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McCarthy seals fourth title at packed Abbeylara

Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy ensured the 60x30 Senior Singles Cup will reside in the Lake County once more for the next 12 months as he produced a performance of sheer class in front of a packed gallery in Abbeylara, Longford today.

A 21-7, 21-3 victory would be impressive against most players but when you take into account McCarthy's opponent was 60x30 legend and nine time champion Eoin Kennedy it gives an indication of the form that the Mullingar maestro was in. A packed gallery and an electric atmosphere in the Longford venue as the crowd waited in anticipation for the next chapter in the gripping rivalry that had seen 6 previous finals result in three titles apiece for both men. However McCarthy was just too good today and the expected classic never materialised though the capacity crowd were treated to an exhibition of 60x30 handball. 

McCarthy started in impressive fashion and raced to a 6-1 lead before Dubliner Kennedy could find his range. He stretched this to 8-3 before Kennedy fought back to 5-8 as the crowd sensed a close battle was on the cards. It was tit for tat as both players tried to forge an advantage as McCarthy stretched to 9-6 before creating the first bit of daylight with an 11-6 lead. Suddenly McCarthy upped a gear and extended his lead to 13-6 and then 17-6 as the Westmeath man was softly rekilling in the corners with ease. The shellshocked Kennedy had no answer despite the crowds encouragement as McCarthy extended his lead to 19-6 and despite Kennedy claiming a further point McCarthy closed out the first 21-7 with a dominant display despite the tense opening period. 

Kennedy started the second in better form yet he couldn't manage to get a lead on McCarthy to try and cause some doubt in the Mullingar mans mind. This time 12 months ago Kennedy came back from a 21-5 first game loss to take a classic in the third so the crowd were still hopeful that Kennedy could get a foothold in the game and force a third. Three back wall kills from McCarthy wowed the crowd and gave him the momentum as he raced to a 10-2 lead. McCarthy was in imperious form at this stage moving his opponent all over the court then picking off kills at ease as he ramped up the pressure and stretched his lead to 17-2. Kennedy managed to claim another point but it was all in vain as McCarthy raced toward the finish line and ensured there would be no third game needed this year sealing his fourth title with a 21-3 victory in the second as he let out an estatic roar much to the delight of his large support present. 

"Eoin is a fantastic player and I knew I would have to be at my best today, I am delighted with how I played. I am fitter this year and also mentally stronger and am delighted it came off for me on the day" exclaimed a delighted McCarthy who credited his new found mental toughness and fitness to his training with the Irish Naval Service. The 26 year old capped off a fine year on the courts with his fourth title and in this sort of form few would bet against him retaining this title for some years to come. Kennedy on the other hand never really got going in the game but the 35 year old Dubliner owes the game nothing having won an incredible nine titles and there is no doubt he will be at the business end of things next year should he attempt to win his tenth title. His attention will now turn to the Senior Doubles with partner Carl Browne taking on Kilkenny in next week's final. 

In the earlier games at the Longford venue Brothers Mikey & Jim Berry won the 2015 MyClubShop.ie All-Ireland Intermediate 60x30 Doubles title after a 21-10, 21-10 win in today's final against Galway's Martin Mulkerrins & Ollie Conway. A thoroughly impressive showing from the Wexford men sees them now join the senior ranks for the 2016 season. 

The Minor title was won by Mayo's Niall Joyce who continued his fine form this year as he captured the Mylubshop.ie 60x30 Minor Singles title with victory over Kilkenny's Shane Dunne on a 21-11, 21-11 scoreline. Joyce has now completed the clean sweep of Minor Singles titles having previously taken the 40x20 and Hardball crowns earlier this year.

It was fantastic to see the huge crowd converge on Abbeylara today and the electric atmosphere added to what was one of the best finals crowd and atmosphere in recent times. Credit must go to the Abbeylara club who worked tirelessly to have the venue in fantastic shape for the final and the hospitality was first class for the capacity attendance. For those who think the 60x30 game is in decline the passion, skill and excitement today would point to the contrary as more legends came alive on 60x30 finals day in Longford.