Reigning All Ireland champion Martin Mulkerins is one game away from a return to the All-Ireland final after a victory over beat Wexford’s Gavin Buggy in their All Ireland quarter-final clash on Saturday in Cullohill, Laois.
The Moycullen man was in impressive form, overcoming Buggy 21-8 21-5.
The win sets up a mouthwatering clash between Mulkerrins and Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy in the All-Ireland semi-final next weekend.
McCarthy beat the Galway man in their semi-final clash at the Irish Nationals less than a month ago and went on to win the tournament.
On the other side of the draw, number one seed Diarmuid Nash of Clare faces first time semi-finalist Patrick Funchion of Kilkenny.
The All-Ireland semi finals of the other age categories saw five Galway players reach All-Ireland finals in their age grade. On International Women’s Day, Niamh Heffernan travelled to Tyrone to take on home player Mairead Fox. The Claregalway woman outclassed her opponent to set up what will be a cracking final against Kildare’s Leah Doyle.
On Saturday, Morgan Darcy, Kieran Hanley and Eimear Ni Bhiadha all secured their All-Ireland final places in the Over 70 Singles, Silver Masters B Singles and Ladies' Junior Singles respectively. Ni Bhiadha won a Connacht title on Thursday before travelling to Tyrone and winning her semi-final. Diarmuid Mulkerrins beat Dean Fox of Antrim to secure an impressive win on a final score of 21-1 21-6.
Galway players reached All-Irelands in six different age grades, Mikey Kelly and Emma Kinane both progressed, in addition to the doubles pairings of Leah Ni Mhainnin and Cliodhna Ni Chonghaile, Eadaoin Nic Dhonnacha and Skylyn Ni Mhaille, Amanda Ni Bhradaigh and Meabh Ni Chualain, while Cathal amd Dara Ó Laoire also won their All-Ireland semi finals.
