So in two weeks time it is going to be two mouthwatering shootouts between McMahon v Casey, and McCarthy v McConnell for the 2022 Senior Ladies and Mens Softball titles respectively.
Saturday saw the SF's take place in St Coman's HC, the same venue for the Finals in a fortnights time. Martina McMahon's bid for a 4 in a row of All-Ireland Senior Softball titles remains on track after the Limerick star defeated Aoife McCarthy (Westmeath) 21-4, 21-12.
"I'm delighted with the win. Aoife played some terrific ball and there were moments today where it was difficult to get a point. I'm happy to come out the winning side, with all my focus now on two weeks time."
In the second SF, Catriona Casey's insane, unblemished year of Handball continued as she saw off her Doubles partner Aishling O'Keeffe 21-7, 21-2.
"It's always a strange one playing a close friend, but that's the nature of handball sometimes! Aishling knows my game better than anyone. She made some great fly kills in both games but thankfully my serves worked pretty well and I was able to see the match out."
A sensational record of 12 consecutive Senior Softball Singles Finals was secured by the reigning champ Robbie McCarthy as he saw of Kilkenny's Ciaran Neary 21-10, 21-6 in the SF.
"It was a great match and I'm just happy with the result and to progress to another final. Ciaran played really well and is a very strong player."
The second mens SF provided the most drama, especially in game one. Trailing 20-15, Gary McConnell showed great spirit to defeat Gavin Buggy 21-20, 21-4, after having also come from ten points down earlier in the set. Despite a wealth of experience, the reigning Softball Doubles champion now advances to his maiden Senior Singles decider in a fortnight's time against Robbie McCarthy.
"Delighted to get the win today. Gavin had a great first game where I got it very hard to get my head into the game. But thankfully I came back and got the win. Second game I started to play my game at times and started to get the points on the board. Delighted to get to the final where I know I will have to improve. I know I will be the underdog going into this game, but look I have been underdog going in to most All-Irelands the last few years and it turned out ok for me. I'll be a different cookie come finals day!"
Ticket details for the Finals will be released this week on www.gaahandball.ie.
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By Darragh Daly