Weekend handball preview

Reigning Open 40x20 Interclub Champions, Ballaghaderreen (Mayo), will take on Antrim side St Paul's in the All-Ireland semi-final at Kingscourt on Sunday.

The side from West of the Shannon are bidding for an incredible fifth consecutive All-Ireland crown having defeated another Antrim side, Gort na Móna, in last year's final.

Despite their domination of the Club Championships in both 40x20 and 60x30, Ballaghaderreen are still hungry for more.

'You never know when the winning is going to end,' said Joe McCann.

'The Interclub is a very special competition for us and it's one of only chances we get as handballers to play as part of a team - that's what makes it special.'

McCann is under no illusions about the potential of their St Paul's opposition but is hopeful that his side can perform to their ability.

'St Paul's are a very balanced side and we will have to play very well to beat them, but we're hoping things go right for us,' he said.

The Antrim side is backboned by top senior players Sean Devine and Seamus Ó Tuama, who have both been stalwarts of Antrim handball over the past number of years. Devine and Ó Tuama are joined by Stephen Madden and Joe McAllister but will need to be in top form to dethrone the reigning champs.

Ballaghaderreen also have a well-balanced side, with McCann joined by Dessie Keegan, Vinny Moran and Paul Flynn - the same squad of players who took their first title five years ago.

Keegan and McCann have formed a dynamic doubles partnership over the last number of years but in the club championships they play as the first singles and the last singles games options, with Moran partnering Flynn in the doubles.

The winners of his meeting will progress to next month's final showdown against top Wicklow side Coolboy, who defeated Kerry side Glenbeigh in last Sunday's first semi-final, on a total scoreline of 104-75.

Meanwhile, tomorrow sees the conclusion of the USHA Junior National Trials, with the Boys 17 & Under and Boys 15 & Under finals taking place. These two winners will join four others to form the Irish squad bound for Chicago for next month's US Junior Championships.