3 tiebreaker
The Sligo handball Board started a new initiative with the inception of a new juvenile 40 x 20 league for Boys/Girls U11/U13/U-15. The leagues are due to finish in mid December.
Sligo handball representatives
40 x 20 singles 2013:
Junior C singles: Micheal Jones (Castleconnor)
Junior B singles: Michael Browne (Castleconnor)
Masters B singles: Shane Bruen (Collooney)
Silver Masters B singles: Martin Cooney (Castleconnor)
Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann (Ballymote)
Golden Masters B singles: Martin Golden (Ballymote)
Emerald Masters B singles: Mick McMorrow (St. Mary's)
Diamond Masters A singles: Seamus Duffy (St. Mary's)
Diamond Masters B singles: Larry Jones (Castleconnor)
Over 70's: Paddy Walsh (St. Mary's)
40 x 20 doubles2013:
Junior C doubles: Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen (Collooney)
Junior B doubles: Michael Browne & Joe Gorman (Castleconnor)
Masters B doubles: Shane Bruen & Mark Murphy (Collooney, Castleconnor)
Silver Masters B doubles: Martin Cooney & Tom Foody (Castleconnor)
Golden Masters A doubles: Francis McCann & Martin Golden (Ballymote)
Emerald Masters B doubles - Mick McMorrow & Hugh McGarry (St. Mary's & Collooney)
Over 70's: Paddy Walsh & Padraig Maye (St. Mary's, Castleconnor)
Sligo handball year in results
Connacht handball championships semi-finals v Galway
Diamond Masters B singles: Larry Jones (Sligo) lost to Seamus O' Fatharta (Galway) 21-11, 10-21, 18-21
Masters B singles: Shane Bruen (Sligo) dft Morgan Duggan (Galway) 21-11, 21-5
Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann (Sligo) w/o Eamonn Conneely (Galway)
Junior B singles: Michael Browne (Sligo) lost to Darren Beattie (Roscommon) 12-21, 14-21
Golden Masters B singles: Martin Golden (Sligo) dft Willie Corcoran (Galway) 13-21, 21-10, 21-3
Emerald Masters B singles: Mick McMorrow (Sligo) dft Pierce Lalor (Galway) 21-10, 21-13
Diamond Masters A singles: Seamus Duffy (Sligo) lost to Tony McInerney (Galway) 16-21, 10-21
Over 70's: Paddy Walsh (Sligo) w/o Colm O'Culain (Galway)
Silver Masters B singles: Martin Cooney lost to Priosias Maughan (Galway) 8-21, 10-21
Junior C singles: Micheal Jones (Sligo) lost to John Kelly (Roscommon) 11-21, 14-21.
C doubles: Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen dft Ronan Galvin & Rikki O'Grady 21-19, 21-15
Junior B doubles: Michael Browne & Joe Gorman lost 5-21, 9-21 to Roscommon
Golden Masters A doubles: Francis McCann & Martin Golden (Sligo) recd a walkover from Eamonn & Martin Conneely (Galway)
Silver Masters B doubles: Martin Cooney & Tom Foody (Sligo) lost to Prionsias Maughan & J.J. McDonagh 5-21, 21-18, 11-21 (Galway)
Masters B doubles: Shane Bruen & Mark Murphy (Sligo) v Morgan Darcy & Peter Melia. Walkover to Galway
Emerald Masters B doubles: Mick McMorrow & Hugh McGarry (Sligo) dft Padraig Kelly & Pierce Lalor (Galway) 21-10, 21-16
Connacht handball championships 40 x 20 finals
Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann lost to Ger Walsh (Roscommon) 21-10, 13-21, 20-21
Golden Masters B singles: Martin Golden lost to Tom Byrne (Mayo) 5-21, 6-21
Masters B singles: Shane Bruen lost to Michael Ginley (Mayo) 21-18, 13-21, 15-21
Emerald Masters B singles: Mick McMorrow lost to Columba O' Halloran (Mayo) 2-21, 21-19, 21-20
Over 70's Paddy Walsh recd walkover from Mick Naughton (Roscommon)
Emerald Masters B doubles: Mick McMorrow & Hugh McGarry dft Columba O' Halloran & Peter Ferrick (Mayo) 13-21, 21-16, 21-8 - Connacht champions
Golden Masters A doubles: Francis McCann & Martin Golden (Sligo) lost to Ger Walsh & Dermot Doolin 15-21, 15-21.
Junior C doubles: Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen lost to Vinnny McLoughlin& Sean Sweeney (Mayo) 13-21, 13-21
Over 70's: Paddy Walsh & Padaig Maye (Sligo) walkover
All-Ireland semi-finals
Over 70's Paddy Walsh dft John Kiely (Dublin) 21-3, 21-10
Over 70's Doubles: Paddy Walsh & Padraig Maye bye v Dublin. No teams from Munster or Ulster
Emerald Masters B doubles: Michael McMorrow & Hugh McGarry (Sligo) lost to Charlie Kelly & Michael Tiernan (Louth) 21-16, 17-21, 17-21
All-Ireland final:
Over 70's: Paddy Walsh lost to Pat O'Brien (Cork) 11-21, 11-21
60 x 30 championships
Connacht Interclub 60 x 30 championships semi-final: Castleconnor (Sligo) dft Loughrea (Galway) 83-39. Castleconnor team members were Jason Earlis, Tom Foody, Martin Cooney, Mark Murphy & Joe Gorman
Connacht final: Castleconnor (Sligo) dft Mount Talbot (Roscommon) 113-89
All-Ireland semi-final played in Crossakiel: Castleconnor (Sligo) lost to Kells (Kilkenny) 96-65
Sligo 60 x 30 representatives 2013
Junior C singles: Emmett Brannigan (Collooney)
Masters B singles: Mark Murphy (Castleconnor)
Silver Masters B singles: Martin Cooney (Castleconnor)
Golden Masters B singles: Peter Chambers (St. Mary's)
Emerald Masters A singles: Hugh McGarry (Collooney)
Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann (Ballymote)
Over 70's: Paddy Walsh (Sligo)
Junior C doubles: Martin Brannigan & Simon Cavanagh (Sligo)
Silver Masters B doubles: Martin Cooney & Tom Foody (Collooney)
Golden Masters B doubles: Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte (St. Mary's & Collooney)
Emerald Masters A doubles: Hugh McGarry & Mick McMorrow (Collooney & St. Mary's)
Golden Masters A doubles: Francis McCann & Martin Golden (Ballymote)
Connacht handball championships 60 x 30 results: semi-finals
Over 70's: Paddy Walsh (Sligo) walkover v Galway
Junior C singles: Emmett Brannigan (Sligo) lost to Colin Mitchell (Galway) 12-21, 14-21
Silver Masters B singles: Martin Cooney (Sligo) walkover v John Coleman (Galway)
Golden Masters B singles: Peter Chambers (Sligo) dft James Kilboy (Roscommon) 21-12, 21-17
Emerald Masters A singles: Hugh McGarry (Sligo) lost to John Ward (Galway) 8-21, 19-21
Golden Masters A Singles: Francis McCann (Sligo) dft Eddie Lee (Leitrim) 21-8, 21-9.
Silver Masters B doubles: Martin Cooney & Tom Foody (Sligo) walkover v Coleman/Waldron (Gy)
Golden Masters B doubles: Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte (Sligo) dft Willie Corcoran & Pierce Lalor (Galway) 20-21, 21-9, 21-15
Emerald Masters A doubles: Hugh McGarry & Mick McMorrow (Sligo) walkover v Galway
Golden Masters A doubles: Francis McCann & Martin Golden (Sligo) walkover v Galway
Junior C doubles: Martin Brannigan & Simon Cavanagh (Sligo) dft John Walsh & John O'Connell (Galway) 21-19, 21-5
Results Connacht handball 60 x 30 Championships finals
Masters B singles: Mark Murphy lost to Michael Ginley 15-21, 5-21
Silver Master B singles: Martin Cooney dft George Miller 21-20-, 21-14
Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann dft Kevin Macken (Mayo) 21-5, 21-8
Golden Masters B singles: Peter Chambers lost to John Conroy (Mayo) 7-21, 7-21
Junior B doubles: Martin Brannigan & Simon Kavanagh (Sligo) lost to Liam O' Ceallaigh & Joe Fallon (Roscommon)19-21, 21-20, 21-12
Golden Masters A doubles: Francis McCann & Martin Golden (Sligo) dft Ger Walsh & Dermot Doolin (Roscommon) 21-14, 21-19
Golden Masters B doubles: Stanley Harte & Peter Chambers (Sligo) lost to John Conroy & Joe Cummins (Mayo) 13-21, 14-21
Emerald Masters A doubles: Hugh McGarry & Michael McMorrow (Sligo) lost to Kevin Geraghty & Pat Hopkins (Mayo) 4-21, 6-21
Silver Masters B doubles: Martin Cooney & Tom Foody (Sligo) lost to George Miller & Kevin Cox (Mayo) 21-20, 19-21, 21-10.
Over 70's: Paddy Walsh received a w/o in Connacht
All-Ireland 60 x 30 semi-finals
Silver Masters Singles: Martin Cooney lost to Noel Holden (Kilkenny) 21-9, 18-21, 16-21
Golden Masters A singles: Francis McCann v Robbie McCarthy (Westmeath). Francis injured
Over 70's: Paddy Walsh v Mick O' Brien (Dublin) walkover
Golden Masters A doubles: Francis Mc Cann & Martin Golden lost to Christy McGovern & John Boy Molloy Meath 7-21, 3-21
All-Ireland final
Over 70 singles: Paddy Walsh dft Pat O' Brien (Cork) 21-6, 21-13.
Connacht Junior B Interclub 40 x 20 Championships semi-finals
Castleconnor Sligo (Mark Murphy, Tom Foody, Michael Browne, Martin Cooney) lost to Swinford Mayo Peter Cassidy, George Miller, Peter Gavigan & Seamus Casserly 89-121
Co. Board
I would like to thank all the officers of the Co. Board for their hard work, effort and commitment throughout the year. Chairman Shane Bruen did a very good job for us in his first year in the hot seat. Shane proved very helpful to me getting results back. Whenever I could not get results of players Shane would be back in a flash with them. Thanks due also to Mark Murphy the quiet man on the Co. Board. Mark is one man who gets the work done quietly and efficiently without any fuss. Sincere thanks to Connell Cannon our Secretary who also gets through an unbelievable amount of work each year. And does it very professionally. No matter what calls and problems he gets at all hours he has a calm demeanour. Thank you Connell for all the work you are also doing in Connacht. Without Connell's input handball in the province would be much the poorer. Thanks also to Oisin Quinn who kept the finances under a tight reign. And to Francis McCann our Juvenile Officer who looked after all Juvenile fixtures. In each Convention report I praise the juvenile sections in our clubs and this year is going to be no different. Francis McCann, Martin Golden, John Cawley, Tom Foody, Oisin Quinn, Stanley Harte, Shane Bruen, Mick Kelly, Padraig Maye in my view are the real heroes in the County. Week in week out, month in month out they work away quietly behind the scenes training their young members. They are the real unsung heroes as far as I am concerned and they deserve every help and recognition that the Co. Board can give them.
This year the County won 7 Connacht titles & 1 All-Ireland at adult level. Sligo won 9 Connacht Juvenile titles including an historic first Irish Nationals Girls 15 & Under title won by Aoife Quinn.
The overall results especially at adult level were a little bit disappointing and there is plenty of scope to improve on this. I have no doubt with the added bonus of new facilities coming on stream in the near future things will improve greatly. All of our players are well capable at winning Connacht titles and hopefully with a little better preparation more All-Ireland titles will be seen in Sligo shortly. The achievement of Paddy Walsh, who won the County's only All-Ireland handball title at adult level should spur us all on to greater things. Paddy is a living handball legend in Sligo. His exploits should inspire us all when we go out and pull on that Sligo jersey to do the very best that we can and bring further honour to Sligo G.A.A that Paddy has done for nigh on half a century. I congratulate Paddy on another historic handball title.
Media
The Media in Sligo are as always very good to us each year. I want to sincerely thank Leo Gray Sports Editor Sligo champion (Michael Moran), Liam Maloney Sports Editor Sligo Weekender, Anthony Hennigan Sports Editor in the Western People, Darragh Cox Sports Chief in Ocean FM., Declan Rooney Into the West Magazine, Declan Lynch Hoganstand , Ciaran McCarthy Sligo news today & Maurice Sweeney Sligo G.A.A Board P.R.O. for their excellent publicity given to handball in 2013. It is great to see so much handball in the County newspapers. The Sligo G.A.A Board have been extremely good to us providing us with the use of their website to publish handball articles and photos and I thank the Chairman of the Sligo G.A.A Board for Cyril Feehily for facilitating this great medium for us. It was wonderful to see handball again in this year's (two pages) Sligo G.A.A final match programme. Darragh Cox in Ocean FM has helped to give handball a new medium to get across our sport on the airwaves. It is always great to hear reports on handball on the radio. It was fantastic listening to Collooney handball Chairman Hugh McGarry on Ocean FM interviewed by Darragh last August on the start of the Collooney handball development. Our own website http://sligohandball.blogspot.ie/ has seen an increase in hits. The Photo album https://picasaweb.google.com/101153803319205585789/SligoHandball# has over 700 photos in it. This year we have added a facebook page with the help of Damien O'Dowd and Sligo handball has a twitter account. I have worked very hard in promoting handball at many different fronts, websites, social media, local press and radio. I thank all who texted in their results and gave brief accounts of all games. This proved invaluable and was a great help to me in getting reports, results, previews out to the press on time.
Development/Facilities
It was great to see the Collooney 40 x 20 development finally started on Monday August 12th last. Many years of hard work have already gone into it. Hugh McGarry and his hard working committee are a testament to this. I have no doubt when the court gets finally built and up and running the fruits of their labour will be there for everyone one to see. Even in these difficult economic times the club have steadfastly carried on with the project and all in the club have to be lauded for their efforts in this regard. Castleconnor have a great 40 x 20 court with a glass back wall installed, lighting and like Collooney a huge amount of work has been undertaken by the Castleconnor committee and I congratulate them on all their exceptional work in providing improved playing facilities to the community in Castleconnor. Ballymote have planning permission for a 40 x 20 court and we all look forward to the Club getting the green light to start their court development in the next number of years.
Ballymote,Castleconnor,Collooney all have Juvenile sections in their club and with top Coaches in these clubs the game will continue to strive in the years ahead. John Cawley National School teacher in the Holy Family School in Tubbercurry & Padraig Maye are doing tremendous work promoting handball and I have seen at first hand the great work they are doing. Coaching is key to success and more needs to be done to bring the young players onto the next level. Getting a consistent number of players up to the A standards each year and giving them a fighting chance has to be the goal of the County Board. With time, patience, dedication and willing Coaching officers on board this will happen.
I would like to thank all the Connacht Handball Council Officers for their work for handball in the province. Peter Heaney as President is a very hard working official and is the driving force behind Fenagh which officially opened their new 60 x 30 court over the August bank holiday weekend. Connell Cannon as already mentioned does the work as a full time administrator on a part time basis. Connell is stepping down as Connacht administrator shortly having served on the provincial council for the past 8 years. I want to thank Connell for his excellent contribution to Connacht handball in all that time.
My thanks, to Tony Hannon C.E.O. of GAA Handball and all the staff in the G.A.A Handball Office in Croke Park.
To everyone who played handball won or lost games, our supporters and sponsors, people who made sandwiches refereed games, coached the juveniles, opened courts on dark evenings etc. I say a big thank you.
Finally I would like to express sincere sympathy's to members who suffered bereavements over the year.
Obituaries Friends we lost in 2013
Mary Ann Murphy (née Hannon) of Glann, Culleens, Sligo. Grandmother of Tom Foody, Micheal Jones & Mother in Law of Larry Jones Castleconnor. Peacefully, in her 98th year. Removal from McGowan's Funeral Home, Ballina to the Church of the Holy Family, Kilglass arriving at 7.30pm. Mass on Tuesday morning February 19th at 11am with burial afterwards in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Kilglass.
Frank Fox: Grandfather of Patrick Fox Collooney handball club. Retired Garda. Suddenly. Reposing at the Nazareth House Chapel on Wednesday evening February 20th followed by liturgy of Prayers. Mass of the Resurrection on Thursday 21ST February at 11.30am in Nazareth House Chapel followed by burial in Sligo Cemetery.
Kathleen Flynn, (nee Coleman) (Main Street, Collooney, Co. Sligo) on Wednesday April 24, (suddenly) at her residence; deeply regretted by her loving husband Michael Flynn former Trustee Collooney handball club, daughters Dervila and Aisling, son Michael, sons-in-law Kieran and John, daughter-in-law Stella, grandchildren Kaylin and Cathal, brother Francie, sisters Anne and Philomena, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. R.I.P. Reposing at her residence until Thursday 6 pm with Removal to the Church of the Assumption, Collooney. Funeral Mass Friday April 26th at 2 o'c. with Burial afterwards in St. Nathy's Cemetery, Collooney.
Doreen Murphy nee Foody, Castleconnor Aunt of Tom Foody who died in the U.S.A.
Michael McGee (2008-13) Tweet
