An enticing 4 match programme in the 2017 O'Neills 40x20 Senior Doubles Championship takes place this Saturday in Kingscourt, with both Ladies & Men's Finalists down for decision.
Mens SF 1: Kilkenny (Patrick & Peter Funchion) v Clare (Diarmuid Nash/Colin Crehan)
The Kilkenny lads are the surprise package in this years SF's having taken out last years Championships Eoin Kennedy & Carl Browne (Dublin) in a thrilling tiebreak last weekend. However whilst it was an upset, it wasn't a huge shock with the Funchion brothers being widely accepted from the Handball community as being real tricky and effective opponents. Their win last weekend can only serve them well and they will be brimming with confidence of reaching their first Senior Final. Standing in their way is first time pairing Nash & Crehan, both very skilful Handballers. Nash has plenty of big game experience and is very crafty, whilst Crehan is a real shooter that when hot can be devastating. This is too close to call.
Mens SF 2: Cork (Brendan Fleming/Tony Healy) v Cavan (Paul Brady/Michael Finnegan)
There is vast experience on court in the second SF with ten time champions Brady & Finnegan entering as strong favourites, and they will be keen to win the crown back after losing out at the final hurdle last year. They looked good last time round when seeing off the Mulkerrins brothers 21-11, 21-15. Having made this years Singles SF, Cork's former Finalist Fleming is back in his second Senior SF of an encouraging 2017. He pairs up with one of the games greats in Tony Healy, who is making a return to the court after several years out. A former 3 time All-Ireland Singles champion & World Doubles Champion, Healy in his prime was a true class act so it is great to see such a talent back in action.
Ladies SF1: Cork (Catriona Casey/Aisling O’Keefe) v Roscommon (Fiona Tully/Lauren O’Riordan)
The current 4 in a row chasing champs Casey & O'Keeffe rightly start as favourites as they bid to continue their dominance of the Ladies Doubles scene. Opposing them are two talented young players in Tully & O'Riordan. Both are former Minor champions, with Tully claiming that honour only last year. This is a big step up for the Roscommon girls, and talent alone will not be enough to defeat the champs. They certainly have the potential to cause a shock, but will have to be on top form throughout.
Ladies SF2: Galway (Ciana Ni Churraoin/Sinéad Ni Ainli) v Mayo (Pauline Gallagher/Amy Corrigan)
First time finalists are guaranteed from the second SF in an all Connacht clash. Last years Intermediate champs Galway will start as favourites given the form of Ni Churraoin, who took pushed both Martina McMahon & Catriona Casey to tiebreaks in her last two outings. Gallagher & Corrigan know each others game inside out after mulitple Championship campaigns behind them so will be expecting to be there or there abouts.
Saturday 8th April, Kingscourt HC, Cavan
Ct 1 @ 2pm
- SF1: Cork (Catriona Casey/Aisling O’Keefe) v Roscommon (Fiona Tully/Lauren O’Riordan)
Ct 2 @ 2pm
- SF2: Galway (Ciana Ni Churraoin/Sinéad Ni Ainli) v Mayo (Pauline Gallagher/Amy Corrigan)
Ct 1 @ 3pm
- SF1: Kilkenny (Patrick & Peter Funchion) v Clare (Diarmuid Nash/Colin Crehan)
- SF2: Cork (Brendan Fleming/Tony Healy) v Cavan (Paul Brady/Michael Finnegan)