DUBLIN HANDBALLER Eoin Kennedy (St Brigid’s, Blanchardstown), confirmed his status as the country’s top large (60x30) court player when he claimed his sixth consecutive GAA/M Donnelly All-Ireland Softball (60x30) men’s senior singles title and his seventh overall on Saturday.
Kennedy easily defeated young Westmeath ace Robbie McCarthy Jnr (Mullingar) over two games at the National Handball Centre, Croke Park, on Saturday.
The 30-year-old Dubliner, who also bagged his 20th All-Ireland senior crown across all the handball codes of Softball and Hardball (60x30) and (40x20), in the process, had too much fire-power for the 21-year-old Westmeath man, who was appearing in his first All-Ireland Senior Singles final.
Kenndedt displayed his full armoury of kill shots and passing shots, allied to his trademark rocket-like serve.
In the minor singles final, Mayo’s Stephen Cooney (Ballaghaderreen), defeated Limerick’s Pádraig O’Carroll (Cappagh) 21-14, 21-0.
In the intermediate doubles final, Kilkenny duo Nicholas Anthony and Joe Walsh (both Mullinavat) defeated Galway’s Ollie Conway and Alan Tierney (both Williamstown) 21-7, 21-7.
There was a winning start to the weekend for Tipperary in the St Jude’s All-Ireland Junior Hurling Sevens as Shannon Rovers and Seán Treacy’s claimed titles at Templeogue on Saturday.
Shannon Rovers became the fifth Tipperary club to earn cup honours following a 3-7 to 1-6 win over fellow Tipperary side Emly. The Shield title also went to Tipperary with Seán Treacy’s beating Thomas Davis by 3-8 to 1-2 .
