The focus of the Handball community turns to Belfast this weekend for the 2022 Irish 4-Wall Adult Nationals, sponsored by the Dalata Hotel Group.
A huge tournament means an action packed weekend kicks off from 5pm on Friday, with Elite Finals finishing out the schedule from 4.30pm on Sunday.
Gort na Mona, Queens PEC, St Pauls, Rossa and Colaiste Feirste will all host games with a total of nine courts jammed packs with matches to cater for the demand.
24 entries in the Elite Men’s section is headed by top seed Martin Mulkerrins (Galway). Mulkerrins was impressive three weeks ago winning the Mick Kerr Memorial. In his two other outings this season he only fell narrowly in tiebreakers at the SF stage to eventual winners Paul Brady (at the Golden Gloves), and Killian Carroll (at the US Nationals), so he is clearly the man to look out for.
Armagh veteran Charly Shanks looks to be his nearest challenger as the vastly experienced former All-Ireland Champion is still showing he has the game to trouble any of the games elite.
Former two time champion Diarmaid Nash has yet to reach his peak form this season, but should he come though a trick quarter of the draw, then the Clare man is scheduled to take on Shanks at the SF stage.
Nash’s doubles partner Colin Crehan occupies #4 seed and will bid to make his maiden Nationals Final. Crehan certainly has the game and skill set to make that leap, but will have to potentially come through Sean Kerr (Tyrone) and Martin Mulkerrins to do so.
Action kicks off on Friday night at Gort na Mona with a number of eye catching encounters. Tadhg O’Neill v Michael Gregan has the makings of a quality shoot out. Youngster O’Neill has suffered a series of injury setbacks since his Minor All-Ireland win in 2017 but plays a thrilling attacking style of Handball. Former finalist Gregan is a great competitors and has bucket loads of experience behind him.
David Walsh (Cork) has made strides this year, finishing in 9th place at the last two rankings events. He faces reigning two time Minor Champion Eoghan McGinnity, who is trying to bring his game to the next level and establish himself as a top senior.
In the Elite Ladies it is difficult to look past the form of Catriona Casey. The two time champion has such an incredible win rate, and at worst case seems to at least make the Final of every event she enters.
A possible SF with Aisling Reilly (#4) lies await, in what would be a repeat of the Golden Gloves final in November. Fiona Tully (#2) is scheduled to meet Megan McCann (#4) if seedings play through, in what would be a repeat of a close encounter at the recent She’s Ace Festival.
There are of course a couple of other talented players in the field capable of creating upsets. Eilise McCrory won the Intermediate All-Ireland in November and has a superb serve and shot game, whilst Galway’s Ciana Ni Churraoin makes a welcome return to the Irish scene.
A host of Adult and Masters grades are also being played across the Belfast courts this weekend, with players coming from all corners of the country. We wish the best of luck to all players!
--
You can follow updates of the tournament across GAA Handball’s social media platforms all weekend, with a free HD Live stream available from Saturday evening and throughout Sunday’s Finals.
