County GAA board chairman Phil Smith was on hand to perform the official opening which, he said, was 'further proof of the progression of the outstanding Kingscourt club".
Smith complimented the club committee for their hard work and foresight in planning and completing the project and also took time to congratulate Paul Brady (who refereed a number of matches), Patrick Clerkin and James Brady on their recent successes in Los Angeles.
The latter also took part in an exciting exhibition doubles match, pairing up with St Pat's teammate Paul Fitzpatrick to defeat local pair Michael Finnegan and Raymond Cunningham in a thrilling tiebreaker. The Kingscourt duo are currently preparing for the first round of the All Ireland 60x30 Senior Doubles, the draws for which will be revealed later this week.
ARMAGH: It was almost a clean sweep for Clann Eireann at the Club's inaugural One Wall Invitational two weeks ago. Charly Shanks claimed the A title, Collie Carville lost out in the final of the B's and Peter Shanks won the C title. The tournament was a great success with players from all over Ulster competing and creating a real buzz around the newly opened courts. Passing cars and pedestrians found their routine Saturday journey along Lake Street taking slightly longer then usual as they stopped to absorb the handball action.
In the South Ulster Housing Association (SUHA) Men's A final Clann Eireann's Charly Shanks was pitted against James Doyle from Eugene Quinn HC in Armagh Athletic grounds. Recognised as two of the best one wall players in the country they played an exhibition of handball to a very appreciated crowd. Charly's serve proved too strong on the day for Doyle - with steady power and huge spin on the ball he struggled to return serves allowing Shanks to gain too much momentum, edging Doyle out on a scoreline of 15-11, 15-10.
In the Billy McClean Driving School Men's B Clann Eireann's Collie Carville was runner up to a very talented Shane O'Neill of Brackey HC in Tyrone. Carville played spectacularly throughout forcing O'Neill to produce his best handball performance to date, tracking every single ball and hitting great kill shots and passes. The final score was 15-13, 15-12 both players will do well in the forthcoming One Wall Nationals in Mayo this weekend.
In the Vintage Bar Men's C it was the return to competitive action of Clann Eireann's prodigal son Peter Shanks. A very successul underage player who took a break from the game and is now back playing no more than a year. Peter beat Malachy McNally of Saval HC in Newry with some very steady play keeping mistakes to a minimum and forcing McNally to make errors. The final score was 15-10, 15-11.
Summing up the day Handball Club Chairman Conor McMahon expressed his delight with the calibre of players on hand from all over Ulster and the quality of handball they displayed. He also thanked all our sponsors - South Ulster Housing Association, Billy McClean Driving School, Vintage Bar and Hellannic Ltd who helped make the tournament a success with all their support. Conor also had a special word of thanks for Geraldine Shanks and Noleen Lawless who prepared a fantastic spread for the players’ lunch, and also to Patricia Mooney who, as usual, made some gorgeous buns – much appreciated Ladies.
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