Reigning All-Ireland Senior Hardball champion Eoin Kennedy (Dublin) continues the defence of his crown this weekend when he takes on Limerick’s Seamus O’Carroll.
O’Carroll is also set to feature for the Limerick senior footballers on Sunday as they take on Waterford in the Munster Championship. O’Carroll had a 21-11, 21-19 win over Kerry’s Dominick Lynch in his quarter-final meeting and will fancy his chances against the Dubliner.
Kennedy collected his 21st senior All-Ireland title last year, and the big alley king will be hoping that 2010 provides some similar success.
In the other side of the draw, number two seed Mayo’s Dessie Keegan will face fellow Ballaghaderreen man Vinnie Moran following his victory over Cork’s Colm Jordan.
Keegan is a previous winner of the senior hardball title and faces a very tough battle against Moran in this Saturday’s semi-final meeting. Keegan will also be in action on Monday in the Senior Doubles Hardball Championship, where he will partner Joe McCann against Kennedy and Egin Jensen.
Also taking to the court on Monday are Meath duo Walter O’Connor and Tom Sheridan and they face a difficult test in O’Carroll and fellow Treaty County handballer, CJ Fitzpatrick.
Meanwhile, on the international front, Cavan’s Paul Brady continues preparations for his departure to Austin, Texas, at the end of the month, where he will compete in the US Nationals.
Brady is bidding for his sixth title in succession and having won the Irish Nationals and Senior Championship in recent months, the signs are good for the defence of his title. Antrim’s Aisling Reilly will also be travelling over to represent Ireland in the Ladies Open and will be hoping to make her mark on the world stage.
