Healy in search of further honours

FRESH from his recent All-Ireland success, Tony Healy (Cork) goes in search of further honours this weekend when he takes part in the FBD Irish Handball Nationals at Kingscourt, Co. Cavan.

Over 230 competitors in 14 grades set out several months ago in looking to reach the finals which commence tonight at 7 p.m. in Kingscourt Handball club, Co. Cavan and will continue over the weekend.

The grades vary from under 13 to golden masters doubles (over 50s) and followers of the game can look forward to a feast of good handball over the next three days.

Dubliner Eoin Kennedy from the St. Brigid’s club, defends his men’s open title and will look to make it a hat-trick of wins.

In the ladies competition, Sibéal McKenna from the St. Paul’s club in Belfast, will be hoping to regain the women’s open title she last won in 2002.

This is Sibéal’s third final appearance in a row and having failed to her sister Fiona in last year’s final, would relish the opportunity to play her again in this year’s decider.

Tomorrow night RTÉ’s Brian Carty will host the presentation of handball awards to the 34 winners who won titles at the World championships held last October in Ireland at a gala banquet in the Cabra Castle, Kingscourt, commencing at 8 p.m.

The awards will also be presented to the Club of the Year, International Player of the Year and the Hall of Fame.