The 2018 O'Neill's GAA Handball 40x20 Mens Championship kicks off this weekend with the Round of 16 ties down for decision.
Last years first time champion Charly Shanks starts his campaign with the challenge of Mayo man Vinny Moran at Kells, Meath on Sunday. Speaking to GAAHandball.ie upon being awarded the 2017 Player of the Year, Shanks spoke of enjoying his Handball again with last years win lifting a weight off his shoulders.
"Back in March last year it was a huge relief for me to finally win that elusive All-Ireland title. It lifted a huge weight off my shoulders that I never truly realised that I had put there. I'm back enjoying my Handball again and looking forward to 2018."
One of Shank's key challengers, #2 Seed Robbie McCarthy, has received a late withdrawal from Dublin's Carl Browne and thus advances to the QF's in a fortnights time. Galway's Martin Mulkerrins occupies the #3 seed and will face Tyrone's former Minor Champion Johnny Woods. Making up the top 4 is Clare's Diarmuid Nash, who faces a tricky all Munster tussle with Kerry's Dominic Lynch.
Former champion Eoin Kennedy will face last years semi-finalist Brendan Fleming is one of the ties of the round at Crinkle on Sunday.
Fixtures:
Saturday 10th February
Crinkle, Offaly @ 1pm OIC Kevin Cooke 087 6423846
- MSS Q7. Cork (Brendan Fleming) v Dublin (Eoin Kennedy)
- MSS Q8. Dublin (Carl Browne) v Westmeath (Robbie McCarthy)
Sunday 11th February
Kells, Meath @ 1pm OIC Robert Fox 083 4408192
- MSS Q1. Armagh (Charly Shanks) v Mayo (Vinnie Moran)
- MSS Q6. Wexford (Gavin Buggy) v Antrim (Owen McKenna)
St. Brigids, Curraghboy, Roscommon @ 1pm OIC Seamus McHugh 087 6307759
- MSS Q2. Cork (Tadgh Carroll) v Tyrone (Darragh Daly)
- MSS Q5. Galway (Martin Mulkerrins) v Tyrone (Johnny Woods)
Cappagh, Limerick @ 1pm OIC Donal Hayes 087 2442604
- MSS Q4. Kerry (Dominic Lynch) v Clare (Diarmuid Nash)
- MSS Q3. Clare (Colin Crehan) v Roscommon (Rikki O’Gara)