Reigning All-Ireland 60x30 club champions, Ballaghdereen, will take another step towards retaining their title when the face Dublin’s Na Fianna in the All-Ireland semi-final on Monday next in Abbeylara.
In the second semi-final, which takes place on Sunday, Ballina of Tipperary host Tyrone’s Brackey in what looks set to be an interesting contest.
Ballaghaderreen are a dynamic outfit and will be hoping that with former world, US and Irish champion Dessie Keegan at the helm, the Mayo side can steer their way to a fourth consecutive title. Joe McCann, Vinny Moran, Paul Flynn and Campbell Brennan are all accomplished 60x30 players and will be confident of making it to another final.
Their Dublin opposition, while rank outsiders, have plenty of power in their artillery. Egin Jensen is one of the most prominent 60x30 players in the country and last year partnered Eoin Kennedy to win the 60x30 senior doubles title. Team-mates, Ian Griffin and Christy Donnelly captured the Junior Hardball doubles title earlier in the year, while Kerry Hennesy and Frank Daly are stalwarts of the 60x30 code.
In the second of the Open semi-finals, Ballina take on Ulster champions, Tyrone and both sides will be hungry to make the All-Ireland final. The Munster contingent are a formidable side, with Ger Coonan, current Junior Hardball champion and promising young star, Fergal Collins leading the way.
Brackey have built up a strong club in the competitive Ulster scene, but the experience of the Tipp men may see them through, with the current 60x30 club champions likely to progress in the other side of the draw.
Former world, US and Irish champion, Dessie Keegan.
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