Big turnout for November handicap

Colm Griffin

SUNDAY saw Kerry badminton season go into full flight with the hosting of the November handicap competition at Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre.

An impressive 110 players across the 5 divisions in the county participated in the event and competition was quite intense with three of the four finals going the full three sets.

It was also refreshing to see six different clubs with representatives in the finals and six clubs also can boast to having had a winner.

The story of the day involved the Donovan family from Annascaul. Talented 15-year old Cathal was taking part in his first ever senior competition going straight in to Division 4, while his father Mike took part on the other side of the hall in the Division 5 competition. Both reached the final of their respective events but while Cathal and his playing partner Josie Gilbert (Ballyheigue) won the first set of final 21-12 against Kevin O’Mahony (Ballyheigue) and Rita McCarthy (Listowel), Mike, playing with Eva Browne (Moyvane), was beaten by Padraig Hanrahan (Moyvane) and Tara O’Shea (Killarney) 21-15.

The second sets saw a reversal of fortunate with Cathal and Josie going down 21-14 while Mike and Eva survived a match point capturing the set 21-20.

Both third sets were close with the young man and his partner prevailing 21-19 whilst his father and his partner won 21-17.

The Division 3 final was also a close affair with Samira Hayes (Killarney) and Cian Liston (Listowel) coming from a set down, 17-21, to win in three sets 21-19 and 21-16 against Kieran Crehan (Killarney) and Jeanelle Griffin (Moyvane)

The Division 1 & 2 (Combined Final) was the only two-setter with Niamh Hickey (Killarney) and Eric Nelligan (Castleisland-Kingdom) overcoming Saorcha Fitzgerald (Moyvane) and Aaron Tan (Castleisland21-15, 21-16.

Division 3 and Division 4 Leagues

THE Advanced Cleaning Supplies Men’s Division 4 League got underway last week with Ballyheigue A overcoming Kingdom – Castleisland 5-1 in Castleisland in Section A of the division. THE next big Kerry badminton events at home take place in Killarney with the Juvenile Tournaments on November 24 followed by the Mixed Doubles Tournament on Sunday, November 25.

LEAGUE secretaries and captains are reminded to adhere to outlined dates and to contact Maurice O’Shea in advance with fixture dates and in the immediate aftermath of match with the results. The more notice that can be given about fixtures and results the more publicity we can generate about the sport in the local media and across social media platforms.

BEST wishes to all the Kerry players taking part in the Waterford Open (Div 1 & 2) in Cappoquin this Sunday.