Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy will bid for an incredible seventh consecutive All-Ireland senior softball singles crown when he takes on Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy at Abbeylara, Longford on Saturday.
Both players were in fine form at the venue last weekend, with Kennedy recorded a comprehensive win over Wexford’s Gavin Buggy and McCarthy defeating Kilkenny’s Michael 'Ducksy' Walsh.
This is the first time since 1984 that the All-Ireland 60x30 Senior Final will take place outside of the alley in Croke Park. In ’84, the final took place in Thurles to mark the GAA’s 100th anniversary. This year, with work due to commence shortly on the new National Handball Centre, the final will be staged at a new, state-of-the-art facility in Longford.
Speaking ahead of the weekend showdown, Kennedy said: 'All-Ireland finals don’t come every day, and I’m just concentrating on getting myself mentally and physically right for the game on Saturday.
I’m a bit disappointed about the final being taken out of Croke Park from a tradition and atmosphere point of view, but it’s the result that I’m focusing on and hopefully things go right for me on the day.”
At just 31-years-of age, Kennedy has already amassed 11 senior softball titles and nine senior hardball crowns, as well as a 40x20 Senior Singles and Doubles All-Ireland. Despite the statistics, the Dubliner remains focused on the task at hand.
'I’ve only ever taken it one game at a time, and I think if you dwell two much on the records, you lose focus; going to seven-in-a-row is at the back of my mind, but something I try not to think about too often,' he said.
'Robbie is going to be a very difficult opponent and he’s a lot more experienced than this time last year, having shown that against Ducksy (Walsh) and Barry (Goff) on two of his games.'
McCarthy is one of the rising young talents on the GAA Handball stage at present, and having been at the end of a Kennedy drubbing in the 2009 final, he is anxious to make amends.
'I didn’t play well last year, and I’m hoping to give Eoin a much better game this time out,' said the 22-year-old.
'I’ve been concentrating hard on getting my own game right this year and I’m hoping that will be enough on Saturday.'
McCarthy overcame Kilkenny handball legend, Michael 'Ducksy' Walsh in their semi-final meeting, in what was also the Lake County handballer’s first clash with Walsh in competitive 60x30 championship action.
'Ducksy is one of the greatest handballers of all time and I knew I was going to have to play very well to beat him; I was very happy with my performance, but even happier with the win,' said the Mullingar clubman.
'Eoin is going to his seventh title in a row; that’s some achievement and he is a very good player. I have a huge challenge ahead of me, but that’s what handball is all about.'
GAA Handball 60x30 Finals Programme:
Saturday 4th September 2010 in Abbeylara, Longford.
2.00pm: MINOR SINGLES FINAL:
Galway (Martin Mulkerrins) v Limerick (Padraig O'Carroll)
3.15pm: INTERMEDIATE DOUBLES FINAL:
Limerick (Seamus O'Carroll/Paul Hedderman) v Kilkenny (Timmy Clifford/David Clifford)
4.45pm: SENIOR SINGLES FINAL:
Dublin (Eoin Kennedy) v Westmeath (Robbie McCarthy)
