The hottest show in town comes to Abbeylara on Saturday as two of the giants of the softball game clash in what looks set to be a mouthwatering final. Following last year's three game epic when Dublin's Eoin Kennedy wrestled the title back from Robbie McCarthy after the Westmeath man had won three on the trot, the anticipation is high for another classic at the Longford venue.
Final crowds for the traditional game have seen somewhat of a slowdown in recent years but National Manager John Kelly feels that the Handball public need to come out in force on Saturday or else they could miss one of the games of the year.
Kelly commented on Saturday's final
"We have three finals taking place in Abbeylara on Saturday and they all promise to be cracking games of Handball. From our Minor battle between two fantastic up and coming young Handballers in Shane Dunne and Niall Joyce to our Intermediate showdown between the strongholds of Galway and Wexford and culminating in what promises to be another gripping encounter between the top two 60x30 players in the country it is an occasion not to be missed.
All Ireland Final days in the 60x30 code have always been special occasions since the night's in Croke Park prior to All Ireland Football & Hurling Finals. This year's finals will be held in the state of the art complex in Abbeylara where a warm welcome awaits for anybody travelling. He does not buy into the theory that the 60x30 game is in decline and points to last years three game thriller as proof that the traditional code is alive and well but he stresses that it is in need of the Handball public's support for it's showpiece day's. He also believes that the value of Saturday's programme means it is too good an offer to resist.
It's too easy for people to sit at home behind keyboards and be negative and say the game is in decline but it's time for the 60x30 public to get out show their support for our traditional game on Saturday.
We call on the counties involved to show their support for their players who have done tremendously well to reach the finals and I also call on the 60x30 supporters in general to show their support and attend the blue riband day of 60x30 Handball.
Where else would you get the fantastic value of 3 All Ireland finals for just €20 for an Adult and €10 for a Juvenile/OAP?"
A special offer is available for Juvenile Handballers with any Adult who brings a Juvenile on Saturday will get a second Juvenile in for free as part of a promotion to get younger people to attend our games and to show them top 60x30 action. A Juvenile must be 16 years of age or under and must be accompanied by a paying adult. Kelly hopes that a large number of Juveniles will get to experience the finals on Saturday.
"A packed gallery will mean a fantastic atmosphere and what better way to sell our game to the Juveniles of today then for them to experience the atmosphere, skill and passion of 60x30 All Ireland final day."
There are no other fixtures planned by National CCCC to enable people to travel to the games and tickets can be purchased from the GAA Handball Office by calling 01-8192384 or email brigid.doheny@gaa.ie
Saturday 10th October in Abbeylara, Longford.
- 12noon MS Final: Mayo (Niall Joyce) v Kilkenny (Shane Dunne)
- 1.00pm ID Final: Galway (Ollie Conway/Martin Mulkerrins) v Wexford (Mick & Jim Berry)
- 2.00pm MSS Final: Westmeath (Robbie McCarthy) v Dublin (Eoin Kennedy)