Salthill handballer John McMeyler finally got his hands on An all-Ireland medal when he defeated Tipperary challenger Jim Quinn in a hard-fought emerald masters B singles final at Mullingar on Saturday.
McMeyler made a solid start in the opening game which he won comfortably, 21 aces to 14. Quinn, who had tasted defeat at the level in the past, did not give in without a fight and he came more into the contest in the second game. The sides were level on numerous occasions before McMeyler did just enough to secure the victory by 21 aces to 19 scoreline.
Galway city based garda Frank Macken from the Ballinrobe, secured a first All-Ireland title when he defeated Clare’s Pat Donnellan in two games, 21-12, 21-17, in the golden masters B singles final. Macken will line out with Aidan Bell from Claremorris in the doubles final this Saturday in Williamstown at 3pm with high hopes of a second title.
Connacht retained their All-Ireland interprovincial girls team of 10 title with two hugely impressive victories over both Leinster and Munster at Thurles on Saturday, The western province has a remarkable record in this showcase event and this year seven on the squad of 12 players were from Galway.