The 2018 Handball season will open in a flurry as this Friday sees the opening round games of the 9th annual John Gaffney memorial tournament.
As this is the last event where ranking points are ‘up for grabs’ before the start of the 40x20 championship, all 24 competitors will arrive ready and eager for battle.
Though the Gaffney Tournament is in its 9th year, there have only ever been four winners. As such, Ireland’s elite players will be out in force over the weekend, looking to make their stamp and set the tone for the 2018 All-Ireland championship.
Two of the previous event winners who will be out to gain another title are three-time winner, Robbie McCarthy, who was most recently the 2015 champion, and 2014’s champion Diarmuid Nash. Nash will look to improve on his excellent form and tournament win at the 2017 Nationals event, and will hope to carry his winning form right through to this year’s championship, whereas McCarthy is a constant threat and will look to set his mark for the year ahead.
With this year’s 40x20 championship in mind, reigning number 1 seed and current All Ireland champion, Charlie Shanks, will look to assert his dominance in the small court as he continues his quest to retain his title.
Looking further afield, there is no shortage of potential winners as Martin Mulkerrins, who finished 2nd in last year’s tournament, will look to take his first win. With Colin Crehan, Paul Moran, Owen McKenna and Patrick Funchion all rounding out those who are starting fresh in a Last 16 position, this tournament is shaping up to be an incredibly exciting event.
Please see below for the John Gaffney Tournament Draw Tree;
2018 Gaffney Tournament Draw Tree