Draws for this weekends Golden Gloves in Belfast have now been released, with 177 entries taking part across a variety of grades.
The showpiece grades this weekend will be the Men's & Ladies Open sections, which will be the first ranking event of the year. Twenty four players have entered a very competitive Men's Open, with all the big guns included. Last years season ending's #1 Diarmaid Nash occupies the top seed, and if seeds hold through he will face his All-Ireland Doubles winning partner Colin Crehan in the SF.
Current All-Ireland champion Robbie McCarthy is in at #2, with recent Tucson Memorial champion Martin Mulkerrins at #3. There are of course many other quality players in the field including former All-Ireland champ Charly Shanks, Michael Gregan, the Funchion brothers, and a host of upcoming stars.
Ten entries in the Ladies Open include the usual big three of Catriona Casey, Martina McMahon & Aisling Reilly. But similar to the Men's, a lot of rising talent occupies the remainder of the draw, all bidding to break the stranglehold of the big three.
Action kicks off from 5.30pm on Friday evening in the double court venues in St Paul's, Colaiste Feirste & Gort na Mona.
A live stream of Sunday's Open SF's & Finals will be available on the GAA Handball Facebook page. Regular updates will also be provided throughout the weekend.