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Robbie McCarthy claims fifth national handball title

Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy in action on Saturday
Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy in action on Saturday

Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy claimed his fifth Myclubshop.ie 60x30 Senior Singles title at a packed Croke Park on Saturday evening as he defeated Dublin's Eoin Kennedy 21-13, 21-17.

Kennedy started the brighter in the first and opened a 9-4 lead but McCarthy soon levelled at 9-9.

McCarthy, who was in impressive form throughout, clicked into top gear and showcased his array of skills as he raced to a 21-13 first game win.

The second was a tighter affair with the St Brigids man making a determined comeback to try and force a third game but McCarthy was able to stay just far enough ahead to keep out of reach.

McCarthy led 7-1 and 10-2 but Kennedy kept within range and reduced the gap to 14-13 at one stage however McCarthy and secured the points needed to capture his fifth title winning on a 21-13, 21-17 score line to the delight of his large support.

In the Ladies final, Limerick's Martina McMahon shocked the number one seed and favourite Catriona Casey (Cork) winning an enthralling battle over three games 21-10, 14-21, 21-10 to secure her first Senior title.

McMahon started strongly and took the first 21-10 with some sublime long range shooting to lay down a marker of intent.

Casey hit back in the second winning 21-14 and forced a third. McMahon seized the initiative in the third and closed out the game 21-10 to capture her first title.

Meanwhile Kilkenny's Shane Dunne is the 2016 Myclubshop.ie Minor Champion following a 21-10, 21-11 victory over Galway's Diarmuid Mulkerrins.

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