Irish stars still in hunt for world title

IRELAND’S chances of keeping the men’s world handball singles title will become clearer in Canada tonight as the quarter-finals get under way in Edmonton.

The Irish occupy the top three seedings in the men’s draw, with defending champion Paul Brady of Cavan leading the way, followed by All-Ireland champion Tony Healy of Cork and Dubliner Eoin Kennedy, while Charlie Shanks of Armagh and Brady’s Kingscourt club-mate Michael Finnegan are ranked fifth and eighth respectively.

All five Irishmen sailed through their opening contests on Tuesday, with Brady defeating American Jon Hohol 21-10, 21-1, to set up a last-eight meeting with doubles partner Finnegan, who overcame Nelson Quintero of the US 21-10, 21-7.