The All-Ireland Senior Doubles final are down for decision at St. Coman's, Roscommon on Saturday, and an intriguing Mayo v Cavan tussle awaits before a sell-out attendance.
Last year, Mayo’s Dessie Keegan and Joe McCann prevented Cavan pairing, Paul Brady and Michael Finnegan, from achieving their four-in-a-row ambitions and on Saturday they return to defend this crown, while the Breffni men bid to return to the top of the senior doubles stakes.
'I suppose it’s the type of game that handball needs; one with a bit of hype and rivalry,' said Keegan.
'In many ways, the pressure is on them because whenever Paul Brady steps into a court, he’s the automatic favourite, but we want to prove that last year was not a once off and hopefully retain the title we worked so hard for.'
The reigning champions were pushed to the edge by Limerick young-guns, Seamus O’Carroll and CJ Fitzpatrick in last weekend’s semi-final meeting, and Keegan maintains that is was a mix of experience and determination which saw them through on a 13-21, 21-16, 21-5 scoreline.
Cavan and Mayo have contested the last three All-Ireland Senior Doubles finals and with the record standing at one a piece, the Breffni men are keen to put their names back on top.
'Up until last year, we had dominated the senior doubles for sometime, and I suppose that loss has set up a bit of rivalry,' said Brady.
'Having lost the title, we’re back in the final and hungry for success once more.'
