Armagh’s Charly Shanks will lead the Irish men’s one-wall team to the World Handball Championships in Oregon next October following an emphatic win over Mayo’s Dessie Keegan in Castlebar on Sunday.
Shanks was in devastating form as be breezed to a 15-2 victory in the first game, courtesy of an unbelievable spin-serve which left the massive audience looking on in awe.
The Lurgan clubman won the men’s title in 2007 and there was great excitement when the Keegan, the 2008 victor, came through his semi-final to set up a dream final against Shanks.
However, on this occasion Keegan was no match for the talented Orchard County man and Shanks took a 15-0 win in the second to claim his second national senior crown.
With the largest ever entry, this year’s event at Breaffy House Resort proved a massive success.
Over 250 handballers converged at the Mayo venue for the 13th one-wall nationals.
In the ladies event, reigning champion Marianna Rushe from Roscommon collected back-to-back titles with victory over Kerry’s Ashley Prendiville.
The St Coman’s stalwart was in top form and recorded a 21-4, 21-6 win over the number two seed.
