Casey defeats rival McMahon to regain All-Ireland title
BALLYDESMOND handballer Catriona Casey had another good day on Saturday last at Kingscourt regaining custody of Ladies 40x20 Senior All Ireland Singles title, defeating her arch rival the reigning champion, Martina McMahon from Limerick, following a thrilling contest that went all the way.
Having lost last year’s final and the title to McMahon last year meant Saturdays win was all the sweeter. McMahon dominated the first game and displaying the skills that won the title for her last year went on to win the first 21 aces to 12. Casey upped the ante in the second eventually breaking Limerick’s dominance she went on to take that second set 21 aces to 12.
All was now set for a ding dong battle in that crucial third game, as they battled ace for ace in an enthralling contest they stood all square tied at 19 aces. The next ace or change of serve was going to be crucial and it fell to Catriona Casey as she regained the serve and go on to score those two crucial aces to give her a 21-19 win and the ALL-Ireland title. A great win for her and her club Ballydesmond putting last year’s reverse behind her in winning another 40x20 Ladies Senior Singles All Ireland title.
Cork juveniles were also involved in two All Ireland Finals last weekend at Newry Leisure Centre in Armagh Sarah O’Malley, Mallow played Armagh player Caliosa Ni Dhuill in Girls U-17 Singles Final, However there was no joy for O Malley as she lost out 21-11, 21-7 to Ni Dhuill.
On Sunday at Kingscourt Hayden Supple, Fermoy contested Boys U-14 Singles All-Ireland Final in which he faced Gary McAleer, Tyrone. Unfortunately there was no joy for Supple having led for most of the first game McAleer rallied late in the game and going on to win it by the odd ace 15 aces to 14. Mcaleer having got his head in front went on to dominate the second game winning it 15-6.
In O’Neills Senior Doubles All Ireland championship round of 16 games are down for decision this weekend. Cork interest will be in Dungarvan on Saturday at 2pm Liscarroll pair Daniel Relihan and Michael Hedigan play Wexford’s Gavin Buggy and Galen Riordan in what promises to be a close contest, if the Liscarroll pair strike top form they could advance.
On Sunday next Munster 40x20 Development competition goes ahead at Clare venues, catering for Boys and Girls from 12 to 17 with singles and doubles in each age group.
There is a sizeable entry from Cork and all Munster counties which should produce an interesting day of Handball and provide necessary competition for all players. Saturday will be an important day in Conna Community Centre as Cork Shes Ace Day catering for Ladies Handball both adult and juvenile goes ahead with a large entry there will be a full day of activity for all involved.
The 40x20 County championship will continue during the coming week. This Thursday in Mallow at 7.30pm in the Over 35 A Doubles semi-final John Hedigan, Liscarroll, teams up with John Herlihy, Conna to play Denis Quinn,Ballydesmond partnered by Jamie O’Donnell, Fermoy.
Also during the coming week there are a number of games down for decision in Novice B Doubles championship at Conna, Liscarroll and Mallow as that championship is narrowed down to the concluding stages.