Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy defeated Kilkenny handball legend, Michael Ducksy Walsh, at Croke Park handball headquarters yesterday to retain his M Donnelly All-Ireland 60x30 Singles crown.
The defending champion was in awesome form and in front of a huge attendance, served up one of his most impressive performances this year. The legendary champion of the past, 16-time winner, Walsh returned to the final stage following a five year absence but failed to contain the sheer speed and agility of the St Brigid’s clubman.
Yesterday’s win secured Kennedy’s fourth consecutive singles title, and he now will go on to contest senior doubles honours in two weeks time. In the opening game, Kennedy dominated the early exchanges as rushed into an 8-0 lead. Despite getting back into serve, Walsh was unable to put scores on the board as Kennedy opened a 16-0 gap. The Kilkenny handballer then settled into the game, but the Dubliner eventually took the first 21-20. In the second game, Kennedy’s fitness told as he powered home to a 21-6 victory to confirm his number one rank in Ireland.
“Ducksy is the greatest champion in the history of handball,” said Kennedy. “I remember coming here to see him as a young lad and to win today was very important to me.”
Kennedy dedicated the victory to fellow St Brigid’s handballer, Julie Long (28) who passed away earlier in the year. “Dublin handball lost a very special person this year and I would like to dedicate this win to Julie Long,” said the NUI Maynooth lecturer.
Ducksy Walsh, who collected 13 consecutive All-Ireland senior singles titles between 1985 and 1997, and went on to take three further titles from 1999-2001, was disappointed after failing to make his dream of retaining All-Ireland honours a reality but commended the efforts of him impressive opponent. “Eoin was the much better player today, he took his chances and although I would have loved to have won today, it was great to be back in a final,” said Ducksy.
In the minor clash, the dress rehearsal for Sunday's All-Ireland hurling decider, honours went to Limerick’s CJ Fitzpatrick after a comprehensive victory over Kilkenny’s Ciarán Neary. Kilkenny were granted some consolation when the Intermediate Doubles title went to the Cats, as Eddie Burke and Michael Clifford defeated Paul Mullins and Adrian Johnson of Tipperary.
Action from the senior Handball final. Photos courtesy of Sportsfile On his way to victory ... Eoin Kennedy
Ducksy's valiant effort ...
Eoin Kennedy (Dublin) receives the trophy from Nickey Brennan, Uachtarán CLG
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