It is SF day this Saturday at Croke Park in the Men's & Ladies MyClubShop.ie Softball Championship, as last years finalists in both codes will start as strong favourites to set up a repeat Finals Day billing in a fortnights time.
A late withdrawal last night from Aishling O'Keeffe has provided Catriona Casey with a bye into the final, where she awaits the winner of reigning champion Martina McMahon or Ciara Mahon. McMahon was ruthless last time out when seeing off Aoife McCarthy in a dominant display, whilst Mahon showed good form when comfortably seeing off the challenge of Pauline Gallagher.
In the Men's, recent Nationals Champion Eoin Kennedy takes on current Doubles champion Brian Carroll in a repeat of last years SF where Kennedy emerged victorious 21-11, 21-19. Kennedy received a bye in his QF, whilst Carroll survived a third game tussle with Mayo's Joe McCann.
Reigning champion Robbie McCarthy has cruised into the SF's, impressively keeping Ger Coonan & Michael Gregan to single figures. He is a truly exceptionally talented big court player and is the overwhelming favourite for the Championship as a whole. Standing in his way though is first time finalist Gary McConnell, and the 25 year old has really shone himself in the current softball season, defeating CJ Fitzpatrick & Gavin Buggy en route to the SF.
Action kicks off at 1pm, with tickets available on the door.
Fixtures:
Sat 19th Aug, Croke Park, at 1pm
- Ladies SF 1: Cork (Catriona Casey) w/o Cork (Aishling O'Keeffe)
- Ladies SF 2: Limerick (Martina McMahon) v Kilkenny (Ciara Mahon)
- Mens SF 1: Dublin (Eoin Kennedy) v Meath (Brian Carroll)
- Mens SF 2: Westmeath (Robbie McCarthy) v Meath (Gary McConnell)