The 2015 GAA Handball season came to a close last Saturday 12th December with the40x20 Interclub All Ireland Championships which took place in various Cork venues. In the Open grade Kells (Kilkenny) took the premier open title when they defeated Glenbeigh (Kerry) in the final on a 104-84 scoreline.
The Open final which was played in Mallow was a cracking match of handball. First into action was Kells Peter Funchion against the experience Dominick Lynch from Glenbeigh, Peter took the first game 21-14 but Dominick took the second 21-19 to leave Kells up by 5 aces going into the Doubles.
The Kells Doubles pairing of Brian Manogue and Dan Breen met tough opposition when they played J.J. Quirke and Jack O'Shea with Kerry winning both games 21-8, 21-14. Kerry were 15 aces up going into the last singles match.
Patrick Funchion then played Rory O'Connor in the 2nd singles match and Patrick won the first game 21-5 which meant Kells were 1 ace up going into the final game. So with it all to play for in the last singles game Patrick came out all guns blazing and took the second and the title by winning 21-2. Which gave Kells a winning margin of 20 aces to finish on 104 - 84 to win out the Senior Open 40x20 Interclub Championships for 2015.
While the Junior competition was played at Liscarroll. Kells of Meath received a bye from Ulster in the first semi-final, while St. Brigids Curraghboy defeated the home side Liscarroll 84-45 in the second semi-final. The final was a very tight affair with little between both clubs but in the end Kells just edged St. Brigids 94-84.
Finally, in the Junior B competition which was played in Conna. Kilmyshall of Wexford received a bye in the first semi-final, while Ballyporeen of Tipperary overcame Claremorris of Mayo 88-49. In the final the Leinster champions were just too strong for their Munster opponents with Kilmyshall defeating Ballyporeen 105-83.
Semi-Final
- Ballyporeen dft Claremorris 88 - 49
- Match 1: Mikey Maher Vs Patrick Murphy: 21-10, 21-17
- Match 2: Willie Cahill / Anthony Crotty Vs Pat Hopkins / Tom McCormack: 21-10, 21-8
- Match 3: Jason Cahill Vs Lawrence Murphy: 4-4
Final
- Kilmyshall dft Ballyporeen 105 - 83
- Match 1: Keith Armstrong Vs Mikey Maher: 21-14, 17-21
- Match 2: Padhraic Roberts / Tommy Armstrong Vs Willie Cahill / Anthony Crotty: 21-16, 16-21
- Match 3: Niall Maher Vs Jason Cahill: 21-11, 9-0
Thanks to all the clubs, players, referees and sincere thanks to the host clubs for their hospitality on the day.
GAA Handball 40x20 All Ireland Interclub 2015 Results
Saturday 12th December 2015
OPEN in Mallow, Cork
- Semi Final 1: Kells (Kilkenny) Bye
- Semi Final 2: Glenbeigh (Kerry) W/O Ballaghaderreen (Mayo)
- Final: Kells (Kilkenny) dft Glenbeigh (Kerry) 104-84
INTERMEDIATE – no competition
JUNIOR in Liscarroll, Cork
- Semi Final 1: Kells (Meath) Bye
- Semi Final 2: St. Brigids, Curraghboy (Roscommon) dft Liscarroll (Cork) 84-45
- Final: Kells (Meath) dft St. Brigids (Roscommon) 94-84
JUNIOR B in Conna, Cork
- Semi Final 1: Kilmyshall (Wexford) Bye
- Semi Final 2: Ballyporeen (Tipperary) dft Claremorris (Mayo) 88-49
- Final: Kilmyshall (Wexford) dft Ballyporeen (Tipperary) 105-83