Irish outclassed by overseas stars

MORE THAN 1,000 handball enthusiasts gathered in Breaffy House Sports Arena in Castlebar, to witness breathtaking contests in all grades but sadly it was the travelling international stars who dominated.

Ireland’s last hope in the men’s open was Tyrone’s Ruairi Kelly, who ended a four-year unbeaten run in the competition for Armagh’s Charly Shanks earlier, but fell to Puerto Rico’s Wally Amaro, in the semi-final 15-1, 15-9.

Puerto Rico’s Herman Mendez, following a sensational 30-13 win over Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy, went on to deny US Open champion, Pee Wee Castro (USA) in the final.