Handball notes: Naughton in Masters action
We only had the one rep out on court on Sunday last. Mick Naughton of Multyfarnham travelled to St Brigid’s in Dublin to compete against Kilkenny’s Paul Dowling in the Emerald Masters ‘A’ Singles.
Mick prepared well knowing it was going to be a tough battle, before stepping on court, and a battle it was, as both players were neck and neck throughout the first game, which Kilkenny eventually took 21-20.
Mick fought back even harder in game two with some superb shots, ending the game at 21-4 to force the match into a tiebreaker.
Mick wasn’t giving up as he stepped in for the penultimate round and made some great technical shots throughout the tiebreaker to eventually end it on a 11-6 win and progress to the Leinster final.
This coming week – we have two reps out on court in two Leinster finals. Robbie McCarthy Snr will take to the Leixlip court on Wednesday evening to compete against his World Championships Doubles partner of Kildare.
Robbie and Mickey Dowling paired up for the last World Championships, bringing home the doubles gold to Ireland. They are a force to be reckoned with and know each other’s game inside out.
Wednesday’s Leinster final will be a close call and a tough game for both, but we have every faith in Robbie Snr and wish him the very best of luck.
Mick Naughton will follow on Saturday February 19 when he travels to Crinkle in Offaly to compete in his Leinster Final against Kildare’s Brendan Higginbottom at 2pm.
It will be another tough game for Mick, but we are all behind him and wish him the very best of luck as he takes to the court to represent Westmeath once again.
Our national annual general meeting was held on Saturday last and although we were well presented, technology didn’t perform on the day and the feed was very poor for all delegates.
Tom Ryan addressed the delegates, advising that he was looking forward to the GAA providing more for handball.
Congratulations to Conor McDonnell of Monaghan, who was voted in as president elect and will commence in his role from Congress 2023.
Finally, Mullingar GAA Handball Club is closed for refurbishment and all in Westmeath GAA Handball want to wish all involved every success with their project over the coming weeks.
The upgrading of the facilities will play a fundamental part in the development of the club and handball within the county, as Mullingar GAA Handball join their competitors to have a world class court available to members.