McCarthy aims for 60x30 glory
Westmeath GAA Handball news
Our number one seed Robbie McCarthy Jnr sailed his way into his 12th consecutive All-Ireland Senior Softball Championship the weekend before last, overcoming Kilkenny’s Ciaran Neary on a score line of 21-10, 21-6.
It will be a Meath/Westmeath All-Ireland Final as Robbie comes up against Gary McConnell on Saturday September 3 in St Coman’s, Roscommon bidding for his eighth All-Ireland Softball title. Games will be streamed live on GAA Handball but for anyone wishing to attend, they can purchase their tickets now at www.gaahandball.ie.
Congratulations to Robbie on another super achievement and best of luck in the final. Congrats is also extended to Leinster having four Men’s Senior semi-finalists in the Championship. Our traditional game is well and truly alive in the province.
It wasn't to be for Robbie’s sister Aoife McCarthy on this occasion, as she bowed out of the Softball Championship on a scoreline of 21-4, 21-12 to Limerick's Martina McMahon. Although it took Aoife a while to settle, she played some great handball during that second game.
It was a pleasure to watch with Aoife smiling the whole way through showing how much she really enjoyed playing our traditional game. Congrats to Aoife on reaching her second consecutive Softball Championship semi-final.
Aoife was the only rep from Leinster in the ladies’ semis - a true credit to both Westmeath and her province. You know what they say - third time’s a charm!
Best wishes to both All-Ireland finalists in the Final from all in Westmeath and sincere thanks to all in St Coman’s Handball Club, Roscommon who had the place in tip top shape and served up an endless amount of refreshments to keep everyone going!
Mick Naughton has secured his place in the All-Ireland EMAS Final with a thrilling tiebreak win over Cork’s John Herlihy in Fahy’s Cross last weekend. Mick advances to the All-Ireland final on a scoreline of 9-21, 21-2, 11-8 and now comes up against Mayo’s Tom Sweeney in the final on Sunday September 4.
Congratulations to Mick doing his county proud as always and best wishes in the final from all in Westmeath.
Féile
The core aim of the Féile is to promote a philosophy whereby every player has an opportunity to participate and play at a level commensurate to their age, skills and strengths.
Mullingar GAA Handball Club’s first ever boys Féile team competed in the softball Féile held in Wexford recently. It is not always about winning, sometimes players need to be challenged so they can grow and progress in their sport.
Our boys may not have returned with silverware on this occasion but they certainly returned with memories of a great experience. They also got the opportunity to meet an expert coach and one of softballs top senior players, Gavin Buggy, who provided a demonstration of skills during the event.
Not only do team trips like this develop their sportsmanship and social skills, but it also gives them an opportunity to just have fun!
We are so proud of all our players who represented the club at this year’s Féile and are super excited for next year’s event.
A massive thank you to the coaches and parents for their hard work in the lead up to the weekend and a big shout out to Gavin, Marguerite and all the volunteers in St Mary’s Handball Club for everything.
Congratulations to all the teams who took part in Softball Féile. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh siad!