Westmeath’s Aoife McCarthy’s 21-20, 12-21, 11-8 win over one of female Handball’s all-time greats Catriona Casey in yesterday’s Softball QF certainly rocked the Handball community. Aoife spoke to GAAHandball.ie in the aftermath of a brilliant win.
“I was absolutely delighted to get the win yesterday as it was my first-time beating Catriona.”
“Winning the first game was great as it was as close as it could have been. She took the second comfortably so it was extremely pleasing for me that I could bounce back again in the tiebreak to win.”
That tiebreak was by no means straight forward for McCarthy though as she required three match points before eventually sealing the glory.
“It was nerve wrecking alright but I feel I fought well in all three games, served well and took my shots! I am certainly feeling it today!”
“With the Handball alley closed until July it gave me the opportunity to work on my off court training, which may have contributed to this performance. Having daddy there as usual was also great for his advice to push me over the line.”
“It is a bitter sweet win at the same time however as she is my best friend, a great player, and I know she will be down after this result. But she is a true champion and I have no doubt at all that she will be back winning major honours again in the future.”
Next up for McCarthy is a a SF next Saturday against Ciara Mahon (KK), and despite her confidence being sky high after Saturday’s win, Aoife is not taking Ciara for granted.
“I am excited for the SF as I have never reached a Senior SF before. But it is an opportunity for me to test myself against another great player, but also to show what I have to offer also.”