Martin Mulkerrins and Niamh Heffernan have ended their pro season campaigns as the top ranked number one seeds in the Men’s and Women’s Pro divisions.
The WPH concluded its 2026-27 Race 4 Eight season over the weekend with the Players’ Championship at the Salt Lake City Sports Mall. Remarkably, both Galway players entered the last stop ranked number one seeds.
Entering the last stop in the Men’s Pro division, top seed Mulkerrins and #2 Luis Cordova were well ahead in ranking points and could not be caught by the chasing pack. Despite not reaching the final of the event, Mulkerrins was again presented with the Player’s Cup, ending the season as #1 player.
“Delighted to win the Player’s Cup (Stalsberg Cup ),” Mulkerrins told Kara Mack.
“Delighted with the season. It’s a long haul since we began in Portland last September. I think I’ve been consistent.”
Mulkerrins would have been disappointed not to reach the final in Salt Lake City. But he believes the standard of competition is a real positive for the sport.
“The standard this weekend was just fantastic. What we saw yesterday was so positive for the sport,” he explained.
“We’re just so fortunate to have the opportunity to coach and teach handball. It’s great to be able to give back in some shape or form. The pro tour is an amazing opportunity for us to play. I really appreciate the WPH. Excited to go to new places next season. Nothing will change for myself and my goals for next season.”
In the Women’s Pro division, Niamh Heffernan entered the weekend seeking a perfect season after winning every stop on the tour. Standing in her way was Aoife Holden, a familiar opponent. Heffernan controlled the match from start to finish, capping a dominant campaign with another title and completing the perfect season.
Having already secured the Stalsberg Cup for finishing the season number one, Heffernan played with a composed focus in the final. She was almost flawless in the first game, combining for 18 aces, kills, and passes against just two errors.
“Feels great,” an ecstatic Heffernan told Kara Mack.
“I knew coming in here would be a tough game. I needed to get a good start coming in here and focus point-by-point and focus on my serve and my game. Thanks to all my family and it was really cool having my parents come over here.”
