Eight of the country’s top handballers have sealed places on the Irish One-Wall Team that will take part in the Basque International Tournament next December. Over 160 handballers competed in the eleventh Irish One-Wall Nationals in Sligo, and with a place on the Irish team at stake, some competitive action was seen over the two days.

James Doyle and Charly Shanks set up an all-Armagh Men’s Open final, with Clann Eireann’s Shanks accounting for tournament favourite, David King of Carlow in the semi-final. The two Ulstermen often compete as a doubles pairing, but with a national title on offer, friendship was put to one side.

“I prepared for it like I would any other game, but it was a bit strange going in against James when trying to maintain that competitive edge,” said Shanks. “He is a great one-wall player and puts a lot of effort into his training so I was delighted to get the win.”

Shanks was in top form in the final, winning 15-7, 15-3, with an outstanding spin serve ultimately proving the difference between the two.

The One-Wall Nationals, supported by Club Energise, have been a great success in recent years but the 2007 tournament exceeded all expectations in terms of entries and standard of competition.

In the Women’s Open final, Roscommon’s Katie Costello provided a stern challenge for last year’s U-19 world finalist, Kerry’s Ashley Prenderville. The Ballymacelligott player took the first 15-5, but was pushed to the edge in the second game and held out for a one point victory.

The U-18 boys category saw fellow clubmen, and 2006 world U-15 doubles champions, Diarmuid Nash and Niall Malone of Clare fighting for bragging rights in the Banner. Nash proved too strong for Malone in the final but both players will be content with their Irish team places.

The girls U-18 final was a real cracker with favourite, Roscommon’s Marianna Rushe losing out to fellow St Coman’s handballer, Leona Doolin in an exciting tie-breaker finish.

All eight finalists will now begin preparations for the Basque International tournament in December, where the strong Irish contingent will be hoping to collect some silverware.

Mens C winner Niall Gordon in action...