Kilkenny's Shane Dunne is the 2016 Myclubshop.ie Minor Champion following a 21-10, 21-11 victory over Galway's Diarmuid Mulkerrins. In the opening game of today's programme as the final's returned to Croke Park both players showed tremendous maturity in front of a packed gallery and produced some cracking Handball throughout.
Dunne started the brighter of the two and raced into an early lead before Mulkerrins much to the delight of his large following reeled him back in. However Dunne who only 12 months ago was defeated in the Minor final was determined he would not let this one get away and closed out the first 21-9. The scores didn't do the first game justice and it was a very energy sapping opener as both players gave it their all.
The second saw Dunne take command from the off and led by 7-1 and 9-5 before he opened up a 20-7 lead. With the finish line in sight for Dunne Mulkerrins made a mini comeback but the Kilkenny man was in determined mood and took the game and the title with a 21-9, 21-10 victory to the delight of the large Kilkenny contingent in the crowd.
Both players deserve huge credit for producing such fine Handball in front of what was undoubtedly the largest crowd they had played before. Dunne deservedly took the title to make up for the hurt of 12 months ago and adds the 60x30 Minor Singles to the Minor Hardball Singles and Doubles titles he won earlier in the year to cap a fine year for the Clogh youngster.