Galway Handballers Enjoy Success In Mount Talbot Tournament

Sport GBFM

Share this article

Galway Handballers Enjoy Success In Mount Talbot Tournament

Martin Mulkerrins (left) was defeated by Sean Kerr. In the middle is Senior Ladies winner Martina McMahon.

Mount Talbot hosted their ninth annual One Wall
Tournament as handballers descended on Roscommon for a busy weekend of action.
With over 150 games played across the competition in Mount Talbot and the
Mattie McDonagh centre, Galway players were among those competing for medals.
Martin Mulkerrins reached the final of the Men’s Open where he faced Sean Kerr.
The Tyrone man started the match strongly as he powered 5-0 ahead as he frequently
landed over head shots into the corners of the court. Mulkerrins struggled to
gain momentum, especially on his serve. He was able to target Kerr’s left hand
which helped to level the game at 5-5. The Moycullen man fell behind once more
before he gained the lead for the first time at eight points to seven.
Mulkerrins went 12-11 clear and within three points of claiming the opening
game. The Breacach player regained the serve and produced some excellent serves
and right-hand kills to claim the opening game 15-12.

Kerr lead the second game 3-2 as he served deep to
Mulkerrins’ stronger right hand. He stretched that advantage to four points as
the Tyrone man began to create opportunities for kill shots. His Galway opponent
maintained his composure throughout and levelled the game at 6-6 with some
excellent right hand kill shots. Mulkerrins, who beat Mayo’s Vinny Moran in the
semi-final, powered 10-6 in front before Kerr reduced the deficit to 11-9.
Mulkerrins called a timeout but it did not stop his opponent’s momentum as the
pair were level at 11-11. Ker claimed the next two aces as a Mulkerrins miss
and an excellent serve saw him move two points away from victory. The
All-Ireland 40x20 senior doubles finalist was determined to bring this match to
a tiebreaker as a right hand kill shot reduced the deficit but Kerr managed to
regain the serve. A right hand kill and a long ball by Mulkerrins gave the
Tyrone native a deserved victory. The match finished 15-12, 15-12.

Martin Mulkerrins in action against Sean Kerr.

There was success for Galway in various age groups
with Jack Ó Conghaile winning the Boys U10 tournament, James Garvey claiming
the U11 Boys Plate tournament while Feidhlim Ó Diollúin won the U14 Plate
title. Clíona Ní Chonghaile finished runner up in the Girls U15 tournament. Annaghdown’s
Ella Sweeney won the Girls U12 Plate competition while Ava Sweeney claimed the
Girls U15 Plate. It was an all Micheál Breathnachs final in the U17 Plate
competition as Dara Ó Laoire defeated Cathal Ó Laoire. Graham Casburn finished
runner up in the Men’s Masters Tournament while Mike Dillon won the Plate
competition in the same age grade as he beat Gerry Ó Fátharta in the final. Overall it was a successful weekend for Galway handballers
as preparations continue for the Wall ball Nationals at the start of July.