Royals pair clinch title in fine style
The final looked set for a third game when the Kilkenny duo went 19-18 up in the second, but Carroll and Sheridan regained service and pulled out an incredible last three aces to claim their second crown in three years.
Sheridan and Carroll controlled long stages of the first game, but Clifford and Walsh produced some exceptional shots to keep in touch. The sides were level three times in the second game, but it was to be Meath’s day, and the Royal County supporters voiced their delight when Carroll and Sheridan hit 21.
In the minor doubles final, Limerick duo, Padraig O’Carroll and Eamon Davern had just one ace to spare over their Roscommon opponents, Cian Connolly and Mark Nally.
The Connacht lads took the first game 21-9 before Limerick stormed back in the second and win 21-16. But the best was to come in a thrilling third. Roscommon looked set for glory at 20-19 but Davern made no mistake with his two serves and Limerick hit 21 to seal victory.
In the intermediate singles final, Padraig’s brother, Seamus, was awarded the title after Kilkenny’s Timmy Cilfford sustained an ankle injury. O’Carroll has edged ahead just minutes into the first game, when Clifford twisted his ankle.
In the Ladies minor decider, Cork’s Catriona Casey overcame Mayo’s Amy Corrigan to claim silverware. Casey dominated the first game (21-9). The second game was a much closer affair from the start, but again, Casey hit a purple patch at the right time to seal her first 60x30 All-Ireland minor title with a 21-10 victory.
