Handball: Walsh opens challenge in style

Ducksy Walsh opened his M Donnelly Senior Singles Championship with intent when he defeated Dublin’s Ian Griffin 21-2, 21-4 in two straight games.

Walsh was in top form for his opening round game in Garryhill and will now face the winner of Wexford’s Tommy Hynes and Tipperary’s Josie O’Dwyer in the Round of 16 game.

“I’m delighted to get one win under my belt,” said the 38-time All-Ireland champion.

“The early rounds can be dangerous with all the lower seeds hoping to get you off guard and it has happened in the past.”

Walsh is number two seed in the championship, with last year’s winner, Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy retaining his number one placing. Having had first round bye, Kennedy will face a real battle against the winner of Wexford’s Gavin Buggy and Limerick’s Paul Hedderman in his opening encounter.

“I’m not thinking about the final just yet; there are a lot of top players in the championship and I’m taking it one game at a time,” said the 42-year-old.

Meanwhile, the All-Ireland Interclub semi-finals take place this weekend with defending Open champions, Ballaghaderreen (Mayo) taking on Munster champions, Ballina (Tipperary) on Saturday in Mullingar. Spearheading the Mayo challenge is the current number four seed, Dessie Keegan, with Ballina’s Ger Coonan looking to provide inspiration for the Tipperary side.

The men from the West are aiming for a fifth consecutive 60x30 All-Ireland club title but must overcome this strong Ballina outfit if they are to seal a final place. Also in action in the Interclub will be Roscommon side, St Coman’s who face a tough battle against Limerick stalwart’s Hospital in Crinkle.