First-time handball champion McCarthy denies Kennedy eight in-a-row

Eoin Kennedy's bid for an eighth successive M Donnelly All-Ireland Senior Singles Handball title was derailed by Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy yesterday.

It was third time lucky for the 23-year-old McCarthy as he took a 21-19, 21-13 victory in a hard-fought final at Abbeylara. He had lost out to Dubliner Kennedy in the decider in each of the last two years.

The first set saw the duo deadlocked on four occasions, including at 15-all, before McCarthy delivered three incredible kill-shots during a series of lung-bursting rallies to take a 20-17 lead.

Kennedy closed the gap to 20-19, but a fine overhand lob serve to the left and fly kill to the right corner nudged the first game McCarthy's way. From there it seemed as though Kennedy's grasp on the senior trophy had loosened considerably.

His Mullingar opponent opened up a commanding 16-6 lead in the second set, and although Kennedy battled back to cut the deficit to 16-13, McCarthy found five consecutive points to secure his first ever softball crown on a 21-13 scoreline.

"I lost out in the past two years in the final of this and all my efforts were geared towards winning this title in 2011," admitted a delighted McCarthy afterwards.

"I have trained for 12 months and have received outstanding support from the County GAA Board and that has paid off with my fitness.

"I knew I was in good form and in good shape for this and it was needed as Eoin is a great player and it took everything from me to win this tonight.

"I'll just enjoy this for now as to be honest I just can't believe it has all paid off."

Meanwhile, Galway's Martin Mulkerrins secured his second M Donnelly GAA Handball All Ireland 60x30 Minor Championship title. He followed up his 2010 final win with a 21-14, 21-10 triumph over Kildare's Niall O'Connor.

Roscommon duo Aengus Cunningham and Chris Doolin took the Intermediate doubles honours thanks to a 4-21, 21-19, 21-11 win over Meath pair Gary McConnell and Peter Reilly.