Handball News: Hard Luck to Sophie Kane in All-Ireland Semi-Final

Hard Luck to Sophie Kane in All-Ireland Semi-Final

Fenagh’s talented young handballer Sophie Kane saw here excellent season come to an end at the All-Ireland Juvenile Wallball U14 girls’ singles semi-finals on Saturday last. Competing in Kilglass, Co. Roscommon, Sophie was defeated by the eventual champion Nina McBride from Co. Antrim after a spirited performance.

While things didn’t go her way this time, Sophie can take immense pride in her achievements throughout the season. She will have gained valuable experience from this year’s All-Ireland series, and is sure to come back even stronger next year when she remains eligible for U14 competition.

It’s been an outstanding year for Sophie, who has added several county, Connacht and European wallball titles to her growing list of achievements, continuing to impress with her growing skillset in the 1-wall game.

Everyone in Leitrim Handball is incredibly proud to have Sophie represent our county in the All-Ireland finals. Congratulation on a fantastic wallball season, Sophie, and well done on all your accomplishments this year.

 

Photo : Fenagh’s Sophie Kane, who competed in the All-Ireland Juvenile Wallball semi-final last weekend.

 

David Mahon
Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Connacht Wallball Adult Championships | Juvenile Wallball All-Ireland Championships

Connacht Wallball Adult Championships

Leitrim’s Ed Lee turned in a fine performance at the Connacht Wallball Adult Championships in Galway last weekend, reaching the Diamond Masters Final on his first competitive outing in the one-wall code. The Fenagh clubman impressed with his determination before losing out to his opponent George Miller from Mayo in the decider. A strong wallball debut for Ed – and there’s plenty more to come.

Best of Luck, Sophie!
Fenagh’s Sophie Kane will make a return trip to Kilglass, Co. Roscommon, next Saturday, October 18th, to compete in the Juvenile Wallball All-Ireland Championships in the Girls Under 14 Singles category. Sophie has been drawn to face Antrim’s Nina McBride in the All-Ireland semifinal.

We wish Sophie the best of luck in her quest for victory!

Leitrim’s Ed Lee is pictured with Mayo’s George Miller after their Connacht Wallball Diamond Masters Final on Sunday last. 

 

David Mahon
Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Two Connacht Juvenile Titles for Leitrim as Storm Abbie Makes Her Mark

Two Connacht Juvenile Titles for Leitrim as Storm Abbie Makes Her Mark

The remnants of Storm Amy may still have been swirling across County Roscommon on Saturday morning as Leitrim’s juvenile handballers arrived at the Kilglass Gaels complex near Rooskey to contest the 2025 Connacht Juvenile Wallball Championships. However, by the end of the opening day of this two-day event, all attention had shifted to another force of nature — “Storm Abbie”.
Like a whirlwind, Fenagh’s young Abbie Kane swept aside all opposition to capture the U12 Girls Singles Connacht title for Leitrim. While this marked Abbie’s first major success, she was, in fact, retaining the Connacht crown for the Kane household, as her older sister Sophie had held the title for the previous two years.

It was far from a straightforward path to victory for Abbie, who was required to overcome three strong Galway and Roscommon opponents, each with the advantage of greater age and experience. Whether leading from the outset or fighting back from behind, Abbie displayed composure and determination beyond her years, ultimately defeating Aoibh Johnston (Roscommon) 15–12 in a thrilling final.
Not to be outdone by her younger sibling, Sophie Kane delivered a commanding performance on Sunday to secure the U14 Girls Singles title. She overcame three Roscommon players en-route to the final, where she defeated the highly regarded Niamh Hall (Roscommon) in her home alley on an impressive 15–7, 15–4 scoreline.

Both Sophie and Abbie now advance to the All-Ireland semi-finals on October 18th, which will once again be hosted at Kilglass.
Well done also to Katie Kane (Fenagh), who contested the Girls Minor Final against Ella Sweeney (Galway). Despite struggling with a recent injury, Katie began strongly and showed admirable resilience, though the Galway player ultimately prevailed 21–15, 21–4.
While special congratulations are extended to Sophie and Abbie on their outstanding achievements in bringing Connacht titles back to Leitrim, sincere commendation is also due to all of the county’s young athletes who represented Leitrim with distinction throughout the weekend.

This year marked a record-breaking 20 entries from Leitrim, an exceptional milestone for the county. Although several players were forced to withdraw due to injury, adverse weather conditions, and football fixture clashes, 13 determined competitors took to the courts and gave their utmost against the strongest opposition in Connacht. Each player who wore the Leitrim colours demonstrated exemplary commitment, passion, and sportspersonship.

Also representing Leitrim were:

Girls U14 Singles: Emma Curry and Sadhbh Smith (Manorhamilton)

Boys U14 Singles: Adam Neary (Annaduff), Dashiell Wilson (Manorhamilton), Maxim Gilmartin (Annaduff), Morgan Chandler (Manorhamilton), and Flynn Chandler (Manorhamilton)

Boys U16 Singles: Gary Cox (Annaduff), Daniel Kane (Fenagh), and Tadhg Kirwin (Manorhamilton), all of whom produced spirited performances against experienced opposition.

Win or lose, each of Leitrim’s young players proved a credit to their families, clubs, and county — true ambassadors for Leitrim handball.
Comhghairdeas libh go léir!

Finally, the Leitrim Handball Committee extends its gratitude to the Connacht Handball Board and Kilglass GAA Handball Club for the excellent organization and smooth running of this year’s championship. Sincere thanks are also conveyed to all referees, officials, and volunteers whose efforts contributed to the success of the event.

Leitrim competitors and their opponents in the Connacht Juvenile Wallball finals in Kilglass last weekend.

 

David Mahon
Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Three Titles for Leitrim at Irish Wallball Nationals

Three Titles for Leitrim at Irish Wallball Nationals

Leitrim Handball enjoyed a hugely successful weekend at the Irish Wallball Nationals, held across venues in County Tyrone from Friday to Sunday evening last. The county returned home with three national titles and a host of impressive performances across a range of age categories.

Congratulations to Adam Neary (Annaduff), who was crowned Boys 13 & Under Plate Champion on Saturday afternoon — a fantastic achievement and fitting reward for his dedication and continually improving skills. Later in the day, Adam was joined on the winners’ podium by the Kane sisters from Fenagh. Sophie Kane claimed the Girls 13 & Under Plate title, overcoming tough opposition, including her younger sister Abbie, whom she faced in a memorable semi-final. Not to be outdone, Katie Kane completed the Leitrim medal haul by capturing the Girls 17 & Under Plate title, a win that highlights the impressive depth of underage talent in Fenagh.

Silverware for Leitrim – Katie Kane (Girls 17 and under plate), Adam Neary ( Boys 13 and under plate), Sophie Kane ( Girls 13 and under plate).

Leitrim’s involvement continued into Sunday, with Maxim Gilmartin (Annaduff) reaching the semi-finals of the Boys 13 & Under Cup, narrowly losing out to eventual champion Ciaran Corr (Tyrone). His top-four national finish speaks to the growing strength of Leitrim’s emerging talent.

In the Boys 17 & Under category, Gary Cox (Annaduff) battled through to the Plate semi-finals, delivering a strong showing in one of the most competitive divisions. His performance reflected the progress and determination he’s shown all season. Cormac Scarff (Manorhamilton) impressed with a confident opening win in the Cup competition, before facing one of the top-seeded players in the next round. Despite the defeat, Cormac delivered some excellent rallies and gained valuable experience. Fellow Manorhamilton player Tadhg Kirwin, also competing in the Boys 17 & Under category, was narrowly defeated in his main Cup match. He then progressed into the Plate competition, where he put in another strong performance, narrowly losing a close match that demonstrated his grit and growing ability.
Both Daniel and Abbie Kane (Fenagh) faced challenging draws in their respective competitions. Daniel started strongly in the Boys 15 & Under Cup, but bowed out before the quarter-finals when he met a tough opponent from Galway. Abbie, meanwhile, met a strong Dublin player in her Cup opener before her semi-final clash with sister Sophie in the Plate competition. It was an excellent learning experience for the young competitor, who is sure to make her mark in the years ahead.
All Leitrim players represented their county, clubs, and families with immense pride and commitment over the weekend, continuing to elevate the profile of Leitrim Handball on the national stage.
Focus for this talented bunch now shifts to the Connacht GAA Handball Wallball Championships, taking place next weekend in Kilglass Co. Roscommon, where Leitrim’s young athletes will look to build on this weekend’s momentum.

 

 

Gary Cox, Adam Neary, Maxim Gilmartin from Annaduff Handball Club at the 2025 Irish Wallball Nationals in Co Tyrone.

 

David Mahon
Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Fenagh’s Sophie Kane Proves She’s ACE!

Fenagh’s Sophie Kane Proves She’s ACE!
Leitrim stars shine at national ladies’ handball festival in Galway

The 2025 edition of the She’s ACE handball festival brought an action-packed weekend to venues across County Galway, celebrating the rising strength of the women’s game in Ireland. The event attracted more than 150 female players from across the country, competing in juvenile and adult wallball grades.
Leitrim was proudly represented by Katie, Sophie, and Abbie Kane from Fenagh Handball Club, with standout performances across the board.
The highlight of the weekend came from Sophie Kane, who claimed the Under-13 Singles title after emerging victorious from a highly competitive 30-player field. It’s yet another impressive milestone in what has been an exceptional year for the talented young athlete, firmly establishing her among the country’s most promising juvenile female players.
Sophie’s younger sister, Abbie, also made her mark, reaching the semi-finals of the Under-11 competition, while older sister Katie was unfortunately forced to withdraw early due to injury.
Organised by GAA Handball, She’s ACE is a nationwide initiative aimed at boosting participation and visibility for women and girls in the sport. Alongside competitive play, the festival features fun and inclusive events like “Mother & Daughter” and “Mothers and Others” doubles, creating a welcoming space for all ages and skill levels.
Up next for our Leitrim Handball players is the “Aon Bhaile Inis Mór 2025” competition on the Aran Islands next weekend, before attention turns to the Irish Wallball Nationals in Co Tyrone from September 26th-28th. With impressive showings from players like the Kane sisters, handball in Leitrim continues to thrive — and the future looks bright.
Comhghairdeas a chailíní!

 

 

David Mahon
Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Kanes Make It an All-Leitrim Final at “Battle of the Courts 2025”

Kanes Make It an All-Leitrim Final at “Battle of the Courts 2025”

Clough-Ballacolla, Co. Laois – Leitrim’s emerging handball talent made a powerful impression at the “Battle of the Courts 2025” last weekend, as six juvenile players competed against the country’s best in an early-season showcase. Hosted by Clough-Ballacolla Handball Club in County Laois, the event drew over 70 young athletes from all four provinces and served as a key warm-up for the upcoming Connacht and National 1-Wall Championships.

Leading the way for Leitrim were Fenagh sisters Sophie and Abbie Kane, who lit up the U13 girls’ division. Both impressed on opposite sides of the draw, showing outstanding skill and composure to reach the final. Sophie ultimately claimed the title, continuing her excellent run of form in 2025. Abbie, competing above her age category, also turned heads with her maturity and consistent performances. The duo will be strong favourites heading into the Connacht Championship.
In the U17 girls’ division, Katie Kane delivered a gritty and determined display. After a narrow defeat in her opener, she bounced back strongly with a dominant win and was unlucky to lose her third game 21-18 in a tightly contested encounter. As one of the younger competitors in this grade and facing some of the top-ranked players in the country, Katie showed she’s right in the mix as the championship season approaches.

In the U17 boys’ competition, Annaduff’s Gary Cox began strongly with a first-round win before facing Wexford’s Nathan Lawlor in a high-quality match. Despite a 21-15 loss, Cox played some outstanding handball. With some tightening of his serve, he looks poised to make a real impact in the weeks ahead.
Fenagh’s Daniel Kane also put in a strong showing in the U15 boys’ division. He secured wins against opponents from Kilkenny and Cork before narrowly losing out to eventual champion Thomas O’Brien of Wexford. Their match was evenly balanced until a few late errors swung momentum. Kane’s display suggests he’ll be a serious contender when championship action kicks off.
Annaduff’s Adam Neary also impressed in the U15 boys’ grade. After three consecutive wins, he once again met Wexford powerhouse Charlie Roche who denied him a place in the final four. While Roche repeated his win from a previous meeting, Neary showed continued improvement and is steadily closing the gap with the top players. He’ll be a key player for Leitrim in the provincial campaign.

As the Connacht and National 1-Wall Championships draw closer, Leitrim’s juvenile handballers look well-prepared to make their mark in 2025. Next up for the girls are back-to-back weekends of action, starting with the “She’s ACE” Wallball Festival in Galway (Sept 12–13). They will be joined by the boys on the following weekend for a trip to the Aran Islands to compete in the “Aon Bhalla Inis Mór” event.

L-R : Sophie Kane (Fenagh) – Winner of Girls U13 division, Kevin Brennan – Clough Ballacolla Handball Club, Abbie Kane (Fenagh) – Runner Up

 

David Mahon
Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Maxim Gilmartin’s Brave All-Ireland Semifinal Performance Ends in Defeat

Maxim Gilmartin’s Brave All-Ireland Semifinal Performance Ends in Defeat in Boys U14 Singles – All Ireland 60×30 Softball Semifinal

Leitrim’s Maxim Gilmartin showed immense grit and determination but was ultimately defeated in his U14 singles All-Ireland semifinal against Tyrone’s Eolann Kelly on Saturday last.

Competing in Kelly’s home alley at Loughmacrory Co Tyrone, Maxim found himself under pressure from the outset, losing the first game 15-1. However, the Annaduff native responded with renewed resolve in the second. After falling behind 10-1, Maxim found a serve that Kelly struggled to handle and mounted a remarkable comeback, bringing the score back to 13-12. With Maxim gaining control of the game, the match appeared poised for a tiebreaker, but a misjudged serve allowed Kelly the opportunity to close out the match, winning 15-12.

Despite the defeat, Maxim’s tenacity and fightback earned widespread admiration, with many believing he deserved the chance to play a deciding game. Though it wasn’t his day, Maxim’s performance served as a strong reminder of his potential and promise for the future.

 

David Mahon
Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: All Ireland Ruby Masters 60 x 30 | Western Wallball Tournament | All Ireland 60 x 30 semi finals

Ed Lee falls at final hurdle

Hard luck to Fenagh’s Ed Lee who travelled to Crinkle in Co Offaly on Sunday last to represent Leitrim and Connacht in the All Ireland Ruby Masters 60 x 30 All Ireland final.
Ed , famous for his powerful serves and efficient kills overcame many hurdles effortlessly on his way to the All Ireland finals.
On Sunday he came up against Billy Mullins of Tipperary in a meeting of two fantastic handballers.
Unfortunately on the day Mullins won out on a score line 21-6 21-6 which didn’t do Ed justice as there were many fantastic rallies.
Well done to Ed on a very successful big alley season, bringing an All Ireland silver medal back to Leitrim is a rare achievement and one which he should be rightly proud of.
All in Leitrim handball congratulate Ed on his mighty feat.

Katie Kane shines at Western Wallball Tournament

Saturday last saw 4 Leitrim Handballers travel to Corrundulla in Galway to compete in the Western Wallball Tournament.
Gary Cox , Jp and Daniel Kane took part in the Men’s C competition. All 3 can be proud of their achievements and performances on the day. In what was Gary and Daniels first dip into adult competition they didn’t hold back and showed they are ready for adult level with Gary producing the performance of the day by reaching the quarterfinals stages. Well done to all 3 lads.
Katie Kane continues her mighty form in the One Wall by adding to her wins in Clonguish a few weeks ago and Antrim in June. Katie reached the finals of the Ladies B competition narrowly losing out to Galway’s Ella Sweeney. Katie is showing great form in the run up to the championship and the nationals with One Wall season in full swing now. Well done Katie, although still juvenile she has taken the step up to adult competition with ease.

Galway Ella Sweeney and Katie Kane who won Silver in Ladies B competition in the Western Wallball tournament last Saturday

Daniel Kane, Ciana Ni Churrain current and 40x 30 World Champion and Gary Cox at the Western Wallball on Saturday

Maxim Gilmartin in All Ireland Semis

Best of luck to Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin who this Saturday plays Ulster champion Eolann Kelly in the All Ireland 60 x 30 semi finals ,where a win will lead to a final to be played on Sunday against either Leinster or Munster.
Maxim’s match is scheduled to take place in Loughmacrory in Tyrone, best of luck Maxim.

 

 Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: 60×30 Softball All-Ireland Champ Semi-Final | Maxim at 60×30 Juvenile Nationals | Leitrim Ladies Shine

Leitrim in the 60×30 Softball All-Ireland Championship Semi-Finals

Fresh off his recent Connacht title win, Ed Lee of Fenagh is set to represent Leitrim in the Men’s Softball Ruby Masters Singles All-Ireland Semi-Final. He will take on Michael Brady (Cavan) in what promises to be a closely contested match on Sunday morning, August 10th, in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
Best of luck to Ed as he carries Leitrim hopes onto the national stage!

Maxim Gilmartin Competes at the Irish Nationals

Congratulations to Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin and his doubles partner, Cian Buckley from Cork, who competed in the 60×30 Juvenile Nationals in Kilkenny on Saturday last.
Playing a year above their age group and up against some of the best young players in the country, the boys gave it their all but were edged out by more experienced opponents. Despite the results, the experience gained at this elite level will be invaluable for both players as they continue to progress in the sport.
Maxim now shifts focus to the upcoming All-Ireland Softball Championships, taking place on August 24th next.

Leitrim Ladies Shine at the Clonguish 1-wall Open

The annual Clonguish GAA Handball Open provided a fantastic weekend of 1-Wall handball, drawing top talent from across Ireland. Leitrim players, particularly in the ladies’ divisions, produced some of the tournament’s standout performances.
In the adult grades played on Sunday, Katie Kane (Fenagh) claimed two titles, winning both the Ladies B and Ladies Open Plate. She dominated the Ladies B category with wins of 25-3, 25-13, 25-11, and another 25-11 in the final. In the Ladies Open, she came up against eventual winner Ava Sweeney (Galway) who won their game on a 25-12 scoreline. Katie rebounded strongly in the Plate competition, securing further wins of 25-11 and 25-17 to take the title.
Her father, JP Kane, also impressed — finishing runner-up in the Adult Beginners final. He also featured strongly in the Junior grade semi-final, demonstrating excellent form and determination in his first competitive outing of the year.
Monday saw the juvenile competitions take centre stage, with six Leitrim players competing across various age grades. In the U14 Boys, Adam Neary (Annaduff) gave an excellent account of himself against Charlie Roche (Wexford), scoring a commendable 14 points before falling 25-14 to the current world u14 champion and eventual winner. Maxim Gilmartin (Annaduff) had a great win over Matthew Jordan (Roscommon) before also meeting Roche, who proved too strong in a 25-11 defeat.

In the U16 category, Daniel Kane (Fenagh) and Gary Cox (Annaduff) both showed strong form, with Gary making it to the semi-finals, where he lost narrowly to Mark Galligan (Longford), 25-21.
The biggest impact once again came from the Leitrim girls. Abbie Kane (Fenagh) had a remarkable tournament, playing eight matches and winning both the U10 and U12 Girls titles, showing outstanding skill and composure for her age throughout.

Her sister, Sophie Kane, was dominant in the U14 Girls division, winning all four of her matches convincingly — each by a margin of 25-11 or better. Her powerful, low serves and consistent play made her a standout performer.
Together, the three Kane sisters brought home an amazing 5 titles, underlining Leitrim and Fenagh’s strong presence in girls underage 1-wall handball.
A sincere thank you goes to Danny Reilly, and all involved at Clonguish GAA Handball Club for their superb organisation and warm hospitality, which made it a thoroughly enjoyable and successful weekend for all involved.

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Ed Lee Leads County to Victory | Boys U15 Doubles Challenge | Clonguish One Wall Open

Leitrim’s Ed Lee Leads County to Victory in Connacht Softball Championship

Titles Shared as Connacht’s Finest Shine in Drumkeeran and Collooney
A thrilling evening of 60×30 handball unfolded last Saturday as the 2025 Connacht Softball Singles Championship Finals took centre stage in Drumkeeran (Leitrim) and Collooney (Sligo). Spectators were treated to a series of high-quality contests across multiple grades, with titles shared among four counties.
Fenagh’s Ed Lee delivered one of the standout performances of the evening in Collooney, producing a dominant display in the Ruby Masters Singles Final to defeat Mayo’s John Nally with a convincing 21–4, 21–1 scoreline. Representing Leitrim, Lee’s consistent play and strong control throughout the match secured a well-deserved victory, bringing the title proudly back to the county. Ed’s victory served as an inspiration to the next generation of Leitrim handballers who were present to watch and support him.

In Drumkeeran, Sligo’s Josian Oskoz emerged victorious over Glencar Manorhamilton’s Joel Smith in the Golden Masters B Singles Final. The opening game was closely contested, with frequent changes of serve keeping the score tight at 9–7 in Oskoz’s favour. The Sligo player then found his rhythm, pulling away to claim the game 21–9. The second game mirrored the first, with Oskoz establishing an early lead. Smith battled hard to regain momentum, and both players showcased remarkable intensity and fitness in a fiercely competitive contest. Ultimately, Oskoz capitalized on crucial moments to maintain control and sealed the match with a 21–10 win.

There was further celebration for Roscommon in Drumkeeran as Glenn Walsh produced a commanding performance in the Golden Masters A Final, defeating Mayo’s Tom Sweeney 21–6, 21–5. Mayo ensured their presence on the honors board as well. In the Junior C Singles Final held in Collooney, Darren Walsh emerged victorious against Roscommon’s Eddie Conboy, who put in a determined effort to finish runner-up.

Earlier in the week, Joel Smith earned his place in the Golden Masters B final with a thrilling semi-final victory over Mayo’s Martin McAndrew in Collooney. After a tough opening game defeat (5–21), Smith rallied to take the second game 21–12 and clinched the tiebreak 11–7 in dramatic fashion. Though he narrowly missed out in the final, Smith’s performance throughout the championship garnered widespread admiration.
A special thanks is extended to the match officials and organizers at both Drumkeeran and Collooney for their dedication and professionalism in delivering a seamless and enjoyable championship finale.
Congratulations to all finalists and county representatives on an exciting and successful 2025 Connacht softball singles championship season


Pic: Leitrim’s Ed Lee celebrates with supporters after his Connacht Final victory.

Leitrim-Cork Pairing Set for Boys U15 Doubles Challenge

Best of luck to Leitrim and Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin, who is set to compete in the GAA Handball Juvenile Softball Nationals next weekend. Maxim will team up with Cian Buckley of Ballydesmond Handball Club, Co. Cork, forming a strong partnership in the Boys 15 & Under Doubles category.
The event takes place in Kilfane, Co. Kilkenny on Saturday, and all eyes will be on this promising duo as they look to make their mark on the national stage.
Go n-éirí libh!

Pic: Cian Buckley, Ballydesmond, Cork and Maxim Gilmartin from Annaduff, who will pair up for the Juvenile Softball Nationals next weekend.

 

Clonguish One Wall Open Draws Strong Leitrim Participation

Clonguish GAA Handball Club will host its third annual One-Wall Open over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with adult competitions on Sunday, August 3rd, followed by juvenile events on Monday, August 4th. The Co. Longford based tournament has gone from strength to strength, becoming a standout fixture on the One Wall calendar.
Leitrim Handball will be well represented across both days. Annaduff’s Adam Neary and Gary Cox are set to take part, while the Kane family from Fenagh—Daniel, Katie, Sophie, and Abbie—will also be in action. They’ll be joined by their father, JP Kane, who is competing in the Adult Junior category.
Best of luck to all Leitrim players heading to Clonguish.
Beir bua!

 


David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Connacht 60×30 Softball Championship Roundup

Leitrim Handball News – Connacht 60×30 Softball Championship Roundup

Leitrim’s presence in the Connacht 60×30 Softball Championships remained strong this week, with two local players stepping into the big alley for provincial semi-finals.
In the Over 35 Singles semi-final held in Collooney on Wednesday evening last, Drumshanbo’s Leo Logan put in a determined performance against Mayo’s Wayne Devine. Logan started well but was visibly affected by a hip injury in the second game, which limited his movement and ultimately tilted the contest in Devine’s favour. The Mayo man advanced with a 21-13, 21-11 win.

On Friday evening in Ballymote, Manorhamilton’s Anthony O’Flynn lined out in the Silver Masters B semi-final against Roscommon’s Daragh O’Gara. O’Flynn matched his opponent for long stretches in both games, but O’Gara found an extra gear in the closing stages to edge out a 21-13, 21-16 victory.

Leitrim also hosted two high-quality Junior C semi-finals in Drumkeeran Alley on Saturday evening. In the opening match, Kilglass and Roscommon’s Eddie Conboy defeated Mayo’s Mark Heneghan 21-9, 21-14 to book his place in the Connacht final. The second game saw Mayo’s Darren Walsh produce a commanding performance to overcome Galway’s Aengus O’Conghaile 21-4, 21-12.

Upcoming Matches of Leitrim Interest:
– Golden Masters B Semi-Final: Joel Smith (Manorhamilton) vs. Martin McAndrew (Mayo), Wednesday evening in Collooney.
– Ruby Masters Final: Ed Lee (Fenagh) vs. John Nally (Mayo), Saturday evening in Collooney.

Keep an eye on Leitrim Handball Facebook page: facebook.com/LeitrimHandball for upcoming fixture details.

Well done to all Leitrim competitors for their efforts this week, and a sincere word of thanks to those who assisted with officiating duties in Drumkeeran. Best of luck to Joel and Ed in the upcoming fixtures.

Pic: Wayne Devine (Mayo) and Leo Logan (Drumshanbo) before their recent Connacht Softball Championship Over 35s semi-final in Collooney.

Pic: Anthony O’Flynn was edged out in the Silver Masters B semi-final in Ballymote on Friday evening against Roscommon’s Daragh O’Gara.


David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Connacht Softball Singles Championship 2025 | Western Wallball Tournament 2025 – Leitrim Youths Shine

Connacht Softball Singles Championship 2025: Leitrim Players Make Their Mark

The Connacht Softball Singles Handball Championships are currently in full swing, bringing a wave of big-alley action to courts across the province. Played on the traditional 60×30 court, this classic variant of Irish handball continues to attract strong interest from both seasoned purists and newcomers to the sport alike.

Leitrim is well represented in this year’s competition with four male players – Joel Smith, Leo Logan, Anthony O’Flynn and Ed Lee competing across the various grades. The county also boasts a solo female entrant, Manorhamilton’s Nóra Smith who advances uncontested to the girl’s minor finals at national level.

Leitrim’s campaign got off to a strong start last Friday evening when Joel Smith (Manorhamilton) delivered a dominant performance against Mayo’s John Bourke in their Connacht 60×30 Golden Masters B Quarter-Final. Smith powered through with a 21-2, 21-4 victory in Collooney. Next up for Joel is a semi-final clash with Mayo’s Martin McAndrew, scheduled for Friday evening next, July 18th, in Belcarra.
Meanwhile, Drumshanbo’s Leo Logan is set to take on Mayo’s Wayne Devine in the Over 35s Singles Semi-Final. Their match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16th, in Collooney. Another Manorhamilton player, Anthony O’Flynn, will be in action on Friday evening as well, facing Roscommon’s Daragh O’Gara in the Silver Masters B Singles Semi-Final in Ballymote.
Closer to home, Drumkeeran alley will host two exciting Junior C Semi-Finals on Saturday evening, offering local fans a great opportunity to catch some great handball action.
For match times and further updates, check the Leitrim Handball Facebook page: facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

 

Pic: John Burke – Mayo and Joel Smith – Leitrim & Manorhamilton after their Connacht 60×30 Golden Masters B Quarter Final match in Collooney on Friday evening last.

 

Western Wallball Tournament 2025: Leitrim Youths Shine in Marathon Day of Action

After ten hours of thrilling play, the 2025 Western Wallball Juvenile Tournament drew to a close in Claregalway Handball Club on Saturday last, one of the hottest days of the year. With 90 players competing in 145 games, it was a marathon day of top class 1-wall handball showcasing some of the best young talent in the country.
Leitrim was proudly represented by Abbie Kane (u12), Sophie Kane (u14), Adam Neary (u14), Daniel Kane (u16) and Gary Cox (u16), all of whom delivered outstanding performances throughout the day.
The standout Leitrim display came from young Abbie Kane (Fenagh), who stole the spotlight in the U12 girls’ grade. Facing opponents several years older, Abbie powered through seven matches to reach the final. In a dramatic showdown, she fought back from 13-4 down to lead 14-13, before narrowly losing 15-14. Her fearless performance drew praise from coaches and spectators alike, with many tipping her as a rising star to watch.

In the boys’ U14 grade, Adam Neary (Annaduff) reached the semi-finals after going toe to toe with one of Irelands top young players, Ciarán Corr in a thrilling encounter, before eventually bowing out in the high-quality grade.
Gary Cox (Annaduff) was also in top form, narrowly missing out on progression to the knockout stages after two tight losses by just a handful of points. Daniel Kane (Fenagh) suffered a similar fate, being narrowly edged out of a semi-final spot after consecutive 15-14 defeats in his final two matches. In the U14 girls’ competition, Sophie Kane (Fenagh) performed strongly in a very competitive group, just missing out on a knockout spot due to her narrower score difference.
The overall standard of play throughout the day was exceptional, with powerful serving, sharp kills, precise passes, and fast-paced rallies lighting up the courts from start to finish.
Abbie Kane’s runner-up finish in the U12 girls’ grade ensured Leitrim was proudly represented on the podium. All five players left Claregalway with heads held high, having proven they can compete with, and challenge, the very best young 1-wall handballers in the country.


Leitrim players, coaches and supporters celebrate at the Western Wallball tournament in Claregalway.
L-R : Maggie Cox, Angela Neary, Katie Kane, Sophie Kane, Daniel Kane, Abbie Kane, Gary Cox, Adam Neary, Aoife Kane, JP Kane.

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball