Hopes of an Irish clean sweep at the USHA Junior Nationals in Tucson, Arizona were destroyed yesterday when Kilkenny’s Richie Hogan and fellow Cat, Eoghan Hennessy were defeated in their quarter-final battles. The remaining four handballers on the official Irish squad are all safely through to the semi-final stages, with Diarmaid Nash remaining a strong contender to take the 17 and Under boys title.
In the 19 and Under Boys quarter-final, Hogan pushed one of the most promising players in the USA, Armando Ortiz to 21-17 in the second game and was unfortunate not to force a tie-breaker. However, the Kilkenny U-21 and Senior hurler, went on to take a 21-12, 21-17 win in the doubles where he paired up with Suhn Lee from Lake Forest, Illinois.
In similar fashion, Clough’s Hennessy lost out in his quarter-final singles game but went on to take victory in his doubles game, where he put in a massive performance to take an 11-10 tie-breaker victory over Humberto Cardenaz and Jesus Figueroa (Arizona). Clare’s Diarmaid Nash continues to breeze through the 17 and Under section after an impressive 21-1, 21-3 over Calfornian Ricky Ortiz. His doubles partner, fellow Tuamgraney clubman, Niall Malone eased through the B consolation and also paired up with Nash, who lined out at corner-back for the Banner minors this year, to record an emphatic win over Eddie De Leon and Elias Valdez (Arizona) 21-0, 21-3.
Meanwhile, the Irish female contingent continue to destroy any opposition that comes before them with Aisling Reilly having two comfortable victories over Lizzie Little (Kansas)and Canadian Kira Toxopeus. Her doubles partner, Roscommon’s Leona Doolin recorded a 21-1, 21-0 win over Mary Friscoe (Ohio) and went on to defeat Canadian Pepukai Jones 21-6, 21-6. Meanwhile Cork’s Catriona Casey had an outstanding victory over Brittyn Bidegain as the Irish ladies continue their search for US glory.
Of the remaining Irish, Mayo’s Stephen Cooney is through to the 17 and Under semi-final after a 21-10, 21-17 win over Texan, Dustin Van Brunt. He now meets second seed, Luis Cordova. Fellow Ballaghaderreen handballer, Amy Corrigan recorded a doubles victory to set up a final meeting with top Irish players, Aisling Reilly and Leona Doolin. Tension in high as the final stages commence, but the Irish remain optimistic of taking a few titles back to the Emerald Isle.
Go to Top
