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
