The latest GAA Handball Summer Series event took place in Cavan on Sunday last.
The tournament was originally scheduled for Saturday at the One-Wall court at Dr Plunkett Park, Kilnaleck, home of Cavan senior football champions Crosserlough, but rain forced a 24-hour postponement.
Undeterred, 16 players lined up for an A and B doubles and this time, the weather played ball and allowed the smooth running of the event.
This was the second Summer Series tournament in Cavan following the successful day at Tullyvin during the heatwave and the standard was high, with players beginning to get their eye in after a long period of inactivity.
While they didn’t take top honours, star performers on the day were 16-year-olds Niall Magee and Adam McKenna. They defeated Caolán Smith and Fermanagh senior footballer Cian McManus in the group stages and proved it was no fluke when getting the better of Armagh’s strong pairing of top wallball player James Doyle and son Fiachra – although Fiachra had the consolation of the best shot of the day with a spectacular overhand kill which drew loud applause from the spectators.
In the final, Paul Fitzpatrick and Cormac McMahon managed to hold off the young guns on a 22-12 scoreline.
The B Doubles was outstanding, with all matches closely contested. In the final, Kingscourt duo Conor McMahon and Conor Owens played smart, composed handball as they narrowly got the better of local pair Stephen Smith and Dwayne Leggett in an excellent match.
Dual star Smith, who won an Ulster SFC medal with Cavan last year, and Leggett were both making a return to competition after a hiatus and can be very happy with their day’s work.
Among others to impress were former U15 All-Ireland finalist Diego Di Folco, who also made a welcome return.
Cavan handball would like to thank Crosserlough GAC for kindly providing the use of their facilities as well as refreshments, photographer Adrian Donohoe and GAA Handball for providing balls for the event.
A word of appreciation also for James and Fiachra for travelling from Armagh to participate.
The roadshow will continue in the next couple of weeks as Cavan intend to run at least one more event at a different venue in the region. The timed format has proven very popular and led to intense and enjoyable matches so far.
Report by Paul Fitzpatrick
Pictures by Adrian Donohue
