The 60x30 season concluded with the final series of finals at eight venues around the country over the weekend and Mayo handballers secured a further two title from their five contested finals.
Joe Dowling and James Towey lost out in two straight games in a somewhat below par performance on the day to Cavan duo, Jimmy McKeon and Kevin Martin from Cavan at Roscommon on Saturday last. Clodagh McMenamon who secured the junior B doubles title with sister Ciara two weeks ago lost out in the singles final to the useful Rachel Hogan of Kilkenny on a 21-12, 21-14 scoreline at Hospital in Limerick on Saturday. Amy Corrigan completed a remarkable season as she and partner Leon Ryder won the ladies intermediate doubles title with an impressive 21-7, 21-14 victory over Rebecca Mulholland and Marie Walsh at the same venue on Sunday last. Mayo contested both masters doubles finals at Ballina also on Sunday last. Matt Coady and Seamus Clarke made a great start against Seamus Reade and Paddy Reilly of Kilkenny in their diamond masters A doubles final and looked like taking the opening game when they led 17 aces to 6 and 19 aces to 14 but they lost it 21-19. Kilkenny added the second 21-12 to take the title. The second final was the match of the weekend as Sean Cunnane and Martin Vahey pulled of a thrilling victory for Mayo over the well- fancied Paul Dowling and Chris Dunne from Kilkenny. The 21-19, 21-20 scoreline speaks for itself and the fact that three of the four protagonists were left-handed only added to the spectacle. The Mayo duo put in a great effort all season and their fitness and overall court sense was the difference. The provincial colleges’ semi-finals and finals take place this Saturday at Williamstown, and Mayo are contesting all eight boys’ grades and most girls’ events.
