It was a good weekend for Roscommon 60x30 handball with three wins out of four All-Ireland semi-finals and another walkover.
Glen Walshe was a very impressive winner of his Masters 'B' match with Antrim's Con Collins held in St. Coman's last Saturday.
Utilising a superb right sided lob serve, the powerful left-hander controlled the action from early on against the transplanted Clareman. Collins showed tremendous mobility and fitness, but Walshe superior skills and lovely corner killing meant he always looked the more likely winner.
There were some very good rallies in the first, but Walshe usually came out on top. After winning 21-12 the second was a lot more clear cut, going the Roscommon man's way 21-4.
Underage results
On the same bill Carragh Kennedy had another comfortable win in her ladies minor match with Tyrone's Cloda Nic Con Midhe.
Kennedy’s powerful round-the-walls serving immediately caused problems for the northerner and that really was the story of the match. Kennedy never relented, consistently kepping her opponent out at the back of the court, winning 21-1, 21-4.
Kennedy has a wonderful opportunity to take the All-Ireland as the final will be in her home court of St. Coman's against Clare's Leah Minogue. These two played a tremendous match in the U16 All-Ireland semi-final two years ago, an entertaining encounter is in prospect.
Siobhan Treacy travelled all the way to Loughmacrory, Co. Tyrone to take on local girl Clare Conway in their Ladies Junior 'B' semi-final.
The Loughmacrory court is probably the highest in Ireland and Treacy made great use of the added height when serving. Despite Conway's best effort Treacy controlled the match all the way showing excellent volleying skills before prevailing 21-7, 21-7.
Match of the day
The match of the day was definitely Colm Walshe's defeat to Cavan's super-fit Cian McManus in the junior 'B' semi-final.
Walshe was by far the classier hand-baller. McManus showed incredible heart and speed around the court.
McManus plays county football for Fermanagh, but with no registered club in that county he plays his handball out of Cavan and his fitness proved to be the key to victory.
Walshe raced into a big lead, volleying very well and killing in the left corner whenever the opportunity arose. It was only towards the end of the first that McManus seemed to get to grips with Colm's style. While making the final few points a lot more difficult Walshe took it 21-7.
The second was much closer the whole way, with McManus reading Colm's kills and making some superb picks as the St. Coman's man tired.
McManus nicked the second 21-19 to take it to a tie-breaker. McManus got off to a flier, but Walshe showed great grit when all looked lost. Killing superbly but unfortunately McManus just held on to take it 11-9.
Due to injury, Denis Creaton received a walkover from Cavan's James Brady in the master’s grade and will face Offaly's strong left-hander David Hope in the final.
All-Ireland finals
St. Coman's hosted both the Men’s and Women’s senior semi-finals on Saturday and everything ran as smoothly as expected. It was the perfect tune-up for the senior and minor finals which will be held in St. Coman's again on Saturday September third.
For those wishing to attend contact the handball office in Croke Park for tickets.
