By Kate Ní Mhóráin
This academic year has already treated us to some phenomenal games of handball. IT Tralee stormed Croke Park in late September to claim the 60x30 Doubles title as Shane Dunne and Shane Murphy combined in devastating fashion. In the 60x30 Singles we saw Shane Dunne vs Brian Mahon, county men and club men, hailing from Clogh, battle it out for the big alley title with Tralee again claiming victory. We had another Mahon put on an exhibition of a performance as Ciara captured her fourth 60x30 Intervarsity All Ireland. In the 40x20 doubles, the DCU duo Fiona Tully and Meadhbh Ní Dhálaigh were the hot favourites, and rightly so, as they claimed their second Doubles Open title this year following on from their 60x30 Doubles success. The Men’s 40x20 Doubles saw UL’s Colin Crehan and Jason English, reigning US Collegiate Doubles Champions, fight off the rest of the UL wolf pack for their first ICHA doubles title. This weekend in Kingscourt and surrounding venues is sure to be full of excitement, upsets and the crowning of two new Open champions.
As the academic years go by, no matter how much we wish to cling on to our college days, there comes a time when that chapter in life must come to an end and unfortunately we must face the big bad world. As we bid farewell to the current 40x20 Open Singles Champion Máirtín Ó Maoilchiaráin, who equalled Eoin Kennedy’s record of 5 Open titles last year, we make room for a new champion, who has big boots to fill following Mulkerrins’ long reign. In the Women’s Open, we will also have a new champion as Ciana Ní Churraoin, also known as “CNC the TNT”, is still out of action after tearing her ACL last summer kicking too many footballs. The Galway woman will be in attendance this weekend watching closely to see who will take home the top women’s title. In both the Men’s and Women’s Open it is guaranteed to be an eventful weekend of handball paving the pathway for two new champions. This weekend will crown two new Open Champions in what promises to be the most closely fought competition in recent years.
In the Men’s Open, UL’s Colin Crehan, the current US Collegiate Champion, will be looking to seal the Men’s Open crown, after falling at the last hurdle against the aforementioned Mulkerrins in last year’s decider. The Kilkishen man, who is presently ranked no.5 in Irish Senior rankings, will be a popular pick for the weekend, if you were a betting man. Hot on Crehan’s heels will be the deadly duo, separated for this weekend only, Liscarroll and UL men Michael Hedigan and Daniel Relihan. Outstanding players to watch as a duo; but even better to watch when it comes to singles. UCD will be solidly represented by Galen Riordan and Brian Mahon this year. Missing out on last year’s tournament (as he was gallivanting stateside), Riordan will be looking to take the title that got away from him in 2016. Brian Mahon, a big alley man through and through, will be sure to cause a little upset this weekend with his power and his devilish left hand.
Representing Dublin’s north side university, Kevin Diggins and Niall Joyce will wear their DCU jerseys with hopes to oust the playing field as they come up against some of the older stock in the ICHA. Maynooth’s Keith Armstrong will also be present to make a go for the cup this coming weekend. Off the court, young Armstrong comes across shy and reserved, unlike his older brother, but on the court Keith can be ruthless and won’t go down without a fight. The South Western colleges will be spoken for by Shane Dunne (ITT) and David Walsh (CIT). Dunne will hope to translate his success in the big alley to the smaller confines of 40x20 over the weekend. CIT will hope rising star David Walsh can snatch the title this year before trying his luck at the US Collegiates later in February. No doubt, the fresher will bring plenty to the table, but he still has plenty to learn at the first tournament of his collegiate career.
In the Women’s Open, there is plenty of competition to keep spectators on the edge of their seats. With Trinity’s Ciara Mahon back with a vengeance for a third year in a row to steal away the title Ní Churraoin deprived her of, Mahon will be sure to make it third time the charm to take her maiden 40x20 Singles title to add to her multiple 60x30 titles. Although Mahon is a strong contestant with plenty years’ experience behind her, there is a lot of new blood this year in the ICHA looking to make their mark. UL’s Brídín Dinan and Doireann Murphy put up a great battle down in Wexford in the 40X20 Doubles reaching the final in their first year. Needless to say, these girls will be ready to play ball and be in with a chance of reaching yet another final and possibly keeping the cup in Limerick for yet another year. From UCD, Tuamgraney native Clodagh Nash will also have a say in where the cup travels home to come Sunday. Niamh Dunne will be hoping to use her power to make 2018 her year to clinch the Singles title she has been working mercilessly for. Eilise McCrory will hope to keep the trophy in the north this year with her extensive local knowledge. Finally, Fiona Tully will be striving for that singles title to make up for her 60x30 Singles defeat in October.
As ever, the ICHA is delighted to cater for players of all abilities, with its famous grading system paving the way for tight, competitive games among players of similar standards. College is a fantastic time to try a new sport, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming a new bunch of beginners to experience this wonderful game!
There is bound to be plenty of excitement and undeniably devilment on and off the court for all our players who pave the way to Kingscourt this weekend. Nonetheless, it is impossible to say who will come out victorious on Sunday with such a proficient group of athletes in rivalry to be the 2018 40x20 Open Singles Champion and have their name engraved on the cup. We hope to see you there!