Handball hero Walsh retires

Kilkenny handball legend Michael 'Ducksy' Walsh has announced his retirement from the senior handball stage, following his defeat to Dubliner Eoin Kennedy in the M Donnelly 60x30 Senior Singles final yesterday.

Walsh was appearing in his 20th All-Ireland senior final, but Kennedy was in top form from start to finish and it was clear from the outset that the Kilkenny man was up it against it.

The St. Brigid's clubman rattled off aces to take the first 21-5, continually hitting his trademark lob serve tight to the wall.

Despite an early purple patch for the 42-year-old Cat in the second game, where he surged into a 7-4 lead, Kennedy regained control.

He finished strongly to take the game 21-12 and collect his fifth All-Ireland crown in succession.

"I always knew that Ducksy would come back into the game, and I was under severe pressure early in second game," said Kennedy.

"But I just kept plugging away and managed to come good in the end."

In the closing speech at handball headquarters, Ducksy announced that it was to be his final appearance in the Senior Singles championship, a competition he dominated for two decades.

The Kilkenny ace amassed an incredible 38 All-Ireland Senior titles in singles and doubles during his career and that record is unlikely to ever be matched.