For the sixth year running, the M Donnelly 60x30 All-Ireland senior singles final will be contested between Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy and Robbie McCarthy in what has developed into one of GAA Handball’s most intriguing and greatest rivalries.
McCarthy accepts the mantle of favourite with ease, and there is no let-up in his desire to succeed as he bids to further enhance a reputation as one of the game's greats in Abbeylara on Saturday.
On paper, his quarter-final with Limerick's CJ Fitzpatrick and semi-final against Meath’s Brian Carroll looked tricky encounters, but McCarthy was superb in both games, looking every bit the champion in waiting and playing with ruthless efficiency and class as he kept both men to single figures.
However, if there is one person in the modern game capable of testing McCarthy, it is Kennedy.
Already a legend of the game, this is the Dub’s tenth consecutive final appearance, so he knows how to handle the big days in September and has eight titles to his name, including seven consecutive championships from 2004-2010.
Throughout this year’s 60x30 season, Kennedy has looked sharper and hungrier than last year, dispatching all his opponents thus far with relative comfort, including Mayo’s Joe McCann in the quarter-final and Kilkenny’s Michael 'Ducksy' Walsh in the semi-final.
The first game of each of the last four finals between the pair has been incredibly close and proved pivotal in the eventual outcome of the match.
Scorelines of 21-20, 21-19, 21-16 and 21-20 all provided the platform for the eventual champion to run out comfortable winners in the second game.
Regardless of the scoreline, one thing that will be guaranteed is that both men will give their all and leave nothing on the court. Both are proud champions, with their legacy already guaranteed.
GAA Handball M Donnelly 60x30 Finals, Saturday 13 September at Abbeylara, Co. Longford
Minor Singles Final - 12 noon
Daniel Hayes (Tipperary) v Johnny Woods (Tyrone)
Intermediate Singles Final - 1pm
Martin Mulkerrins (Galway) v Gary McConnell (Meath)
Men’s Open Singles Final - 2.30pm
Robbie McCarthy (Westmeath) v Eoin Kennedy (Dublin)
