Title for handballers

Meath"s Tom Sheridan collected his ninth All-Ireland 60 x 30 Handall Senior Doubles title at Croke Park on Saturday when he and fellow Kells clubman Brian Carroll defeated Mayo"s Dessie Keegan and Joe McCann in a thrilling final at handball headquarters. Meath veteran Sheridan, who last appeared in an All-Ireland Doubles final in 2004, was in top form during Meath"s victory over the men from the West. 'It was fantastic to be back in Croke Park on All-Ireland final day, and to win was something special,' said Sheridan. 'Brian played unbelievable handball and I"m just delighted we came through that,' he added. In the first game, both pairs opened with intent and the early exchanges were even and tied 8-8. However, it was the Royal County duo who broke into a steady run and went 13-8 up. The Mayo men responded to close the gap to 10-13, but Sheridan and Carroll were in control and continued to dominate the proceedings. They sealed the first game 21-12, despite some clinical finishing from Keegan. Determined to make amends for an inconsistent opening set, Mayo went 6-0 up in the second game, but Meath recovered quickly as Carroll came into his own with seven aces to take the lead. The 21-year-old DIT graduate killed some great balls, and was consistent throughout. The Kells clubmen pushed into top gear and it was Carroll who inspired them to a 17-9 lead. Mayo only got to serve on two further occasions as Sheridan and caroll closed out the game with a superb 21-11 win. 'It"s great to have achieved this in our first year together and we look forward to defending our title next year,' said Sheridan. In the Minor Doubles final, Limerick"s CJ Fitzpatrick and Seamus O"Carroll collected back-to-back titles when they defeated Kilkenny"s Ger McGrath and Patrick Funchion. Tipperary"s Ger Coonan also completed his bit of history when he defeated Kilkenny"s Nicholas Anthony to take the Intermediate Singles title to add to the Doubles crown he collected two weeks ago. Kells Town Council cathaoirleach Brian Collins expressed his congratulations to the duo at the weekend and confirmed that he will be discussing the achievement with his colleagues. 'It was a marvellous achievement and we will discuss how best to mark the success in a suitable manner as soon as possible,' he said when contacted by the Meath Chronicle on Monday.