Over 160 handballers will converge on Sligo next weekend for the eleventh Irish One-Wall Nationals with some top quality action expected over the two days. The event, which is supported by Club Energise, has been a great success in recent years but the 2007 tournament looks set to be the best yet with entry numbers exceeding all expectations. "I'm delighted with the huge entry for this year's event and it really is a reflection on the amount of work that has been done over the past number of years to promote the competition," said organiser, Connell Cannon. Two of household names in the one-wall game, Mayo's Dessie Keegan and Carlow's David King will both make appearances at the tournament, with King hoping to avenge last year's final defeat to young superstar, Robbie McCarthy from Westmeath. There is an added competitive edge to this year's tournament with the winner and runner-up of four grades going on to represent Ireland at the Basque International Tournament in December. This ensures that there will be serious competition in all of these grades, which are: Men's Open, Ladies Open, Girls Under-18 and Boys Under-18. "I think the chance to represent Ireland in Spain has added a tremendous boost to this year's competition and we look forward to some competitive action over the weekend," said Cannon. Setanta Sports Nationwide will be filming over the weekend, with the community angle of handball featuring on the new monthly sports programme over the coming months. President of the Irish Hanball Council, Tom Walsh, said: "I am very pleased that Setanta are attending the One-Wall Nationals, as it has now become of the most eagerly anticipated dates on the handball calendar. "The addition of the international dimension this year will add greatly to the competition and there are some exciting prospects in the various grades." Tweet

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