Martin Mulkerrins won the Men’s Open title at the
Softball Nationals in what proved to be a successful weekend for Galway
handballers. The Moycullen man did not drop a game in his four matches as he
added this title to the Wallball Nationals which he won three weeks ago. After
defeating Shane Dunne and Ger Cooney in his opening two games, he faced
softball specialist Eoin Kennedy in the semi-finals.
The first game was an even affair with Kennedy using
his experience to keep Mulkerrins moving around the court. The Galway player
began to find his range as he carved out opportunities for kill shots. He
claimed the opening game 15-11 and although his Dublin opponent fought back in
the second, Mulkerrins used his superior fitness to win the second game on the
same score line as the first.
In the final he faced Wexford’s Gavin Buggy in the
final, who Mulkerrins beat on his run to the 40x20 All-Ireland semi-finals
earlier this year. The Moycullen player struggled to break down his
hard-working opponent while Buggy’s serves were helping him gain some early
aces. Mulkerrins began to dictate the rallies as he claimed the opening game
15-10. The Wallball Nationals champion eased to victory in the second game
against his weary opponent as he won 15-10 15-5.
The Men’s and Ladies Opens were played in a singles format with all other age grades being doubles events. Mikey Kelly (Abbeyknockmoy) and Jack Glynn (Loughrea) won the 15&U Boys title as they overcome Kilkenny’s Kyle Jordan and Conor Holden in a gripping encounter. The majority of the rallies lasted over 30 shots with the Galway men winning 15-6 15-5. Cathal Ó Laoire (Micheál Breathnach's) and Fiachra Ó Dúill (Armagh) claimed the 15&U Plate title while Nathan Kelly (Abbeyknockmoy) and Éamonn Ó Laoire (Micheál Breathnach's) won the 17&U Plate title.
