Kilkenny has long been regarded as one of the strongholds of all codes of handball and in particular the 60x30 game – and the county has the titles to prove it, writes Paul Fitzpatrick.
The Cats are gunning for yet another senior crown today when Ciara Mahon and Amy Brennan take on Catriona Casey and Aishling O’Keeffe in the Ladies Senior Doubles final.
Brennan is standing in for Aoife Holden, who has picked up an injury, and while the disruption is not ideal, Kilkenny are putting their best foot forward, according to Mahon.
“Yeah, unfortunately Aoife is injured and unable to play. Having played with her for the last couple of years and gained momentum together it's disappointing that she's not able to compete this time,” Ciara said.
“I wish her a speedy recovery. But it is great to have opportunity to play with my clubmate Amy Brennan - an up-and-coming player who has had a great campaign so far in the singles championship, having won the junior All Ireland title. Unfortunately, we haven't had a lot of time to train together but we are familiar with each other styles and looking forward to pulling together for this game.”
A bye straight into the final is far from ideal, she admitted, but the Clogh player is taking the positives from it.
“Yes, it's difficult to come into a straight final. Ideally you would have a few games to warm into the championship, particularly when's the first time we will have played together competitively. But on the other hand, we are fresh and eager to get stuck into the game,” she said.
Mahon didn’t find her best form in the singles championship – she previously made the final and has consistently competed at the business end – and is hoping to make amends in the doubles.
“Yeah, for me personally, very disappointing, putting it behind me, my focus is now on the doubles. Well done though to Cuileann getting to her first senior final – a big achievement and of course have to congratulate Catriona who again showed her great skill and ability to claim the title again this year, well done to her.”
It is hoped that the long-awaited new arena in Croke Park will help rejuvenate the 60x30 game. Ciara believes it is an added incentive to try to win the first Senior Doubles final in the new ‘big alley’.
“Of course, it would be very iconic to win in the new court – it is fantastic that we now have such a great facility to showcase the great skill involved in 60x30 handball.”
While she gets nervous as most players do before big matches, there is no pressure this time, she feels.
“Yes, naturally, I get nervous before these games. But I find that I am more comfortable playing doubles given that you are working as a team. Also, for us as underdogs there is nothing to lose, and I think that takes the pressure off.”
As for the ‘Rebelettes’, she rates them extremely highly but it really looking forward to the challenge.
“I expect them to be consistent, skilful and tenacious – all the attributes that have won them successive titles for the last few years. We will be eager to dig in and fight and give it our best shot,” she said.
Tickets for tomorrow's eagerly-awaited final double-header can be purchased here.