Last weekend saw the conclusion of the 40×20 Adult All-Ireland Doubles Finals which took centre stage across Leinster venues. Galway had four pairs representing their county. They were Brendan McNeela and Denis Phelan from Moycullen in Golden Master B, Jimmy Connaughton from Williamstown and Martin Ward from Derrymullen in Emerald Masters B, Morgan Darcy and John Keleghan from Moycullen in the Ruby Master (65+) and Sinead Ní Ainlí and Ciana Ní Churraoin from Micheál Breathnach in Ladies Intermediate.
Firstly huge congratulation to our All-Ireland winners. In the Ladies Intermediate, Sinead Ni Ainli and Ciana Ní Churraoin who had a convincing win against their Clare compatriots. Also in Emerald Masters B, Jimmy Connaughton and Martin Ward played a strong Westmeath pairing but put on a great performance to take home another title to their respective clubs.
Hard luck to our runner ups who tried their best on the day. In Ruby Masters (65+), Morgan Darcy and John Keleghan had to retire early due to a hand injury. Also Denis Phelan and Brendan McNeela who were beaten in a tie-breaker against a very strong Wexford pair. However it was a great testament to Moycullen Handball Club that they had two pairs in the All-Ireland final.
The results in full were:
- Golden Masters B Wexford (Mick Armstrong/Mick Carty) dft Galway (Brendan McNeela/Denis Phelan) 10-21, 21-16, 21-2
- Emerald Masters B Galway (Jimmy Connaughton/Martin Ward) dft Westmeath(Anthony Mulligan/Brendan Menton) 21-8, 21-18
- Ruby Masters (65+) Dublin (Eugene Kennedy/Vinny Farrelly) dft Galway (Morgan Darcy/John Keleghan) 21-11, 2-0 ret. inj.
- Ladies Intermediate Galway (Sinead NíAinlí/CianaNíChurraoin) dft Clare (Louise Hayes/Annmarie Fitzgerald) 21-2, 21-2
Looking forward, the Irish Adult 40×20 Nationals will take place next weekend, April 30th & May 1st in West Belfast venues. We wish all the Galway representatives the best of luck
