Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy secured his seventh consecutive All-Ireland 60x30 Senior Singles title in Abbeylara, Longford, beating Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy in a thrilling final.
The opening game providing some of the best handball played in a senior final in years, with both players moving each other around the court at pace and fighting for every ace.
McCarthy led half-way through the opener, but Kennedy levelled matters at 12-12 as excitement in the gallery began to build. When Kennedy went 20-19 up, it looked like he had the first game in his pocket, but McCarthy pulled out an awesome corner kill to gain service.
He drew level at 20-20 but was unable to make that vital ace and Kennedy made no mistake when the opportunity came, hitting a right corner-kill from 30 foot back in the left side of the court.
The second game was dominated by the Dubliner, but McCarthy kept in touch and when the players were level at 13 a-piece, a third game looked on the cards. Kennedy had other ideas, however, as he stormed into top gear and with a 21-15 win sealed his place in seventh heaven.
‘Winning close games are always a great feeling, but winning a final like that is something special,’ said the 31-year-old.
‘Robbie played exceptionally well, but thankfully I pulled out the aces when I needed them.’
In the Minor decider, Galway’s Martin Mulkerrins collected the county’s first All-Ireland Singles title since 2002 when he defeated Limerick’s Padraig O’Carroll 21-19, 21-14.
The Limerick man’s brother, Seamus, had better fortunes in the Intermediate Doubles Final, where he partnered Paul Hedderman to a 21-14, 21-14 win over Kilkenny’s Timmy and David Clifford and confirm senior status for both Limerick players in 2011.
MINOR SINGLES FINAL:
Galway (Martin Mulkerrins) df Limerick (Padraig O'Carroll) 21-19, 21-14
INTERMEDIATE DOUBLES FINAL:
Limerick (Seamus O'Carroll/Paul Hedderman) df Kilkenny (Timmy Clifford/David Clifford) 21-14, 21-14
SENIOR SINGLES FINAL:
Dublin (Eoin Kennedy) df Westmeath (Robbie McCarthy) 21-20, 21-15
