Moycullen's Martin Mulkerrins has created handball history, becoming Galway and Connacht's first World Open Champion.
The 30-years-old delivered the title win in Minneapolis, where, after five rounds, he finally overcame his much-fancied American rival Seán Lenning in the final pulsating match 21-11, 14-21, 11-7.
There were double celebrations for the Moycullen ace who, having teamed up with Killian Carroll, also won the World Men's Open Doubles title on Monday morning, completing a grand slam.
Understandably it was an emotional occasion for Mulkerrins, who had waited five years since his world final defeat in 2018 for the opportunity to join the greats of the game. But for the Covid interruption, his wait would have been three years, and when the World Handball Association decided to play the missed World Championship, in conjunction with the 2023 USHA Nationals, Mulkerrins grasped the opportunity.
“It has been a dream of mine to win the Men's Open World Championship and US Nationals, so it feels great," Mulkerrins says. “All the hard work and sacrifices have been worth it, but there is also an element of relief."
Having lost four previous finals, twice to Paul Brady (2013, 2019 ), to Killian Carroll (2018 ) in what was also combined for the world title, and last year (2022 ) to Diarmaid Nash 11-9 in the tiebreaker, Mulkerrins had also lost two semi-finals.
“So I was determined to win and made a big decision to move to Texas this year and compete on the Pro Tour. All of the tournaments have helped and I had confidence coming here this week that I could do it. I think I managed to peak on time as well, which is not always easy to get right.”
Mulkerrins, who is based in College Station, Texas, coaches the Texas A&M team and lectures in the university.
“I have played 19 tournaments since moving to Texas last August so in terms of the next goals I think I will play the big court at home over the summer for fun really, but I will need to take some time to rest too. The Worlds will be in Ireland again in 2024 so that is now something to look forward to.”
En route to the final Mulkerrins defeated Peter Jansen (Sacramento ) 21-3, 21-8, Dylan Hernandez (Van Nuys, California ) 21-8, 21-4 and Kilkenny’s Peter Funchion 21-15, 21-15 to set up a semi-final against Clare’s Diarmaid Nash, to whom he had lost in last year’s US final.
On this occasion the Galway ace accounted for the defending USHA Nationals champion in two straight sets. While Lenning was equally convincingly when defeating the reigning world champion Carroll, ensuring a new name would be added to the list of world men's title-winners.
In a see-saw final, played at high intensity from start to finish, Lenning started hot in the first. Scoring four points in his first inning, he seized a 4-0 lead before Mulkerrins stepped into the service box. Mulkerrins quickly erased the deficit, ultimately taking a comfortable lead by neutralizing Lenning’s serve and maintaining control of the front court. Mulkerrins stayed in control, ultimately outscoring Lenning 21-7 after Lenning’s strong start.
Mulkerrins continued to take charge in the second game, keeping Lenning behind him and striking kills with his right. Mulkerrins led 10-7, but Lenning found a second wind and the momentum switched.
Mulkerrins seemed to feel the pressure of winning his first national and World title as Lenning erased the deficit with a number of first-strike kills and served for the game at 20-13.
Although Mulkerrins hit a behind the back kill to earn a side out, he could not pull closer than 14, as Lenning forced the tiebreaker to eleven points. Needing to be composed facing into the decider, Mulkerrins knew this was his opportunity to avenge a recent loss to Lenning in Salt Lake City. The result was edge-of-the seat drama - each player desperately trying to win his first World Men's Open and first USHA Four Wall national title.
With the score tied at two, Mulkerrins scored two straight, and from then on, he stayed ahead.
Eventually he led 8-4, but did not convert a front court opportunity, opening the door for a possible Lenning comeback. But his opponent would only get as close as two at 7-9, and a second serve return winner from Mulkerrins gave him the serve, an ace serve brought Mulkerrins to match point, and a right-handed kill ended the match.
The Moycullen ace was crowned World champion and USHA Nationals champion, and in so doing Mulkerrins joins legendary handballer Paul Brady as the only players to hold the four 40x20 major titles namely - World singles, All-Ireland singles, US Nationals singles, and The R48 Player's Championship.
And to keep the family name in lights, younger brother Darragh, competing in the USHA Nationals Division C, also won that grade.
