Handball Notes

Monaghan Harps

Congratulations to our handball coach Martin McEntee who put his teaching into practice in the Ulster DMAS final in Monaghan on Sunday last. The “wee man” was up against an opponent, Peter Larkin, who’d beaten him in the 2017 final. However revenge was oh so sweet for our coach after 90 minutes of intriguing handball.

This match was not for the purists but nonetheless it did not lack in excitement or controversy. The first game could have gone to either player and Martin had to endure at least 5 unsuccessful match points in game one. There was no white flag from his opponent who just would not concede. A rather fortunate serve at 20-20 saw Martin take a nervous first game. Full marks to an excellent referee who kept the lid on things. No red cards but the distinct possibility of yellows! A more relaxed Martin took a commanding 10-O lead in game two. However his experienced opponent was always dangerous. Martin’s famous lob serve proved the difference as he held on to win 21-3. The winner was quick to acknowledge the excellent support he had from the Harps supporters. He now meets the Leinster champion Michael Rossiter from Wexford on March 11th. Martin has the very real possibility of adding an Ulster Doubles title to his Singles win early in March. He is adamant that these matches will represent a fitting swansong to his long playing career in handball.

Junior B Ulster Final

There was deep disappointment in the defeat of Ramunas by an Antrim opponent in the Junior B Ulster final. The Monaghan club had high hopes of not just an Ulster win but the distinct possibility of winning an All-ireland title. A major review of what went wrong is taking place at present.

Ulster Emerald Masters Round-up

On Saturday Paul Cassidy travelled to Saval to a faceoff with Antrims Thomas Maguire in a semifinal bidding for a place in the final. The fist game started well but Paul couldn`t keep the momentum going eventually loosing out 21-8, 21-12

Our last representative in the Ulster final was Conor Mc Donnell who had the unenviable task of taking on Belfast’s Thomas Maguire. The Harps player acknowledged that his opponent fully deserved the 2-game victory.

So we now look forward to our 3 remaining Ulster Champions, Eoghan, Louise and Martin, taking on the winners from Leinster and Munster in the All-Ireland Semifinals. We wish them every success.

GAA League

Attached is the results I have so far for the GAA League.

If results stay the same then it looks like the following teams playoff

Corduff v Monaghan – Wednesday 21^st March in Corduff 7:30pm

Tydavnet v Carrick – Wednesday 21^st March in Tydavnet 7:30pm

Novice 2 Final

Conor Mohan Beat Colm Kiernan in Novice 2 final last week in a pulsating game putting the tydavnet Hnadballer into promotion for next years championship well done Conor.

Upcoming Fixtures

Novice 3 Final

Aidan Marron plays Frank Duff this Thursday at 8pm in Bawn –

Under 21 Final

Killian Sherry v Dermot Boyle This Thursday at 7pm in Monaghan –

Nov 4 Final

Brendan Keenan v Michael Duffy this Thursday at 8pm in Monaghan –

U13 Girls Ulster Final

Ulster Juvenile Champioships. The girls U13 singles Ulster final between Aoibhinn Mc Cluskey & Bronagh Farley of Tyrone was played in Beragh Tuesday past, Aoibhinn got of to a good start and lead 8-3 at one stage but Bronagh came back and won it 15-8, the second game was also tit for tat up until midway and Bronagh pulled away winning it 15-7, this was a game that Aoibhinn could and should have won, with a bit more determination she would have pulled it over the line, but every game is a learning curve and we hope that she will learn from this game as to close out a game when the opportunity arises.

Ulster Championships Emerald Masters B Final

Congratulations to John Treanor(T) who won his Ulster Emerald Masters “B” final in Belfast Sunday past, there he faced Philip O Neill also from Belfast, this game turned into a 3 game marathon match, the first John took control and sailed through to win 21-10, the 2nd was a tougher game and was tit for tat as both players traded points but John lost it 21-17, the 3rd game was something similar to the second game as no one was giving ground and traded points throughout, John pulled on a lot of his opponents serves and didn’t let the game settle and so he grinded it out 21-16 to take the title for his second Ulster title in a row, well done John.

Mellans Handball Club

Adult Club Singles. The Gola Furniture and Silver Hill competitions are down to finals now and we hope to have the finals fixed for next week.

Adult Club Doubles. The club doubles competitions have been drawn up and will be out in circulation, it is vital all players turn up as a “no-show” lets another 3 people down, so please make sure that all players are in attendance when the fixture is set.

Adult County Finals. Good luck to Dermot Boyle and Brendan Keenan as they play in the U21 and Nov4 County finals respectively, Dermot plays Killian Sherry of Tydavnet in the U21 final Thursday night @ 7pm in the Harps and Brendy plays Michael Duffy also in the Harps fixed for 8pm, good luck to both players.

Cumann na mBunscol. Good luck to Fiona Flood as she takes to her All Ireland Semi Final in the girls U13 Singles Cumann na mBunscol competition in Kingscourt this Saturday.

Official Website of CLG Mhuineacháin

Our Sponsors