All-Ireland handball title for Kells club

The combination of skill and consistency helped Kells Handball Club claim All-Ireland Handball 60x30 Senior club crown on Saturday when they defeated Ballaghadereen in the final. This was a very significant win for the Kells club who have also enjoyed success in this competition in the past with their last title achieved three years ago. The Kells selection were dealt a major blow in the lead up to the competition when the in-form Gary McConnell twisted an ankle just 24 hours before he was due to take to the court. The vastly experienced Christy McGovern stepped into the void and this proved to be a major factor in the quest for the title. The Meath combination defeated Ballina (Tipperary) in their semi-final encounter while Ballaghadereen overcame the challenge of Hospital (Limerick). The opening doubles match in the final was a contest between the Kells pair Carl Browne and McGovern and their Ballaghadereen opponents Dessie Keegan and Joe McCann. The Meath duo held their composure and displayed the necessary qualities to win on a tight, but crucial 38-37 scoreline. The victory also put the Kells club in the driving seat going into the next contest with Tom Sheridan (pictured) and Brian Carroll teaming up to form a solid combination. They produced spells of impressive handball to clock up the scores on a regular enough basis to defeat the talented tricky combination of Vinny Moran and Stephen Cooney 46-24 and give Kells an overall 84-61 winning margin to clinch the national title. In the medal presentation there was a special mention for McGovern for his impressive displays having stepped in for the game at short notice. Ballina claimed the bronze medals in the series when they overcame Hospital (Limerick) by 81-60. Crossakiel handball club players enjoyed a winning start in the Leinster 60 x 30 Handball championships. In the junior doubles Steven Quinn and Peter Flanagan defeated experienced and fancied Kilkenny opponents at Crinkle. In the junior B doubles in Mullingar Pat McCabe and Richard Farrell had an impressive victory over Offaly's Vincent Hickey and Brendan Gleenson.