The 27th Annual Gael Linn competition which took place today saw a host of the country’s best young handballers descend on Colaiste Feirste, Belfast to compete for the novel mixed doubles event. The competition is played with the use of the Irish language being encouraged throughout it.
The format of the Gael Linn sees two pairings from each Province (one boy and one girl) play off in a timed basis of 3 matches; Girls Singles, Boys Singles, Mixed Doubles. A strong field, with names now well known in Handballing circles resulted in a series of exciting tussles which led to Galmoy’s (Kilkenny) Donal Ó hAnrachain and Una Ni Dhugáin coming out top of the pile following a 80-47 final victory against fellow Kilkenny players Dominic Ó Bolster and Amy Ni Bhraonáin representing the Clogh club. In the Solas section, Eoghan McElholm and Dearbhail Fox of Loughmacrory overcame Micheal Breathnach, Cathal O Laoire and Skylann Ni Mháille 50-35.
GAA Handball would like to thank all the competitors, parents, coaches, volunteers and especially the host venue for making the day possible and most importantly, enjoyable for all the players.
Corn Section
QF:
- Galmoy dft Monaghan Harps 61 – 29
- Tulla dft Mícheal Breathnach 39 - 36
- Clogh dft Loughmacrory 62 - 41
- St. Coman’s dft Tuamgraney 37 - 37 (TB: 11 - 6)
SF:
- Galmoy dft Tulla 49 - 37
- Clogh dft St. Coman’s 51 - 49
Final:
- Galmoy dft Clogh 80 - 47
Solas Section
SF:
- Mícheal Breathnach dft Monaghan Harps 58 - 55
- Loughmacrory dft Tuamgraney 41 - 28
Final:
- Loughmacrory dft Mícheal Breathnach 50-35