The first major handball finals of 2025 are down for decision on Saturday at Croke Park for the All-Ireland senior doubles deciders.
Both matches feature defending champions against first-time finalists. First up at 2pm is the ladies senior doubles final, with holders Galway taking on surprise packages Tyrone.
The Tribeswomen – world Open singles champion Ciana Ní Churraoin and Niamh Heffernan – start as favourites in what is their third final in succession.
After coming up agonisingly short in an 11-10 tiebreaker against Cork's Catriona Casey and Aishling O’Keeffe in 2023, the Micheál Breathnachs/Claregalway duo turned the tables last year and will look to retain their title tomorrow against Red Hand representatives Eilise McCrory and Aoife Kelly.
Left-hander McCrory - pictured below - was dominant in an eye-catching semi-final win over Kilkenny, but the Ulster duo will have to up their game to another level if they are to topple the champions.
The men’s final follows on the show court, with Cork’s Daniel Relihan and Michael Hedigan facing familiar foes in Kilkenny brothers Peter and Patrick Funchion.
The Rebels, like Galway, are in their third final in a row and won their maiden four-wall senior title last year. The duo have risen through the ranks and a second win would copper-fasten their position as the leading doubles pair in the men’s game.
However, a close contest is expected.
The Kells brothers have been knocking at the door for a number of years and while this is the first final, they have amassed considerable experience and taken some good scalps in recent seasons.
The battle between Relihan and Peter Funchion, two very talented shot-makers, on the left will be intriguing but much will come down to the right-side duel where the rangy Hedigan, whose nerveless late kills made the difference in last year’s final, and Patrick Funchion will look to stamp their mark.
Both matches will be streamed live on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel.
