For the first time in 11 years, the All-Ireland 40x20 Senior Singles Final will include a name outside that of Cork’s Tony Healy, Cavan’s Paul Brady or Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy, with both semi-finals down for decision at Kingscourt, Cavan on Saturday.
Brady and Kennedy contested last year’s final, but clash at the semi-final stage this time around, while Wicklow’s Michael Gregan and Armagh’s Charly Shanks take to the court in their first ever championship meeting in the other semi.
First up is the much anticipated clash between of Shanks and Gregan, and while the Armagh man has never beaten the Garden County handballer in competition, there is very little separating the talented duo on paper. Both players have made semi-final appearances in the past, but this will be a debut final appearance for one of the eager contestants.
‘I’m really looking forward to the game against Charly,’ said Gregan.
‘I always enjoy playing him, and I suppose, with a place in the final at stake, we’ll both really be up for it.’
The meeting of Breffni handball maestro and Kennedy is certain to draw a big crowd to Kingscourt, and Brady has yet to concede over 10 points in a championship game this year.
Having played four championship games to date and despite a serious injury towards the end of 2009, he is also back training with the Cavan Senior Football panel.
His opponent on Saturday, Kennedy, has come through the new back-door qualifier system and has played five games in championship. In the Leinster Final, he lost out to young Westmeath star, Robbie McCarthy, but found his way in the again in the qualifiers and will certainly provide a stern test for Brady.
Meanwhile, in the Ladies Senior Doubles Championship, Kerry’s Maria Daly and Ashley Prendiville take on Roscommon’s Emer Coyle and Leona Doolin in the first of the weekend’s semi-finals, while fellow Roscommon handballers Marianna and Hilary Rushe face Wicklow’s Patricia Doyle and Shauna Hilley in next weekend’s second semi.
